10 must-read economics stories of the week

A list of some of the week’s most interesting stories on economic growth and social inclusion.

1. Facts and figures. In some of the world’s poorest countries in sub-Saharan Africa, average heights have started to fall. This may be driven by falling levels of childhood nutrition since the end of Africa’s colonial era. However, a rise in education and income per capita suggests that average heights could start to rebound, also leading to greater prosperity. (The Financial Times)

2. Ending violent extremism and the rise of IS requires a new partnership among all stakeholders in the Middle East and beyond, resting on inclusivity, pluralism and economic opportunities for the disenfranchised youth. (The Guardian)

3. Italy’s banks are under duress. How big is the threat of financial contagion and what does it mean for Europe? (Knowledge@Wharton)

4. A look at China’s economic history can tell us a great deal about its present. (BloombergView)

5. Michel Barnier will lead the EU Brexit talks. What does this mean for the UK’s exit process? (Reuters)

6. These 7 factors should be taken into account by developing countries to achieve sustained high growth amid global economic and technological headwinds. (Project Syndicate)

7. What’s behind the recent backlash against globalization and how can it be addressed? (The Economist)

8. Consider this brief history of modern inequality. (World Economic Forum)

9. A new study by the World Economic Forum examines the effectiveness and use of risk-mitigation instruments in infrastructure investments, identifying opportunities to accelerate such investments in emerging and developing economies. (World Economic Forum)

10. In case you missed it. A new White Paper published on the occasion of the UN High-Level Political Forum in New York analyses how the mining sector can help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. (World Economic Forum)