21st Century Challenges

So much for capitalism

For two decades, in the 1980s and 1990s, China pushed forward a series of economic reforms that came at a vast cost, exceeded only by their vaster rewards. Now, as the financial crisis sweeps across the world, those reforms are going into reverse. It is a sign of how hard governments find it to shake off the habit of ownership.

The Future of Capitalism

The Financial Times have started a new series 'The Future of Capitalism'

A guide to the G20

Read a quick guide to the Group-of-Twenty (G20) meeting in London, April 2009

Britain showing signs of heading towards 1930s-style depression, says Bank

The country is displaying early symptoms of being trapped in a so-called “debt deflation trap” where families find themselves pushed further and further into the red every month, according to a Bank report published today.

Recovery timing ‘depends on G20’

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has steered clear of echoing the chairman of the US central bank's prediction that the economic recovery will begin next year.

Forests ‘facing a testing time’

World forests face the dual challenge of climate change and the global economic crisis, a key UN report says.

On eve of G20 summit, new blow to Gordon Brown

Ministers were struggling to maintain momentum for the G20 summit last night after it emerged that any spending decisions would be deferred to a later meeting, further narrowing the scope of this week's London talks, which have been plagued by divisions between European leaders and Gordon Brown.

Barack Obama arrives in Downing Street for G20 talks with Gordon Brown

US president cheered by No 10 staff as he and wife Michelle arrive for discussions with prime minister

Importing goods, exporting drought

Government to map low-carbon road

A huge expansion of wind power, home insulation and "smart" electricity meters are among measures being planned to build the UK's low-carbon future. Ministers hope their Carbon Transition Plan will help them meet 2020 targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions and expanding renewable energy.

Globalisation

An introduction to the process of globalisation. 

Robert Neuwirth

Slums and the rise of the informal economy.