The Economist explains

How quickly can Russia rebuild its tank fleet?

It has one tank factory, and is increasingly reliant on refurbishing old models

A man looks at russian T-72 tank destroyed during Russia's invasion to Uktaine, Ivanivka village, Chernihiv area, Ukraine, 20 April 2022 (Photo by Maxym Marusenko/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Image: Getty Images

From the March 4th 2023 edition

Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents

Explore the edition

More from The Economist explains

 English: Portrait of Santa Claus, by Thomas Nast, Published in Harper's Weekly, 1881

Where does Santa come from?

How a miracle-working Greek bishop, Dutch folk figure and early New York icon became the ubiquitous symbol of Christmas

 Islamist-led Syrian rebel fighters shoot in the air in the early hours of December 8, 2024, after taking over the central city of Homs overnight.

Who are the main rebel groups in Syria?

They were united against the country’s dictator. Now they have little in common


Close-up of chrysotile asbestos fibers on a gloved hand.

Is RFK junior right to say America allows more toxins than the EU?

He is, but things are slowly beginning to change


What would it cost to kill coal?

The price of shutting down coal power, and what would be gained

Should America ban fluoride in its drinking water?

The idea by Robert F. Kennedy junior—nominated by Donald Trump as health secretary—may have teeth

Why is Donald Trump keen to use “recess appointments”?

The president-elect is testing the loyalty of the Senate’s next majority leader