Our senior economics writer picks five books for those starting to study the subject

The Economist

For decades, Israel and Iran fought a shadow war in which direct attacks were taboo. Today, both are prepared to resume firing and to risk another conflagration to prove a point. That leaves Donald Trump with a dilemma

The Economist

A ranking of 193 countries shows that human development is stalling almost everywhere

The Economist

“Football is competing in a global market for eyeballs,” writes James Tozer. In a guest essay he explains the case for making matches snappier and higher-scoring

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And the reasons to try to remain calm when it happens

The Economist

Toymakers have discovered the rewards of collaborating with media brands. But partnerships, and fast-moving online culture, present challenges

The Economist

It is not just Sir Keir Starmer’s profile that could have been designed by an opinion-poll respondent. His government has rigidly pursued the poll-derived priorities of a typical voter. So why is he hated?

The Economist

“Europe has, to its credit, begun to fill the gaps left by a disengaged United States,” says Anders Fogh Rasmussen. “But the conclusion is now unavoidable: Washington is no longer coming to Europe’s rescue”

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Electrons can move across space as well as across time. That requires strong grids. Europe is belatedly getting serious about expanding these

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Companies run on decisions. Asking three questions makes choices better

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Gautam Adani recently overtook his arch-rival to become India’s richest man. Yet register for free to learn why some of the forces propelling the industrialist could reverse

The Economist

If computing power brings about technological advances without human input, and enough of the pay-off is reinvested in building still more powerful machines, wealth could accumulate at unprecedented speed

The Economist

“Europe should ensure that a potential envoy can operate from a position of strength,” argues Anders Fogh Rasmussen. Register for free to read why he believes there are three things it can do Illustration: Dan Williams

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Xi Jinping’s pet project, Xiongan, offers perks to its growing number of residents. But it is becoming an elite enclave, home to the government’s most privileged workers

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The management consultant’s guide to love and sex

The Economist

Xi Jinping will have to choose carefully when it comes to handling of his right-hand man’s future. Aides and advisers can easily be replaced. Trust cannot. Want our take on it? Read on by registering for free

The Economist

The greatest civilisations of the past 3,000 years were the opposite of MAGA

The Economist

Indian states have been spaffing cash on handouts and other bungs to voters. A sensible, remunerative and politically feasible proposal for booze taxes might bring a surge in revenue

The Economist

Educators across every academic field are struggling to contain AI-assisted cheating. Our charts illustrate which students are the heaviest users of such tools

The Economist

India’s demographic transition is the most striking example of a global trend. For it is no longer just wealthy places where families have few, or no, kids. Curious as to why? Register to continue reading (it’s free)

The Economist

The Treasury’s new creditors may have troubling flaws, but America cannot afford to turn them away