Why does the left keep losing? Is terrorism rising? And other top stories of the week

Why the left keeps losing. Politics is more than economics.

If America steps back from global leadership, China may step in.

Forget the automation jobs apocalypse. Robots will push us to more ‘human’ work.

Is terrorism on the rise? Hard data has hard answers for developed countries.

Embedding empathy into business. It helps these 10 giants outperform.

Speedo diplomacy. A swimmer on a mission helped create the largest protected wilderness area.

As the world ages, what can societies expect? Geriatric hoodlums, if Japan’s experience is anything to go by.

Worried about algorithms controlling your news? This scientist thinks one controls your brain.

Do markets cause growth? Historians have an answer that may surprise you.

Pathological altruism. Can you have too much of a good thing? Researchers think so.

Egypt needs to transform its economy. The Global Competitiveness Report helps show why. (Financial Times)

Which countries have the best school systems? More coverage of the Global Competitiveness Report. (Independent)

The second female leader matters more than the first. Cites the Global Gender Gap Report. (Chicago Tribune)

African palm oil producers sign deal to protect forests. Quotes Forum head of public-private partnerships. (allafrica.com)

Malaysia aims to build a digital economy. The Forum’s Networked Readiness Index shows the potential. (New Straits Times)