Behind the Words

Adventure editor Peter Gwin asks author Mark Jenkins about the mess at the top of the world.

Story author Alexandra Fuller and articles editor Oliver Payne discuss oppression and courage in Zimbabwe.

The revival of an extinct species is no longer a fantasy. But is it a good idea? Science editor Jamie Shreeve asks Carl Zimmer, author of the April issue cover story.

The fracking frenzy in North Dakota has boosted the U.S. fuel supply—but at what cost? Edwin Dobb reports on the promise and risk of America's new oil landscape.

Robert Draper reports on how post-conflict Libya is struggling to create a new identity and reconnecting with its ancient past.

Writer Jenny Holland and editor Oliver Payne discuss the dangerous fieldwork and groundbreaking research that's unlocking the medical potential of venom.

Story author Scott Wallace reports on how demand for oil is squeezing the life out of one of the world’s wildest places.

Author James Verini and articles editor Oliver Payne discuss how tunnels between Egypt and the Gaza Strip are a lifeline but also a death trap.

Writer Heather Pringle and features editor Glenn Oeland pursue a subtle trail of artifacts from a lost chapter of New World history.

After half a century under Fidel, Cubans feel a wary sense of possibility. Cynthia Gorney, author of the November issue cover story, discusses Cuba's New Now with story development editor Barbara Paulsen.

Thousands of elephants die each year so that their tusks can be carved into religious objects. Articles editor Oliver Payne asks cover story author Bryan Christy, "Can the slaughter be stopped?"

Rains that are almost biblical, heat waves don't end, tornadoes that strike in savage swarms—there's been a change in the weather lately. Environment editor Rob Kunzig asks Peter Miller, author of the September cover story, "What's up with the weather?"

Author Alexandra Fuller talks to Articles Editor Oliver Payne about the lives and beliefs of the Oglala Lakota of Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.

Science editor Jamie Shreeve talks to Olivia Judson about life that thrives in blistering heat and utter darkness on Antarctica’s Mount Erebus volcano.

Editor Marc Silver speaks with staff writer Hannah Bloch about how the famous statues of Easter Island may once have "walked."