Sochi in 2014, Seoul in 2018 … and now Beijing in 2022. In recent years the Winter Olympics has gained an intriguing reputation for pitching up in geopolitically sensitive places. With concerns about human rights issues, and an Omicron outbreak disrupting preparations, Emma Graham-Harrison and Vincent Ni consider how China still hopes to stage manage the Games to its political advantage.
And, amid rising global temperatures, there’s a fascinating look from the Guardian’s interactive graphics team at the long-term future of the Winter Olympics, given the fast-declining number of cities with reliably cold enough weather to host the event.
A redacted report into the lockdown party culture in Boris Johnson’s Downing Street operation was released this week. Despite a police-enforced lack of detail, the “update” compiled by civil servant Sue Gray conveyed heavy criticism of No 10 – but more damaging was Johnson’s apparent lack of contrition in the face of parliamentary and public outrage. Tory leadership rebellion fears seemed to have subsided for now – but whether voters will prove as understanding remains to be seen.
In Opinion, Timothy Garton Ash writes on the west’s division over the future shape of Europe, in stark contrast with Vladimir Putin’s clarity of vision. And on the second anniversary of Brexit, Anand Menon highlights how Britain’s exit from the EU is beginning to bite economically.
For a generation of infants who have grown up with masks and social distancing, the end of the pandemic will represent an entirely novel way of living. How are they coping with the new normal, asks Gaby Hinsliff in our features section.
Then, in Culture, we catch up with Ben Whishaw, the reticent but in-demand actor who seems to pop up everywhere from James Bond to Paddington.
