Leafing through the latest issue of east, readers will immediately note two changes. The first is that we’re now in color.
The second that we’ve crossed the 200-page threshold. Both suggest we’re in fine health. The magazine is acquiring its share of applause and respect from movers and shakers in worlds of culture, economics, politics and media. While newsstand sales are stable (hindered by high advertising costs), bookstore sales are up, as are subscriptions. These factors led to the decision to adopt a full color format without sacrificing contents or skimping on paper quality, now a commonplace among publications.
This issue’s Dossier focuses on India, using a non-conformist approach to probe Asia’s second-largest emerging economy. “European Champions” affords a glimpse into large continental companies that are beginning to make a mark in industry, finance, and the services sector. We also examine the problematic relations between church and state in Communist-era regimes, as well as the political dilemmas faced by Russian President Vladimir Putin who is up for re-election.
We also continue with the theme, introduced in last issue’s Dossier, of the meaning of lay values, with an editorial by Massimo Cacciari and an interview with Piergiorgio Odifreddi, a mathematician and thinker with uniquely personal views.
Finally, Randa Mirza’s evocative photo essay on Lebanon deserves close attention. It provides a rich and powerful portrait of a city at war. Also worth noting is Monika Bulaj’s report on the Roma of the former Yugoslavia, a story told in words and pictures.
Happy reading.
