The Economist - March 28th to April 3rd 2026

A collection of key vocabulary and definitions from the latest issue of The Economist, covering various global political, economic, and social issues.

Bering Sea

Body of water separating Asia and North America, historically relevant during explorations.

Brown v. Board of Education

1954 landmark Supreme Court case that declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional.

Energy Bail-outs

Financial support provided by governments to energy companies during crises, often criticized for causing more harm than good.

Asymmetric Warfare

Tactics employed by a weaker force to counter a stronger opponent by unconventional means, such as missile and drone tactics used by Iran.

Antitrust Policy

Regulations that promote competition and restrict monopolistic practices in the market, relevant in discussions about European merger rules.

AI Diffusion

The spread of artificial intelligence technologies across various sectors, emphasizing China's advancements in the AI race.

Maritime Chokepoints

Strategic waterways where the flow of commerce can be throttled, important in discussions regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

Cordon Sanitaire

A political strategy to ostracize extreme parties, which has faced criticism for pushing populism into mainstream politics.

Custody of Infants Act

1839 UK law that allowed mothers to petition for custody of their children, marking a significant step in women’s rights.

Digital Services Act

European legislation aimed at regulating online digital services, especially concerning user safety and platform accountability.

Expat Economy

Economic trends and conditions affecting expatriates, with rising numbers of Westerners leaving their home countries for better opportunities.

Strait of Hormuz

A crucial maritime chokepoint controlling oil shipments; its security is often linked to geopolitical tensions involving Iran.

Social Media Regulation

Increasing scrutiny and potential regulation affecting social networks due to concerns over mental health impacts and user safety.

AI Masterplan 2030

China's ambitious plan to dominate technological fields, particularly in AI and robotics, by 2030.

De Beers

A major player in the diamond industry, which Botswana seeks to gain a larger stake in to increase its influence and revenue.

Iran Nuclear Program

Refers to Iran's initiatives regarding uranium enrichment and its potential to develop nuclear weapons, central to current geopolitical tensions.

The Gilded Age

A period in the late 19th century characterized by economic growth and stark inequalities in wealth, leading to social reform movements.

Drone Warfare

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles in military operations, increasingly seen in conflicts such as the one in Ukraine.

Economic Inflation

The general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money, currently influenced by rising energy costs due to conflicts.