While driving down an East Texas country road I spotted this scene. The autumn trees and the late afternoon sun made these golden bales of hay shine just a little bit more. Fortunately I had my camera with me. (c) James Q. Eddy Jr.

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Hannah Lucinda Smith explores the world's frayed geopolitical edges in 'Hinterlands'

NPR | By Justine Kenin,

Mary Louise Kelly, Elena Burnett

Published July 29, 2026 at 3:28 PM CDT

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with reporter Hannah Lucinda Smith about her new book Hinterlands: The New Cold War Brewing at the Peripheries of the West.

Justine Kenin

Justine Kenin is an editor on All Things Considered. She joined NPR in 1999 as an intern. Nothing makes her happier than getting a book in the right reader's hands – most especially her own.

Mary Louise Kelly

Mary Louise Kelly is a co-host of All Things Considered, NPR's award-winning afternoon newsmagazine.

Elena Burnett