Hard Numbers

Global news through the lens of numbers.

Hard Numbers

Hard Number: Is Russia stuck in the mud?

Hard Numbers

Hard Number: US eyes Cuba, literally

Hard Numbers

US labor market holds steady despite Iran war

Ukrainian drones go the distance

Natalie Johnson

Hard Numbers

Record Israeli settlements in the West Bank

Natalie Johnson

Hard Numbers

Putin's paranoia

Recent

Analysis

Can Latin America’s right maintain their winning streak?

Right-wing leaders have been consolidating power across Latin America, driven by voter frustration with rising organized crime following the left-leaning "pink tide" era. However, with another batch of elections coming this year and next, the right's winning streak could be under threat.

GZERO World Clips

What Israel's use of AI in Gaza revealed about their civilian harm thresholds

Israel used AI in Gaza in a way that felt "potentially uncomfortable for the US military tradition" says Bloomberg reporter Katrina Manson.

ask ian

Did the US actually stabilize Venezuela?

Ian Bremmer breaks down the complicated reality inside Venezuela after Nicolás Maduro’s removal from power. While the Trump administration sees the operation as a major foreign policy victory, Ian argues the harder challenge is only beginning; turning Venezuela into a stable economy and a representative democracy.

What We're Watching

Geopolitics infiltrates Eurovision, South Africa’s Ramaphosa could face the music, Zelensky’s former chief of staff faces accusations of corruption

Even Eurovision cannot escape geopolitics, South Africa’s constitutional court opens door to Ramaphosa impeachment vote, Zelensky’s former right-hand man accused in corruption probe

Analysis

Can France redefine its relationship with Africa?

French President Emmanuel Macron is trying to redefine France’s relationship with the continent, making it based on economic partnerships rather than a shared colonial history.

Quick Take

Iran thinks it has more leverage than Trump

The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively shut, global energy markets are under mounting pressure, and President Trump appears to be backing away from some of his original demands on Tehran. Ian Bremmer argues that Iran increasingly believes it has more leverage than the United States, and that perception alone is reshaping the negotiations.

Walmart sponsored posts

Walmart’s $1 billion investment is strengthening associate careers

Chris, an Army veteran, started his Walmart journey over 25 years ago as an hourly associate. Today, he manages a Distribution Center and serves as a mentor, helping others navigate their own paths to success. At Walmart, associates have the opportunity to take advantage of the pathways, perks, and pay that come with the job — with or without a college degree. In fact, more than 75% of Walmart management started as hourly associates. Learn more about how over 130,000 associates were promoted into roles of greater responsibility and higher pay in FY25.

The state of global AI diffusion in 2026

Microsoft recently published its latest Global AI Diffusion Report, showing continued growth in AI usage worldwide. In the first quarter of 2026, global usage increased from 16.3% to 17.8%, with 26 economies now exceeding 30% adoption. As adoption expands, regional gaps are also becoming clearer. The report highlights faster growth in parts of Asia and a widening divide between the Global North and South. It also points to advances like multilingual AI and coding capabilities, driving increased usage and software development globally. Read the full blog here.

GZERO World Clips

How the US military uses AI to "find, fix, and finish" targets

AI is now embedded across the US military's targeting process, from identifying objects to speeding up strike decisions. Bloomberg defense tech reporter Katrina Manson on what that looks like from the inside.

Graphic Truth

Site Navigation

Hard Numbers

Hard number: Some African states turn to AI surveillance

Popular

Recent

Trump lands in China before Xi summit, Impeachment and a failed arrest rock Philippine politics, Ghana evacuates nationals from South Africa

What’s Good Wednesday: May 13, 2026

Latest Stories

Sign up for GZERO Daily.

Hard Numbers

Popular

Recent

Right-wing leaders have been consolidating power across Latin America, driven by voter frustration with rising organized crime following the left-leaning "pink tide" era. However, with another batch of elections coming this year and next, the right's winning streak could be under threat.

Israel used AI in Gaza in a way that felt "potentially uncomfortable for the US military tradition" says Bloomberg reporter Katrina Manson.

Even Eurovision cannot escape geopolitics, South Africa’s constitutional court opens door to Ramaphosa impeachment vote, Zelensky’s former right-hand man accused in corruption probe

French President Emmanuel Macron is trying to redefine France’s relationship with the continent, making it based on economic partnerships rather than a shared colonial history.

AI is now embedded across the US military's targeting process, from identifying objects to speeding up strike decisions. Bloomberg defense tech reporter Katrina Manson on what that looks like from the inside.

For decades, Beijing has successfully pushed countries to cut diplomatic ties with Taipei.

GZERO Daily: our free newsletter about global politics