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Pascale Harter introduces reportage and analysis from journalists and writers in China, Switzerland, Finland and Jamaica.

More than 373 million people across China are currently living under some form of Covid lockdown restrictions. In Shanghai – usually a frenetic megacity with more than 25 million residents – the rules have just been tightened again. Work, play and shopping routines have all been turned upside down, and nobody is sure when it might all end. Rebecca Kanthor describes how her family, friends and neighbours are waiting it out.

Across Europe, there are countries, communities, and private citizens opening their doors to Ukrainians escaping the war. But critics have pointed to some striking contrasts between the way Ukrainian refugees have been treated, and how the authorities deal with people fleeing violence elsewhere in the world. Imogen Foulkes reports from Switzerland, where questions are being asked about what some are calling a two-tier system.

Finland has history with Russia: plenty of it, including past battles, invasions and occupations. As the Finnish government and electorate considered whether the war in Ukraine now makes joining NATO - after decades of official neutrality - a wise strategic decision, Allan Little went back into the archives and Finnish memories of previous conflicts.

After decades of official prohibition, Jamaica partially decriminalised the growing, consumption and sale of marijuana in 2015. The cannabis plant has had a long – and controversial – part to play in the island’s history and culture. So how has the change in policy worked out for Jamaicans – especially the small-scale independent cannabis growers? Rachel Wright heard that some feel the new rules are edging them out of a lucrative market.

Producer: Polly Hope
Production Co-Ordinator: Gemma Ashman

(Image: A woman passes supplies over a fence during the Covid-19 lockdown in Shanghai. Credit: EPA/Alex Plavevski)