The best way to understand current affairs (The Economist)

Member Name: Sam H

Product:	The Economist
Date:	14/09/00 (32 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Unrivalled coverage of current affairs

Disadvantages: Keeping up with all the different stories can become a drag if you try to read everything

I originally took out a subscription to the Economist in order to help me with my Economics A-level. However, since then I have continued to read it for the excellent coverage of world politics and economics.

The main sections are the leaders (editorial opinion on five or six prominent issues), Britain, Europe, USA, the Americas, World (i.e. mostly Africa and the Middle East), Asia, Business, Finance & Economics, Science & Technology. This is prefaced by two summaries, also available by e-mail: "Politics this week" and "Economics this week"; and also a letters page, full of the contributions of ex-heads of state, the leaders of organisations such as the WTO and IMF, etc.

The style of writing is witty and occasionally verging on irreverence, but always respectful when deserved. The journalists are notable for their even-handedness and when they suggest a solution to a problem it is invariably a good one. The choice of topics covered in the articles is also good; it has a good mix of stories of international significance and those which are of only incidental interest to most people. However, in the Economist, even articles on urban regeneration in the American desert states become absorbing.

Alongside the regular sections, each week there are one or two "specials" on specific topics such as the American national debt, or civil rights in China. There are also sometimes surveys about issues - such as regulating the Internet - or about specific countries. Then there is the Economist review of books - published, if I recall correctly, every month. Finally, there is a section at the back ("Moreover") which covers diverse and esoteric topics like South African rap music, Egyptian films, or a book on French Romantic artists. You will also find detailed weekly statistics on a large number of economies at the back of the magazine (or newspaper, as it generally calls itself).

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