If Ukraine is to have any chance, it needs arms. Part of the reason that it's not getting these faster is a sort of reluctance on the part of its backers in the West because they're worried about escalation from Russia. But there's another reason as well, which is, I think, even more worrying, which is that the defense industries of the West are really not equipped for the strategic realities of the 21st century. In a way, this war is a wake-up call for weapons procurement in the West.
President Joe Biden’s riposte to the bellicose speech of his counterpart Vladimir Putin was a study in contrast. We examine their views on Ukraine and ask how a lasting peace could be secured. We speak with an exiled Chinese blogger trying to get the truth about that conflict into his homeland. And why the young are leaving Japan to seek greater fortunes abroad.
For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer