©David Bromley

In this issue

Last year’s sense of panic has gone and the mood has lifted but there is still much for Davos delegates to chew over

Gideon Rachman Jan 22, 2013

Global issues simmer as prospects brighten

Last year’s sense of panic has gone and the mood has lifted but there is still much for Davos delegates to chew over

The US Capitol illuminated at dusk on Capitol Hill ©Getty Jan 22, 2013

US: Economy treads water as parties close ranks over budget

Inability of system to settle policy questions threatens confidence, writes Richard McGregor

Xi Jinping, incoming president, left, and Li Keqiang, the incoming premier ©Reuters Jan 22, 2013

China: Old barriers in way of Xi’s bid for reform

Jamil Anderlini assesses the scope for change in politics and the economy

Middle East protests ©AP Roula Khalaf Jan 22, 2013

Middle East: Political upheaval widens gaps in two-speed region

Popular hopes for a return to normality have been frustrated, says Roula Khalaf

Jan 22, 2013

Eurozone: Unemployment and low growth remain bloc’s big challenge

There is little scope for extra stimulus to help the continent out of recession, writes Michael Steen

Indian labourers sew dresses at the April Cornell clothing factory in Noida ©AFP Jan 22, 2013

India: Factory owners urged to raise ambitions for export success

Economists say labour and land reforms are key to releasing economic potential and stimulating investment, writes Victor Mallet

Goodluck Jonathan (left) and Jacob Zuma ©EPA Jan 22, 2013

Africa: Continent’s twin poles on different trajectories

In spite of rivalry, South Africa and Nigeria have much to offer each other, says William Wallis

Protestors hold signs as they hold a demonstration outside of the Wells Fargo Bank shareholders meeting April 27, 2010 ©Getty Jan 22, 2013

Banking: Optimists may hope for a turn of sentiment after hard year

The twin issues of integrity and pay are likely to dog the sector, in spite of signs that growth is returning, reports Patrick Jenkins

Muse, the brain sensing headband, showing brain waves of the wearer ©EPA Jan 22, 2013

Technology: Unplugged era changes the way we interact with gadgets

Hardware is losing its primacy to software and services as consumers engage with the user experience, writes Chris Nuttall

In this July 24, 2005, file photo, overall leader Lance Armstrong signals seven for his seventh straight win in the Tour de France ©AP Jan 22, 2013

Sport: Armstrong revelations refocus attention on playing the game

Roger Blitz looks at past scandals and why morality and cheating must be confronted now

Jan 22, 2013

Science: Beyond the big bang, Martian manoeuvres and decoding DNA

Clive Cookson looks at discoveries on the wish lists of researchers for 2013

Jan 22, 2013

Trade: Regional ventures form part of new way forward

Progress this year is likely to be on a piecemeal basis, says James Politi

Jan 22, 2013

Philanthropy: Collaboration is key to getting more from less

Sarah Murray finds the foundations of success are changing

Jan 22, 2013

Climate: Progress at glacial pace in UN talks on emissions

With the economic superpowers deadlocked, some are looking to the private sector and individual countries for action, writes Pilita Clark