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2 weeks ago
He returned much as he had departed (not that he ever really did), beneath a pall of controversy. In a Capitol ceremony drenched with quasi-religious fervour, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th US president, simultaneously pledging a new golden age for America and a radical shake-up of the global order.
Amid a barrage of unnerving executive orders that will surely set the tone for a new era of disruption and division, David Smith was in Washington DC to witness a dark moment for many, while diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour lays out the fears of a world hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.
From the Middle East came a moment of hope. Bethan McKernan’s dispatch on the first day of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire encapsulates the emotion and relief felt by millions. But will it lead to lasting peace? Don’t celebrate too soon, warns Peter Beaumont.
On the same question, Emma Graham-Harrison soberingly lays bare the devastating cost to Gaza of 15 months of war, and in Opinion there are thoughtful reflections from Jonathan Freedland and Al-Meqdad Jamil Meqdad.
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Five essential reads in this week’s edition
Spotlight | Has South Korea witnessed its own January 6 moment?
Protesters who stormed a Seoul court at the weekend may not have worn animal skins, but the similarities are striking, explain Raphael Rashid and Justin McCurry
Environment | Why did LA’s wildfires explode out of control?
A combustible combination of factors laid the groundwork for disaster. Will LA learn the lessons from the fires as it moves forward? Gabrielle Canon and Lois Beckett report
Feature | Can the British Museum survive its omni-crisis?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the discovery of a thief on the inside, Britain’s No 1 museum is in deep trouble. Can it restore its reputation? Charlotte Higgins investigates
Opinion | Trump and Musk have launched a new class war
Across the world, societies are reverting to oligarchies. How to resist? Fight for democracy with all we’ve got, argues George Monbiot
Culture | An inside job: the return of Severance
Who is in charge? What are they working on? And why is there livestock in the office? Hannah J Davies meets the cast and creator of Apple’s deliciously weird workplace drama
What else we’ve been reading
Over the course of his three-decade career, leftfield singer-songwriter Will Oldham has built up a rich songbook of emotionally fragile takes on love, loss and longing, often infused with humour and surrealism. The musician doesn’t give many interviews, but as he prepares to release his latest album, under his Bonnie “Prince” Billy moniker, he spoke to Jude Rogers about the power of music, why he’s overcome his embarrassment over calling himself an artist – and why he enjoyed Mariah Carey’s memoirs. Clare Horton, assistant editor
Other highlights from the Guardian website
Video | It’s Complicated explainer: How we’re getting ripped off by hidden inflation
Gallery | Seeing double: mirrors in art
Interactive | Does Trump have more power than past presidents? – a visual timeline
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