The absolute numbers remain troubling but a close look at statistics reveals that, across American cities, fewer people are being killed. That democracy is good for a country\u2019s economy is taken as orthodoxy\u2014but given the time and costs to make the transition, the reality is a bit more complicated (09:38). And why Britain\u2019s government is in hock to the country\u2019s hobbyists (15:38).
For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer