An earlier era of the internet badly burned media companies. However, content-makers are determined not to be caught out again in the age of AI. The Economist reflects on why a frenzy of litigation and dealmaking is under way.

Read by the world's political and business leaders, The Economist offers authoritative insight and opinion on news, politics, business, finance, science and technology.

The Economist

Generative AI is a marvel. Is it also built on theft?

The average American 25-year-old Gen Zer has an annual household income of over $40,000, more than 50% above the average baby boomer at the same age. The Economist considers how long this economic advantage could last.

Generation Z is unprecedentedly rich

Some countries are experimenting with, or reintroducing, conscription in response to dwindling recruitment numbers and escalating global tensions. The Economist reveals that despite various attempts to make military service appealing, the values of younger generations and lucrative job markets continue to challenge traditional recruitment efforts.

Would you really die for your country?

Artificial intelligence may eventually surpass humans in art, intellect, music and sport. But that doesn’t mean the competition will end. The Economist reflects on why humans will probably still strive to exceed their fellow humans.

What will humans do if technology solves everything?

Homes are at the heart of many of the world’s most important financial markets. But the world’s biggest asset class is vulnerable to global warming. The Economist reflects on how climate change could prompt the next global property crash.

Homeowners face a $25trn bill from climate change

Navigating the complicated definition of the 'global south', The Economist explains how China's leading influence faces fierce competition as emerging economies like India strive for power in global affairs, leading to diverging interests within the region.

Who’s the big boss of the global south?

Amid rising geopolitical ten­sions which have helped bring renewed at­tention to the world-­changing impact of nuclear weapons, the spectre of Donald Trump looms large. The Economist reports on how the results of the 2024 US election could cause allies in Asia and Europe to reevaluate their nuclear options.

America and its allies are entering a period of nuclear uncertainty

Much of the red aristocracy—descendants of those who fought with Mao—has been sidelined from Chinese politics. But The Economist reveals that it would be a mistake to declare that China’s princelings have no political future as they are likely to help choose the country’s next ruler.

How China’s political clans might determine its future

The 1994 Rwanda genocide spurred global pledges to prevent similar atrocities. But, The Economist argues, conflicts in the years since have shown ongoing international inaction, which raises doubts about the effectiveness of preventing mass killings.

Thirty years after Rwanda, genocide is still a problem from hell

Not long ago, the consulting industry looked indestructible. However, growth has lagged since the COVID-19 pandemic, and three issues complicate its recovery. The Economist reflects on why the golden age for CEO whisperers may be coming to an end.

Have McKinsey and its consulting rivals got too big?

AI holds huge promise in health care. But it also faces massive barriers. The Economist argues that the obstacles to using AI in the industry are formidable—but the potential benefits are so vast that the case for overcoming them should be obvious.

The AI doctor will see you…eventually

What might Donald Trump do worldwide if he returns to the White House? The Economist reveals that his advisers can provide clues and advice, but they admit that he may not know what he wants to do until he is in the room with the world's leaders.

How to predict Donald Trump’s foreign policy

Barely a day goes by without excitement about artificial intelligence sending another company’s market value through the roof. But, The Economist asks, which businesses are real winners in the AI boom—and which will win in the longer run?

Just how rich are businesses getting in the AI gold rush?

It was clear from the outset of the war in Gaza that Israel’s two main goals—to eliminate Hamas and free the hostages—were at odds. The Economist reflects on how the devastation Israel has unleashed will make it almost impossible to institute a stable, peaceful regime after the war.

The war in Gaza may topple Hamas without making Israel safer

Immigration is a prickly political issue in Britain, particularly on the right. Polls show that Conservative voters cite immigration and asylum as an essential issue. But the country handles the former very well. The Economist explores how the town of Reading—from schools to hospitals to grocery shops—is a window into this diversity success story.

Without realising it, Britain has become a nation of immigrants

If the TikTok bill does become law, it is likely to be challenged in the courts, probably on free-speech grounds. However, The Economist reveals that there is a reasonable chance that the short-video app would have to shut up shop in America.

Will TikTok still exist in America?

In many rich countries, young women are becoming more liberal, while young men are moving in the opposite direction. The Economist reflects on why this growing gender divergence could start to affect politics, families and society at large.

Why young men and women are drifting apart

Despite predictions of a downturn, America's economy has performed remarkably well, growing by about 8% since 2019. The Economist reflects on how it has been buoyed by resilience in consumer spending, government investment, and increased productivity, however potential labour market slowdowns loom.

America’s economy has escaped a hard landing

North Korea's increasing military activity, bolstered by its alliance with Russia, poses a threat to South Korea. The Economist reflects on how Kim Jong Un's military advancements and aggressive rhetoric are raising concerns about potential conflict throughout the region.

North Korea is arming Russia and threatening war with South Korea

For decades, astronomers have been able to measure how dark matter behaves and point to parts of the sky where it must exist. But what it actually is remains a mystery. The Economist reveals that new theories could provide clues.