Briefing
A second flight
How Microsoft could supplant Apple as the world’s most valuable firm
It hopes to seize on AI to transform the future of work
A lean patch
Western help for Ukraine is likely to diminish next year
There is a shortage of weapons and munitions—and, in some quarters, goodwill
The battle within
To endure a long war, Ukraine is remaking its army, economy and society
The improvisation and decentralisation of the early part of the war will no longer suffice
Swell of pride
The hard right is getting closer to power all over Europe
It does not need to join governments to affect policymaking
Reorientation
The Gulf countries want to reshape the Middle East in their image
Stability and development is a tempting formula, but it has been tried before
Looters with flags
How cynical leaders are whipping up nationalism to win and abuse power
Hatemongers often erode checks on misrule and corruption
A problem child
El Ni?o and global warming are mixing in alarming ways
Havoc in poor countries and commodities markets is inevitable
Generation Stagnation
China’s defeated youth
Young Chinese have little hope for the future. Xi Jinping wants them to toughen up
Scoring political goals
Saudi Arabia is spending a fortune on sport
It says this will help diversify its economy. Critics call it “sportswashing”
Chaos meets preparation
The meticulous, ruthless preparations for a second Trump term
The America First movement is readying policies and personnel
Neighbourhood botch
Why China should be friendlier to its neighbours
If it wants to challenge America’s global leadership, it will need their backing