Russia keeps defying predictions of economic doom. The country has survived sanctions, and expensive oil caused by fighting in the Middle East has boosted its GDP. Recently, however, a chorus of economists has identified new weaknesses. Our analysis shows why Vladimir Putin can fund his war machine for a while longer.

Ten years ago today Britons had a brief, painful bout of direct democracy. The result, Brexit, has brought myriad day-to-day annoyances. And Britain has failed to pursue the growth-enhancing deregulation that small-state Brexiteers promised. It’s not all bad news though: puffins and lobsters are unquestionably better off. Our article looks at the ways in which the country has changed in a decade.

And on today’s Inside Defense show, we ask: is Germany war-ready? You can watch our interview with Lieutenant General Christian Freuding, the country’s army chief, from 6pm London time.