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The article discusses how authoritarian leaders who prioritize economic growth are failing to achieve their goals despite massive investments in megaprojects. Examples include Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan, which involves spending almost $3 trillion on various projects. The article argues that these leaders are willing to take risks on 'fantasies and failures' in pursuit of growth, but are ultimately failing on their own terms.

The article discusses the rapid growth of America's AI industry and its impact on the broader economy. The AI boom is driven by massive data centres that consume large amounts of electricity, with a cluster in Ashburn, Virginia, being one of the largest consumers of power in the state. The article warns of the potential for data centres to become a dominant force in the economy, changing the landscape of areas where they are located and having far-reaching implications for energy consumption.

The article discusses how new research challenges the long-held principle of Occam's Razor in finance, which states that the simplest explanation is usually the best. The article argues that complex machine-learning models may be more effective in predicting market trends than simpler ones, potentially upending modern investing methods. This shift could have significant implications for financial analysts and investors.

The article discusses Eri Hotta's argument that Japan's wartime leaders were just as culpable as European dictators. It highlights the importance of acknowledging Japan's wartime atrocities and the need for a more nuanced understanding of the country's complex history.

The article discusses the concept of wartime summits and their effectiveness, using historical examples such as the Field of the Cloth of Gold between Henry VIII and Francis I. Margaret MacMillan analyzes the promise and perils of such summits, highlighting that they have become more common but not always more productive. The article also touches on various geopolitical issues, including the Arctic region, NATO, and the actions of leaders like Putin and Trump.

The article discusses the differing attitudes towards summer holidays in Europe and the United States, with Europeans viewing their extended breaks as essential for recovery from work, while Americans see it as a potential hindrance to career advancement. The article uses this contrast to explore the concept of 'strategic autonomy' in Europe, questioning whether the continent can balance its desire for independence with its traditional summer break culture.

The article discusses how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affected millions of veterans of World War II, long before it was identified and named. Historian David Nasaw writes about the struggles of soldiers to rebuild their lives after the war, citing the example of a young veteran who was haunted by memories of being wounded and witnessing his brother being wounded. The veteran's experiences and behavior, such as becoming 'allergic to people' and being prone to violence, are attributed to the psychological damage caused by the war. Nasaw highlights that PTSD was not identified or treated for decades after the war, leaving veterans to suffer in silence.

The article discusses the vibrant civic groups in Germany, known as Vereine, which play a crucial role in holding the country's society together. These groups, ranging from shooting clubs to rabbit-keeping associations, are deeply ingrained in German culture and foster a sense of community and social bonding. The article highlights a specific shooting club in Arnsberg, a small town in Germany's Sauerland region, where members gather for festivities, including parades, dancing, and beer drinking. The author suggests that these civic groups are the backbone of German society, promoting social cohesion and a sense of belonging among their members.

The article, written by Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, the former CEO of Novo Nordisk, argues that while pharmaceuticals have a role to play in addressing obesity, they are not a silver bullet. Jørgensen contends that the global obesity crisis, which affects over a billion people, requires a more comprehensive approach that involves preventing chronic diseases before they start. The article highlights the need for society to come together to address the issue and avoid a health and economic catastrophe. Jørgensen emphasizes that the challenge is not just about developing medicines and interventions but also about finding ways to prevent obesity and other chronic diseases.

The article discusses the challenges of privatizing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, two government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) that were bailed out during the 2008 financial crisis and have been under conservatorship for nearly 17 years. The author argues that selling these entities would require answering a complex question regarding their future role in the mortgage market, with significant financial implications. The article highlights the difficulties in determining the fate of these GSEs, given their enormous size and the potential impact on the US housing market.

The article discusses how an analysis of 630,000 paintings provides insights into the world economy. It highlights that artists like Kandinsky, Monet, and Rembrandt can be seen as economists as well as artists. The article uses Edgar Degas' painting 'L'Absinthe' as an example to illustrate how art can be interpreted in various ways, including as a reflection of societal issues. The analysis of a large dataset of paintings reveals trends and patterns that can be related to economic indicators and societal changes.

The article discusses the impact of President Donald Trump's latest tariffs on global trade, particularly in Asia. Trump's tariffs, which took effect on August 7th, 2025, have altered the landscape for manufacturers deciding where to build factories. The 'tariff gap' between China and other countries has shrunk, making China a more competitive location. Trump also plans to crack down on 'transshipment,' limiting companies' ability to circumvent tariffs by routing goods through other countries. The article examines the implications of these changes for global trade and investment.

The article discusses the persistent inflation problem in some rich countries, particularly in Anglophone nations. Despite a decline in inflation rates since 2022, many of these countries continue to experience lingering symptoms. The article references the Yiddish phrase 'farshlepteh krenk' to describe this phenomenon. It also touches on related economic issues, such as the impact of America's AI boom and the challenges faced by leaders in Asia, East Africa, and the Gulf.

Two Carnival cruise passengers, a 79-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman, died in separate drowning incidents at Celebration Key, a private Bahamas resort owned by Carnival Cruise Line, on Friday. The incidents occurred while the passengers were swimming at the resort, which is exclusively available to Carnival cruise passengers. The circumstances surrounding the deaths are under investigation, and autopsies will be performed to determine the exact cause of death. Carnival has expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and is providing assistance.

The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) has declared that the Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flight attendants' union, represented by CUPE, is in an illegal strike. The union had refused to comply with the CIRB's order to return to work, leading to the strike being deemed illegal. As a result, Air Canada has canceled many flights, causing significant disruptions to passengers. The standoff between the airline and the union has been ongoing, with the airline insisting that the union must return to work and the union demanding better pay and working conditions.

A devastating explosion and fire at the Elastik factory in Russia's Ryazan region has resulted in 24 deaths and over 157 injuries. The incident occurred on Friday at the industrial plant, located around 155 miles southeast of Moscow. Emergency crews are still searching through debris, and investigators are probing the cause of the fire. Reports suggest that a gunpowder workshop caught fire, triggering an explosion, possibly due to a rogue shell detonation. The factory had previously received warnings about labor safety. This incident has led to a day of mourning in Ryazan, and a criminal case has been opened into violating industrial safety rules. The blast is unlikely to be linked to a Ukrainian attack, but rather to chronic safety violations. This is not the first incident at the plant; in 2021, another deadly blast killed 17 people, resulting in prison sentences for some of its management.

At least seven people were killed in a pool hall shooting in Santo Domingo, Ecuador, in the latest incident of gang violence to hit the country. The attack is the latest in a series of massacres that have plagued Ecuador in recent months, with the country experiencing a surge in gang violence and drug trafficking. The government has promised to crack down on crime, but violence continues to escalate.

The national security trial of Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy activist and former newspaper founder, is concluding in Hong Kong. Lai faces charges of colluding with foreign forces and conspiring to issue seditious publications, which could result in a life sentence. The trial, which has lasted nearly 150 days, is seen as a test for press freedom and judicial independence in Hong Kong. Prosecutors allege Lai requested foreign sanctions against Beijing and Hong Kong leaders, while Lai denies asking for actions against China after the national security law was enacted in 2020. The case has drawn international attention, with concerns raised about Lai's health and detention conditions.

Terence Stamp, a British actor known for his roles in 'Superman' and 'Superman II' as General Zod, has died at 87. Stamp had a six-decade career, earning an Oscar nomination for 'Billy Budd' and starring in films like 'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert' and 'The Limey'. He was born in London's East End in 1938 and began his acting career after winning a scholarship to drama school. Stamp's family announced his death, asking for privacy at this time.

Dubai police have arrested three thieves from an unspecified Asian country within eight hours of stealing a rare pink diamond worth $25 million. The thieves lured a diamond trader to a villa under the pretense of a viewing by a wealthy client, where they stole the gem. The police used artificial intelligence technologies to track down the culprits. The heist occurred in Dubai, a major hub for diamond trading known for its security and stability.

President Trump has vowed to ban mail-in voting before the 2026 midterm elections through an executive order, despite the Constitution not granting him this power. Trump claims mail-in ballots are corrupt and prone to voter fraud, but experts and evidence contradict this. The White House blames Democrats for eroding faith in elections with policies like mail-in voting. The move may be unconstitutional as states have the authority to regulate elections. Mail-in voting is widespread in the U.S. and used by many other countries. Experts warn that eliminating mail voting would make elections less secure and more vulnerable to interference.

A 63-year-old American tourist was severely injured in a shark attack while spearfishing in the Bahamas on Sunday. The attack occurred near Big Grand Cay on the island of Abaco, and the man was airlifted to the U.S. for additional treatment after receiving initial medical assistance at a local clinic. The Bahamas has one of the world's highest rates of shark attacks, although they are still extremely rare, with only 34 confirmed attacks over the last 400 years. This incident is the latest in a series of shark attacks in the Bahamas, including a fatal attack on a woman from Boston in December 2023 and a shark tank incident involving a 10-year-old boy from Maryland in January 2024.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for bolder policies to boost consumption and investment as the country's economy faces growing headwinds in the second half of the year. Li stressed the need for measures to drive up consumption and investment, specifically mentioning the need to further stabilise the property market through urban renewal projects. The government will step up its efforts to expand investment, with major projects playing a leading role in driving growth. The move comes after concerning economic data for July, which showed growing signs of strain in the economy.

A Chinese tilt-rotor aircraft, similar to the US military's Osprey, has been seen in a photograph conducting its apparent maiden flight. The image, circulating on Chinese social media, shows a white prototype aircraft hovering in front of a residential building. The aircraft's cockpit design suggests it is crewed, which would make it China's first crewed tilt-rotor aircraft if confirmed. The tilt-rotor aircraft combines the vertical take-off and landing capability of a helicopter with the speed, range, and altitude of a fixed-wing turboprop aeroplane. However, this versatility comes with significant mechanical complexity, resulting in high costs and safety concerns.

A new report by S&P analysts reveals that China's exports to the Global South have surged, doubling since 2015 and growing 65% in the past five years, outpacing exports to the US and western Europe. This shift is driven by the US-China trade war and China's desire to reduce reliance on the US. Chinese firms are also increasing investments in developing regions, particularly in manufacturing, with flows to Southeast Asia quadrupling over the past decade. The report suggests that this trend could create a new order of global commerce, with South-South trade becoming the new center of gravity and Chinese multinationals emerging as key players.

China's youth unemployment rate has hit an 11-month high, with 17.8% of 16-24 year olds unemployed in July, as a record 12.2 million graduates enter the job market. Despite government initiatives to support jobless youth, unemployment remains high due to a mismatch between jobs and expectations in a challenging economic environment. The National Bureau of Statistics reported that the urban jobless rate for this age group rose from 14.5% in June, marking the highest level since August last year. A computer science graduate, He Yue, shared her struggles in finding a suitable job, describing the market as 'quite rough'.

A Hong Kong businessman, Lui Tsz-chung, has been charged with fraud for allegedly securing a HK$52.9 million contract to supply water to government offices. His wife, Chan Pik-lam, was also arrested and released on bail. The couple's company, Xin Din Xin Trade, is accused of submitting false claims to secure the contract.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent endorsement of a 'Greater Israel' vision has sparked widespread condemnation across the Arab world. The concept, long debated on Israel's far-right, involves annexing Palestinian territories and seizing land from neighboring countries. Analysts warn that Israel risks becoming the Middle East's most destabilizing force, eclipsing Iran. Saudi Arabia led the response, with a former UAE adviser comparing Netanyahu to Hitler. The remarks have unsettled the region and potentially marked a turning point in the balance of power.

A top virologist, Malik Peiris, warns that the next pandemic is inevitable and the world may not be better prepared than it was before Covid-19. Peiris, who discovered the coronavirus responsible for the 2003 Sars outbreak, is concerned about the potential of respiratory viruses to spawn the next pandemic. He notes that animal viruses have jumped to humans more frequently in recent decades, with new viruses emerging every three to four years. The article highlights the need for a more resilient world that integrates human, animal, and environmental health to prevent future pandemics.

The article compares the decline of honeybee colonies in the US to the thriving bee population in China, highlighting differences in beekeeping practices and management. While the US has seen a significant decline in bee colonies due to parasitic mites and pesticide use, China's bee population has flourished, with a 25% increase in colonies. The article attributes the difference to varying management practices and pesticide use.

The BBC visited a mental health centre in Kabul, Afghanistan, run by the Afghan Red Crescent Society, which is struggling to cope with the number of female patients. The centre houses 104 women, many of whom have been abandoned by their families or are victims of domestic violence. The strict Taliban regulations and patriarchal traditions make it nearly impossible for women to live independently, and many are trapped in the facility with no prospect of discharge. The mental health crisis in Afghanistan is worsening, with 68% of women surveyed reporting 'bad' or 'very bad' mental health. The Taliban government claims to be committed to providing health services, but restrictions on women's movement without a male chaperone hinder their access to help.

The BBC witnessed an attack by Israeli settlers on a Palestinian farm in the West Bank. The settlers, armed with sticks, charged down from an illegal outpost and damaged property. The incident is part of a larger pattern of settler aggression, with the Israeli organization Peace Now reporting a surge in outposts and attacks since October 2023. The UN documented 27 settler attacks against Palestinians between August 5-11. The violence is linked to the Israeli government's expansion of settlements, with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announcing new housing units in the West Bank. The conflict has resulted in casualties, including an 18-year-old Palestinian shot and killed by Israeli troops.

Bolivia is set to elect its first non-left wing president in nearly two decades, with Senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira and former president Jorge Quiroga leading in the presidential election. The election comes as the country faces its worst economic crisis in years, with shortages and high inflation. The new president is expected to bring changes in foreign policy, potentially leading to closer ties with the US and more support for foreign investment in Bolivia's lithium reserves. The incumbent socialist party, Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS), is facing unpopularity and division, with its candidate Eduardo del Castillo being booed out of a polling station and another candidate, Andrónico Rodríguez, being attacked with stones. The election result is expected to be finalized in a run-off between Paz Pereira and Quiroga in October.

Hurricane Erin, a Category 4 storm, is threatening the US East Coast with life-threatening waves and rip currents. The storm has strengthened and is expected to bring heavy rain and flash flooding to the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Although not expected to make landfall, the storm's outer rain bands have already affected Puerto Rico and the Bahamas, causing power outages and prompting evacuations. The US National Hurricane Center has forecast the storm to pass between Bermuda and the eastern coast of the US by mid-week, with the Outer Banks already bracing for heavy surf and high winds.

The Japanese convenience store chain Ministop has suspended the sale of rice balls and other deli items at 1,600 stores due to staff falsifying expiry dates. The misconduct was discovered at 23 stores across Japan, including major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Ministop has apologized for the inconvenience and is conducting an emergency investigation. The issue has not resulted in any reported health issues. Ministop operates over 1,800 stores in Japan and is known for its fresh food and on-site meal preparation.

Heavy monsoon rains have caused devastating floods and landslides in Pakistan's north, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, resulting in at least 314 deaths and 156 injuries. The Buner district is the worst-affected, with 217 fatalities. The floods have destroyed villages, crops, and infrastructure, leaving many people missing or displaced. The disaster is attributed to climate change, which is causing glaciers in the region to melt and retreat, making debris more vulnerable to being dislodged. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with relief agencies and military personnel working to restore affected areas.

Myanmar's military government has announced that general elections will be held on December 28, 2025, despite widespread condemnation and concerns over the legitimacy of the process. The election is seen as an attempt by the junta to entrench its power and gain international recognition. The National League for Democracy, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, will not be allowed to participate. Critics, including the United Nations and human rights organizations, have dismissed the election as a sham and called for its rejection. The country has been embroiled in a civil war since the 2021 coup, with ongoing violence and humanitarian crises.

A New Zealand soldier has been convicted of attempted espionage in a military court, marking the first spying conviction in the country's history. The soldier's name and the country they attempted to spy for were not disclosed. The conviction was reported by Charlotte Graham-McLay of the Associated Press from Wellington, New Zealand.

A ship carrying 1,200 tons of food aid for the Gaza Strip is approaching the Israeli port of Ashdod after departing from Cyprus. The aid includes pasta, rice, baby food, and canned goods, and was screened by Israeli customs officials before being shipped. The effort aims to alleviate the worsening crisis in Gaza, where famine is threatening the Palestinian territory.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss easing tensions between the two nations. The meeting comes as a sign of improving relations between India and China after a prolonged standoff.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un condemned South Korean-U.S. military drills and vowed to expand his nuclear forces during an inspection of his most advanced warship being fitted with nuclear-capable systems. The drills, known as Ulchi Freedom Shield, are an annual large-scale exercise to bolster readiness against growing North Korean threats and will mobilize 21,000 troops. Kim's visit to the western port of Nampo came as the drills began, and state media reported his condemnation and vow to expand nuclear forces.

The Washington Post reports on South Sudanese exiles released from prison in Sudan, highlighting their uncertain future. The article discusses the background of one such exile, Daud Mahmoud Abdullah, who fled his home in Aweil, South Sudan, during the war in the 1980s. The conflict between South Sudan and Sudan resulted in about 2 million deaths. The article touches on the complexities of the situation and the challenges faced by those released from prison.

The Swedish town of Kiruna is being relocated due to the expansion of an iron ore mine. The church, a beloved landmark, is being moved 3 miles down the road to a new location. The relocation is a complex process that involves careful planning and execution.

American investors are increasingly pouring money into European soccer clubs, driven by the sport's rapid revenue growth. The top five European leagues generated $23.7 billion in revenue in the 2023-2024 season, a 750% increase from 1996-97. U.S. investors now own majority or minority stakes in many top clubs, including four of England's Premier League Big Six. Private equity firms are also investing heavily, with many adopting a multi-club ownership model. However, this has raised concerns among regulators, with UEFA cracking down on clubs breaching multi-club ownership rules. As revenue growth slows, clubs are looking to commercial revenue and overseas games to drive future growth.

OpenAI has launched a new subscription plan in India called ChatGPT Go, priced at 399 rupees ($4.57) per month, making it the company's most affordable offering yet. The plan provides expanded access to the latest GPT-5 model and other features at a lower cost. This move is part of OpenAI's strategy to grow in India, its second-largest market by user base. The new plan offers 10 times more message limits, image generations, and file uploads, and double the memory compared to the free tier. OpenAI currently has two other paid plans: ChatGPT Plus and ChatGPT Pro, priced at 1,999 rupees and 19,900 rupees per month in India, respectively. The launch of ChatGPT Go follows a meeting between OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Indian IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in February, where they discussed creating a low-cost AI ecosystem in India.

Shein, a fast-fashion online retailer, is considering relocating its headquarters from Singapore back to China to gain approval for its planned initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong. The company had previously explored an IPO in London but faced delays due to regulatory issues. Shein's move is seen as an attempt to appease Chinese authorities and secure a more favorable listing in Hong Kong. The company sources a significant amount of its goods from China and has faced challenges in Western markets, including the removal of a valuable tariff exemption by the US President.

The stock market is experiencing a quiet start to a critical week with key speeches from Federal Reserve officials and retail earnings. Stock futures are down, with Dow Jones Industrial Average futures down 38 points or 0.08%. Investors are awaiting clues from Fed Chair Jerome Powell at the Fed's annual economic symposium in Jackson Hole. Corporate earnings from big-box retailers such as Home Depot, Lowe's, Walmart, and Target will also be closely watched. Meanwhile, SoftBank is investing $2 billion into Intel, causing the chipmaker's shares to rise. Meta Platforms has seen a significant increase in short interest, while Palo Alto Networks has jumped 5% after beating earnings expectations.

The article discusses how South Korea's decision to stop broadcasting Christian radio messages into North Korea has severely impacted the estimated 400,000 Christians living in the country. The broadcasts were a vital source of spiritual guidance and hope for North Korean Christians, who face severe persecution under the Kim Jong-un regime. The regime has made it a crime to worship Christianity, and even possessing a Bible can lead to execution. The shutdown of the broadcasts has not only deprived Christians of their primary means of accessing the Gospel but also made it more difficult to hear the Christian message due to increased electronic jamming by the authorities. Experts and defectors have condemned the decision as a 'catastrophic strategic mistake,' arguing that it will hinder the ability of North Koreans to access information and ideas that could potentially lead to change.

Kseniya Alexandrova, a 30-year-old Russian model and former Miss Universe contestant, died on August 12 from severe brain injuries sustained in a car accident on July 5. The accident occurred when an elk crashed through the windshield of her Porsche Panamera while she was driving with her husband in Tver Oblast, Russia. Alexandrova was hospitalized in a coma for over a month before succumbing to her injuries. Her modeling agency, Modus Vivendis, confirmed her death in a statement on Instagram.

Two American tourists, a 79-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman, died in separate drowning incidents at Carnival's new private destination, Celebration Key, in the Bahamas. The incidents occurred less than a month after the destination welcomed its first cruise passengers. The man died while snorkeling at a beach, and the woman died while swimming in a pool. Autopsies are being performed as part of the investigation. Carnival's lifeguards and medical team responded to the incidents, and the cruise line is providing assistance to the families of the victims. Celebration Key is a $600-million destination that features various amenities, including a 10-story sandcastle, waterslides, and a shopping village. The destination is expected to bring millions of guests to Grand Bahama, creating hundreds of long-term jobs.

The 28-year-old son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Marius Borg Høiby, has been indicted on 32 counts including rape, abuse, and violence. He faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. The indictment follows a lengthy investigation and multiple arrests last year. Høiby denies all charges of sexual abuse and most charges of violence. The trial is expected to begin in mid-January and last around six weeks.

The French restaurant, La Popote, has introduced a water menu curated by the sommelier, which features a selection of still and sparkling waters from across Europe. The menu is designed to complement the restaurant's offerings and enhance the dining experience.

The son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Marius Borg Hoiby, has been charged with rape and domestic violence. The 28-year-old faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. He denies the charges and plans to plead guilty to some lesser offenses.

Spain is experiencing severe wildfires, with 20 major fires burning across the country, particularly in the Galicia region. The wildfires have prompted the government to deploy military personnel and equipment to combat the blazes. The situation is dire, with four people killed and many more injured. The wildfires are not limited to Spain, as neighboring countries such as Portugal and France are also affected.

The Air Force's top uniformed officer, Gen. David Allvin, is retiring early, two years into his four-year term, amid a series of high-profile departures of senior military officers under President Trump's administration. Allvin will continue to serve until a replacement is confirmed by the Senate. The Pentagon announced that his retirement is effective around November 1. Allvin's departure is part of a larger trend of senior officers being purged or retiring early under Trump's presidency, including the Joint Chiefs chairman and other top brass. Allvin had previously served as vice chief of staff during Trump's first term and was appointed by President Biden.

The article discusses Chongqing, a municipality in China, and its unique urban planning due to its mountainous terrain. The city's landscape is characterized by complex, multi-layered buildings and infrastructure that have been adapted to the natural obstacles of the region. Chongqing has become a model for megacity governance, with lessons to be learned from its adaptation to geographical constraints. The city's rapid development is rooted in its history as China's wartime capital during World War II and its designation as one of the four municipalities. The article highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by Chongqing's unique environment, including the need for innovative public transportation solutions and the potential for economic growth.

A New Zealand soldier was found guilty of attempting to spy for a foreign nation. The soldier, whose identity has not been released, was arrested and charged with espionage-related offenses after trying to provide information to the foreign nation. The soldier was found to have accessed restricted material and shared it with the foreign nation, and was also found to have made contact with individuals who were suspected of being involved in extremist activities.