The Economist

THE ECONOMIST: Today, if ever, positive energy is in short supply. Pessimism has become both widespread and persistent.

THE ECONOMIST: By prioritising oil over democracy, the United States has fundamentally altered the global order.

THE ECONOMIST: It’s a masterclass in the hidden complexity of everyday economic life and the terrifying efficiency of a world without private property.

THE ECONOMIST: Artificial intelligence promises to transform how and where things are made.

Ayatollah Khamenei’s 37th year as supreme leader could yet prove as climactic as that of the last shah — toppled after 37 years on the throne. 

It has been decades since the industry relished foreign-policy entanglements.

THE ECONOMIST: It is not a template for Taiwan but a reality check on China’s global power.

The country has the world’s largest petroleum reserves. Getting them out of the ground will be tortuous.

THE ECONOMIST: Now that Warren Buffet has finally retired, his successor faces an uphill battle

THE ECONOMIST: Derided as the ‘doping Olympics’, the Enhanced Games have drawn intense criticism from sporting bodies.

THE ECONOMIST: How China is exporting factories, supply chains and corporate power while keeping the biggest rewards at home as Beijing’s influence spreads overseas.

THE ECONOMIST: Globally growth has slowed but not stopped. Will this resilience continue in 2026? 

THE ECONOMIST: The global consequences of Donald Trump’s 2025 will be become clearer in 2026.

THE ECONOMIST: One of the fastest-growing companies in history is in a perilous position

Gladiators and dictators, wolves and Beatles feature in our list this year.