UK
Britain is going through a difficult time, when its sustained ability to punch above its weight, economically and diplomatically, is ebbing. The end of irrational exuberance found the country ill at ease with itself, with rising inequalities and unhealthy nationalism, just when it needs to be fleet-footed in recognising that many of the traditional pillars of its strengths have changed. The need is to recognise other supports and partners and find a new common purpose after the pandemic. I live in hope.
2010, year of moving sideways ?
2009 was not as bad as it might have been, due largely to fiscal and monetary stimulus never before seen. Stability seems the result, even in the labour market. However, the risk is weak recovery and that 2010 is worse than expected. The champagne cork pressure behind pumping up public expenditure and keeping interest rates at record lows will be released, though hopefully in a manageable way. So fasten your seatbelts, but put your foot on the accelerator... You can read the views of manchester's best "experts" here