Soviet Union
How a photo of a park pissed off the authorities in Europe's last dictatorship
In Belarus, government forces, including the former Soviet bloc's last remaining KGB, regularly crack down on protesters and independent journalists.
Why did Russia shut down its version of the DEA?
The story of Putin’s decision to dissolve Russia’s Federal Drug Control Service involves turf wars, a tanking economy, and allegations of rampant corruption.
Why Do More People Not Know About Helen Sharman, the First Brit in Space?
25 years ago today, Helen Sharman became the first Brit in space.
Here Is Portland’s Cold War Plan for Surviving Nuclear Armageddon
Cold War Portland had a scheme to save 100,000 people—and it worked.
55 Years Ago, Yuri Gagarin Became the First Human in Space
55 years isn’t long, but look back at the technology and politics of the first human spaceflight and it seems like a different planet.
This 1,000-Year-Old Bread Drink Is Becoming More Popular Than Beer in Russia
As the struggling economy and stricter alcohol licensing laws cause Russian beer sales to plummet, Kvass—a traditional Slavic drink made with black rye bread—is becoming more popular.
Throwback Thursday: The Original Miracle on Ice
How America won gold in 1960 and changed the course of hockey forever.
The Mir Space Station Was a Marvel, a Clusterfuck, and an Underdog Hero
Fires, collisions, and mutant alien bacteria were all in a day’s work for Mir astronauts.
Travel Back to When Soviet Hipsters Risked Jail Time for Jazz in 'X Ray Audio: The Documentary'
Explore the strange story of Soviet music on the bone in a new documentary from Stephen Coates and Paul Heartfield.
Russia Sure Seems to Be Testing a Lot of Nuclear Missiles These Days
Russia is planning a whole lot of nuclear missile tests this year. It probably isn't a new nuclear arms race, but people are probably going to freak out anyways.
Poland's Right-Wing Government Scares Europe by Going After the Media
The European Union is protesting a move by Poland's new government to muzzle the media, and possibly go in the authoritarian direction Hungary's already taken.
Parkour in Chernobyl: The Ultimate Adventure or a Journey Into Madness?
A parkour collective from Paris placed themselves at significant risk by travelling into Chernobyl's forbidden zone. What they found was an incredible window into the past.