WATCHING TODAY:

1. Russia, China, and US squabble over spheres of influence: Nikkei reports Ukraine and Kazakhstan become test cases for an old idea as a new reality.

2. Electric vehicle sales in Europe outpace diesels: NYT reports more than 20 percent of all cars sold in Europe and Britain last month were electric, as diesel — once the most popular engine option there — declines in popularity. The best-selling brand of electric car was Tesla, which is opening a factory in Germany this year.

3. US political ideology steady; conservatives, moderates tie: Gallup reports the way Americans identify themselves ideologically was unchanged in 2021, continuing the close division that has persisted in recent years between those describing themselves as either conservative or moderate, while a smaller share identifies as liberal. On average last year, 37% of Americans described their political views as moderate, 36% as conservative, and 25% as liberal.

+ Conservatives and moderates still tied as largest ideological groups

+ Liberals remain the smallest group at 25%

+ Republicans' and Democrats' ideological identification unchanged

4. Why is it still considered OK to be ageist? Lucy Kellaway on an unspoken prejudice — and puzzling discrimination against our future selves.

5. 'The world would take Africa more seriously': Egypt is aiming to host the 2036 Summer Olympics and become the first African country to host the Games. Sports scientist Kamilla Swart-Arries speaks to DW about why awarding the Games to Africa would be a good idea.