Harriet Marsden, The Week UK
Harriet Marsden is a senior staff writer and podcast panellist for The Week, mostly covering world news and writing the weekly Global Digest newsletter. Before joining the site in 2023, she was a freelance journalist for seven years, working for The Guardian, The Times and The Independent among others, and regularly appearing on BBC Radio London and Times Radio. She has a particular interest in gender equality and attended the 67th Commission on the Status of Women as a UN Women UK delegate.
In 2021, Harriet was awarded the “journalist-at-large” fellowship by the Local Trust charity, and spent a year travelling independently to some of England’s most deprived areas to write about local culture and community activism. She has a master’s in international journalism from City University, and an undergraduate degree in languages from the University of Cambridge, specialising in Latin American studies. She has also worked as a journalist in Bolivia, Colombia and Spain.
Latest articles by Harriet Marsden, The Week UK
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Blaise Metreweli: the first female head of MI6
In the Spotlight The intelligence service's current technology boss – known as 'Q' – has been revealed as the new chief, or 'C'
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
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World Cup 2026: uncertainty reigns with one year to go
In the Spotlight US-hosted Fifa tournament has to navigate Trump's travel bans, logistical headaches and an exhausting expanded format
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
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Sumo wrestling is taking a beating
Under the Radar Scandals and high-profile resignations of former stars have 'sullied' image of Japan's national sport – but could its latest star turn the tide?
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
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Why is Nasa facing a crisis?
Today's Big Question Trump administration proposes 25% cut to national space agency's budget in 'extinction-level event'
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
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The noise of Bitcoin mining is driving Americans crazy
Under the Radar Constant hum of fans that cool data-centre computers is turning residents against Trump's pro-cryptocurrency agenda
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
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'Wonder drug': the potential health benefits of creatine
The Explainer Popular fitness supplement shows promise in easing symptoms of everything from depression to menopause and could even help prevent Alzheimer's
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
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How will the MoD's new cyber command unit work?
Today's Big Question Defence secretary outlines plans to combat 'intensifying' threat of cyberattacks from hostile states such as Russia
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
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Why men have a bigger carbon footprint than women
Under the Radar 'Male identity' behaviours behind 'gender gap' in emissions, say scientists
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
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OZEN Reserve Bolifushi: Maldives glamour reaches new heights
The Week Recommends At this ultra-luxury resort, the most exclusive villas are kitted out with water slides straight into the lagoon
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
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OZEN Life Maadhoo: a culinary gem in the Maldives
The Week Recommends This romantic desert island resort is the perfect escape for foodies
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
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How the UK still benefits from EU funds
The Explainer Keir Starmer seeks access to bloc's new rearmament fund, while British scientists reap £500 million in EU research grants
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
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Argentina lifts veil on its past as a refuge for Nazis
Under the Radar President Javier Milei publishes documents detailing country's role as post-WW2 'haven' for Nazis, including Josef Mengele and Adolf Eichmann
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
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Israel-US 'rift': is Trump losing patience with Netanyahu?
Today's Big Question US president called for an end to Gaza war and negotiated directly with Hamas to return American hostage, amid rumours of strained relations
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
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Why the weather keeps getting 'stuck'
In the Spotlight Record hot and dry spring caused by 'blocked' area of high pressure above the UK
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
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Syria's Druze sect: caught in the middle of Israeli tensions
The Explainer Israel has used attacks on religious minority by forces loyal to Syria's new government to justify strikes across the border
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
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Spain's love of sunflower seeds is wrecking its football stadiums
Under the Radar One club controversially bans 'national vice' as discarded 'pipas' shells block drains and erode concrete
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
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Leo XIV vs. Trump: what will first American Pope mean for US Catholics?
Today's Big Question New pope has frequently criticised the president, especially on immigration policy, but is more socially conservative than his predecessor
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
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On VE Day, is Europe alone once again?
Today's Big Question Donald Trump's rebranding of commemoration as 'Victory Day for World War Two' underlines breakdown of post-war transatlantic alliance
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
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Can the world stop Israel from starving Gaza?
Today's Big Question Total blockade on food and aid enters its third month, and Israel is accused of 'weaponising starvation'
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
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Zhao Xintong: China's controversial snooker champion
In the Spotlight The 28-year-old was implicated in the sport's biggest match-fixing scandal before coming back from suspension to take the world title
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
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Holy mate-trimony: the rise of 'friendship marriages'
Under the Radar Young people in China, Japan and the US are saying 'I do' to platonic unions, to alleviate social pressure or loneliness and access financial benefits
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
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Kneecap: the Belfast rappers courting controversy
In the Spotlight Trio, known for anti-British views and fierce support for Palestine, under fire for alleged call to murder MPs
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
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Japan is opening up to immigration – but is it welcoming immigrants?
Under the Radar Plummeting birth rates and ageing population leaves closed-off country 'no choice' but to admit foreign workers, but tensions are growing with newly arrived Muslims
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
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Gandhi charges: Narendra Modi's 'vendetta' against India's opposition
The Explainer Another episode threatens to spark uproar in the Indian PM's long-running battle against the country's first family
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Last updated
The Explainer
