Edward Carr, Deputy Editor of The Economist, dissects the geopolitical fallout of Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, highlighting dire food security concerns for Africa. David Rennie, Beijing bureau chief, unravels the mysterious disappearance and controversial dismissal of China’s foreign minister, Qin Gang, amid shifting political dynamics. Meanwhile, Catherine Nixey critiques the decline of harsh literary criticism, arguing that this newfound civility diminishes the quality and honesty crucial for enriching readers' experiences.