The country decides defence and infrastructure are worth borrowing for

When the next crisis hits, global markets may not be able to count on America's financial backstop

While some indicators are positive, others are troubling. The arrival of Donald Trump in the White House has given the Kremlin a political boost, and lifting sanctions will help, but it is no panacea.

Tariffs and countermeasures are fracturing the system of globalisation on which the post-Cold War world was built. Prosperity and interconnectedness may break with it. The world stands on the brink.

Moscow's much smaller neighbours have been looking elsewhere for energy, trade, investment, and security. That is not in Russia's plans, but Putin knows the new US president is unlikely to help them.

One of the world's poorest nations currently has one of the fastest growing economies in Africa. Looking at the map and surveys of its mineral deposits shows why that might continue.

An economic giant, any combined North American state would be larger than Russia and richer than China, with a GDP of $31.2tn, producing almost twice as much oil as Saudi Arabia

Conflict, drought, tariffs, and inflation are making it harder to feed people in the Arab world. Yet if the wars in Ukraine and Sudan end with investment in agriculture, the clouds may brighten.

Relations have plummeted between Paris and Algiers. The latter sought a fairer deal, but the former seemed to want only oil, gas, and a grain market. As French firms leave, Algeria is moving on.

A big drive to attract new visitors from around the world is beginning to pay off as social, economic, and bureaucratic changes take effect.