Venezuela’s collapse stems from political failure, not lack of resources, and that reviving oil production with US backing could rapidly restore growth. It suggests outcomes ranging from new elections to the controversial but plausible scenario of Venezuela becoming a US protectorate to ensure stability and investment.
The UK economy is faltering, with rising unemployment, weak private-sector growth, and record-low business confidence. Labour’s industrial strategy has yet to deliver, leaving economic and political pressure mounting. Restoring confidence will require targeted business support, clearer regulation, and credible pro-growth policies.
The UK’s new Industrial Strategy (IS-8), launched in June 2025, commits over £86 billion to boost productivity, innovation and competitiveness across eight key sectors — from Clean Energy to Life Sciences. Early indicators show rising investment and job creation, particularly in AI, Energy and Defence, as the government accelerates efforts to drive industrial growth.
Ukraine’s defence sector is rapidly transforming amid ongoing conflict, with homegrown technologies like the long-range “Flamingo” missile boosting military autonomy and shifting the strategic balance. As Russia’s economy weakens under falling energy revenues and rising costs, pressure is mounting for a ceasefire — especially if the rouble again breaches 100 to the dollar, a threshold that could make continued war unsustainable.
UK pay growth is diverging, with public sector wages up 6.0% versus 4.4% in the private sector, while productivity continues to lag. Economists warn this imbalance risks fuelling inflation as firms turn to AI and automation to offset rising labour costs
UK borrowing costs have hit a 27-year high of 5.7%, with debt interest now consuming 17.9% of tax revenues—up from 9% in 2019. Inflation-linked bonds and a widening deficit are intensifying fiscal pressure, as the government faces tough choices between tax hikes, spending cuts, and market confidence.
