Topic: The Economist Group

What would a Korean war cost? Gauging the economic turmoil.

If a real shooting war came to the Koreas, the economic disruption would be global, though Asian nations likely would pay a higher price than the US. Some economists fear significant long-term changes to international trade.

Where the next Silicon Valleys might be

One way to identify tomorrow's hubs of innovation is to look at cities whose residents are granted the most patents, which includes smaller places such as Burlington, Vt., and Corvallis, Ore.

Economist Mom Marissa Mayer and the 'mommy track': Is the work/life balance truly possible?

Is it really up to the Yahoo! CEO and expectant mother to show women how to rise to the top of the corporate world?

Economist Mom United Nations report shines light on 'Real Wealth of Nations'

The latest United Nations report on inclusive wealth should be a warning to US economists. Their preoccupation with current and aggregate GDP as a measure of economic well being may be keeping us from achieving our nation's true wealth.

Keep Calm Good Reads: How India failed to live up to its hype

This week's best reads deal with India's economic disappointment, Germany's problematic switch from nuclear energy, Al Qaeda, and the Great Un-American Western.

Is Canada about to face US-style housing meltdown?

Skyrocketing home prices in Canada, particularly in cities like Toronto, are fueling concerns that Canadians are overspending as they assume – as the US did – that real estate prices can only go up.

Keep Calm Good Reads: Politics of withdrawal, fossil fuels, and media freedom in South Africa

Herewith, a shout out to longer-form analysis stories about President Obama's security pact with Afghanistan, as well as stories on oil, developing countries, and media restriction in South Africa.

The Economist raises Scotland's ire with 'Skintland' joke

The Economist was targeting Scotland's interest in becoming independent, pointing out that 'Skintland' relies heavily on the United Kingdom.

Keep Calm Good Reads: Is the US actually in decline, or just taking a breather?

A roundup of some of the week's most insightful articles from around the Internet. 

Opinion: Facebook stalking in the name of affirmative action

Ahead of the Supreme Court hearing on affirmative action, I recall how at Roll Call newspaper, I was told that one of our three interns had to be from a racial minority. Diversity is important, but giving someone an advantage beyond his experience degrades the applicant and the hirer.

2011 Reflections: Africa rises, taking charge of its affairs

Seven Monitor correspondents reflect on the world's hotspots. In this installment, Scott Baldauf says Africa showed signs of both the willingness and ability to solve their own problems in 2011.

Opinion: Africa isn't a lost cause, and global consumers are making a difference

In spite of conflicts and humanitarian crises, there's change afoot in Africa. Seven of the ten fastest-growing economies during the next five years will be in sub-Saharan Africa. To support them, global consumers can use the Internet to gain direct access to the goods of African artisans.

Good Reads: World reaction to Obama's jobs speech

For Britain's Guardian and Economist, Obama's jobs speech was all about partisan politics. For France's Le Monde, it was about the use of rhetoric and statecraft in guiding a powerful nation through difficult times. For the China Daily, it was all about Joe Biden.

Debt, deficits, and American morals

Behind the impasse in Washington over debt and deficits lies a moral, even religious, problem. How should a Christian respond to the economic debate?

In the end, did huge Gulf oil spill underwhelm oil-hungry Americans?

Predictions of 'Obama's Katrina,' millions of fish belly up on beaches, and an end to deep-water drilling all came to naught. High gasoline prices now seem more pressing to Americans than the Deepwater Horizon disaster that led to Gulf oil spill.

Global economic reality check: beyond doom and gloom, a quiet boom

Robin Bew, chief economist at the Economist Intelligence Unit, discusses debt levels in the West, Obama's handling of the economy, capitalism in China, and why a message of fear often drowns out one of the great 'good news' stories of our time.

At the heart of the Arab revolts: a search for dignity

When Muammar Qaddafi recently asked Libyans to rely on his 'moral authority,' an ever more sophisticated Arab generation widely read the request as an insult to their intelligence.

For peace and strength in Pakistan

A Christian Science perspective.

McConnell sees better days ahead for Steele and GOP candidates

Tibet shepherds live on climate frontier

Shrinking glaciers mean longer hikes to water flocks

In global vote, McCain would lose – but not in Georgia

In a Gallup poll released Tuesday, respondents preferred the Democratic candidate, Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois, by a margin of 4 to 1.

Opinion: Better buffer than levees

Water management and retreat from flood plains make more sense and cost less.

Opinion: An expat's view of the falling dollar

Even Europeans are worried about this trend.