Economics Observatory | Insights on the UK and global economy

What effects have energy sanctions had on Russia’s ability to wage war?

Despite facing unprecedented sanctions on its energy exports, Russia continues to earn hundreds of billions of dollars a year from oil and gas – directly funding military aggression in Ukraine. While sanctions have had a noticeable impact, they have failed to end the war.

Trade & supply chains

Sanctions effectiveness: what lessons three years into the war on Ukraine?

Western countries imposed extensive sanctions on Russia after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. But the measures were unilateral and piecemeal – and while they have been effective in disrupting the Russian economy, evasion and ‘trade deflection’ through third countries limits their impact.

Public spending, taxes & debt

Why do some people in the UK face marginal tax rates of over 60%?

Various adjustments to Britain’s tax and benefit system have created sharp spikes in marginal tax rates. Some families take home less than 40p of each extra pound they earn, blunting incentives to work or take promotions.

DATA HUB

Compliance with NATO defence guidelines

Which NATO members are meeting defence targets?

NATO’s 2% GDP & 20% equipment spending guidelines set the standard – Canada and Belgium are the only members failing to hit either target.

Click on the chart to read Ron Smith on UK strategic defence reviews.

Nations, regions & cities

What role could migration play in the reconstruction of Ukraine?

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has triggered the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II, with nearly six million Ukrainians displaced worldwide. This creates a critical challenge looking ahead to post-war reconstruction. With over 200,000 Ukrainians currently here in the UK, policy-makers must consider both the current needs of refugees and how the diaspora can help to support economic recovery in Ukraine.

MAGAZINE

Read the latest edition of our magazine here

With its fragmented production process, European defence procurement is inefficient and uncompetitive in comparison to the United States. A new approach, prioritising cross-country collaborations, could improve things, but would not be without its own challenges.

Jobs, work, pay & benefits

What do we know about the effects of military conscription?

Mounting national security threats have led a number of European countries to consider reinstating mandatory military service. Proponents argue that it would bolster national defence and boost citizenship among young people. But evidence on either effect is scarce or points to the opposite outcome.

Productivity & growth

How could falling birth rates reshape the global economy?

More than two-thirds of humanity now live in countries where fertility has fallen below the level needed for a stable population. This fundamental demographic shift is transforming economies, raising questions about ageing populations, shrinking workforces and the sustainability of welfare states.

Lessons from history

Can researchers predict conflicts and their consequences?

Wars have many economic, political and social consequences. From changes to technology, to the re-drawing of borders, to mass losses of life, conflicts shape human history. They are also extremely challenging to predict – both in terms of their causes and effects.

News

Baby bust

This week at the Economics Observatory, we explore issues around falling fertility and ageing populations – from why people in rich countries are having fewer children to the global economic consequences, and how demographic factors such as age shape wellbeing.

Attitudes, media & governance

How are geopolitical risks affecting the world economy?

Geopolitical risks posed by elections, polarisation and conflicts within and between states have inevitable knock-on effects on the economy, both globally and for individual countries. This year more than ever, managing these risks and shoring up institutions that promote stability are essential.

Health, physical & mental

How did Brexit affect the mental health of ethnic minority youth?

Research evidence suggests that the UK referendum on whether or not to remain in the European Union had uneven social consequences. Younger people from ethnic minorities living in areas of the country with stronger support for Brexit experienced a deterioration in their mental health after the vote.

Nations, regions & cities

Population ageing and decline: what policies might mitigate the downsides?

Along with the rest of the UK, Wales’s population is ageing and there is a real chance of population decline, posing significant risks to economic wellbeing. Policy-makers can learn from international evidence on boosting fertility, retaining population and attracting inward migrants.

Families & households

From costs to culture: what’s behind falling fertility in rich countries?

Fertility rates have fallen rapidly in the UK and other high-income countries in recent years. Education, economic uncertainty and changing gender roles are among the factors that have played a part. Keeping the combination of causes in mind is essential for designing effective policy responses.

Science, technology & innovation

Future shocked

From digital failures in the UK’s justice system to the Post Office tragedy and widespread anxiety about artificial intelligence across the world, the pace of technological change is testing the capacity of society’s core institutions to adapt and adopt.

All Answers