The rise of singlehood is reshaping the world
In good ways and bad
For most of human history, coupling up was not merely a norm; it was a necessity. Before reliable contraception, women could not control their fertility, and most were far too poor to raise children alone. Hence the centuries-old convention that, whereas a tragic play or saga ends in death, a happy one ends in marriage.
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This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline “The great relationship recession”
From the November 8th 2025 edition
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America’s plans for a Golden Dome are dangerously obscure
Without clarity, the missile shield risks becoming a costly, destabilising white elephant
Nigel Farage’s newfound fiscal prudence is welcome, if unproven
Britain’s leading populist says he won’t cut taxes dramatically after all
America should not push other countries to adopt the dollar
More dollarisation would be a double-edged sword
China’s clean-energy revolution will reshape markets and politics
The world’s biggest manufacturer now has an interest in the world decarbonising
Democrats risk drawing the wrong lessons from one good day
Moderate governors offer a better model than a charming socialist in New York
The Trump administration’s approach to global health is flawed but fixable
America First need not put Africans last
