When the Taliban first entered Kabul in 1996, writer Habib Zahori was hopeful their presence would usher in an era of peace and stability after years of civil war. His optimism quickly soured. Now, with Afghanistan’s presidential elections and the American troop withdrawal on the horizon, Zahori explains why political transition invokes a sense of wariness.  More

In Taiwan, hundreds of deserted public construction projects have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Artist Yao Jui-chung, joined by a team of photographers known as the Lost Society Document, chronicled these often majestic buildings in images that set off a national scandal and prompted pledges for revitalization from the prime minister.  More

Disillusionment with the internet is at an all-time high thanks to the snooping of NSA agents, corporate algorithms and cyber thieves. What would a world without the web look like? David Byrne imagines a society that has gone totally offline—if only to suggest what a truly secure online life might look like.  More

On the anniversary of Mexico’s 1938 oil nationalization, artist Yoshua Okón argues that the “energy reform” currently underway in his country will deprive citizens of income directed toward education, health care and anti-poverty programs.  More

As the standoff in Ukraine continues over Russia’s occupation of the Crimean Peninsula, artist Tomas Rafa provides an intimate portrait of the recent battles that unfolded in the “Euromaidan” protests in Kiev. These photographs and video offer a rare on-the-ground look at the fiery front lines.  More