3 articles
Iran's economy is surprisingly thriving amidst its ongoing war, with the IRGC gaining significant power and oil revenues increasing. Sanctions intended to weaken the regime have backfired, and China's role in bypassing these restrictions is crucial. The war's impact on ordinary Iranians, however, remains a significant concern.
Reports from Russia indicate a troubling shift towards a war economy, where educational institutions are being repurposed for defense manufacturing and officials allegedly exploit land programs. Teenagers are reportedly being channeled into drone factories, while public services and infrastructure show signs of decay amid increased military spending.
Russia's war economy is proving sustainable under current sanctions, relying on high export revenues and a contract army to maintain societal stability. However, this resilience hinges on the West refraining from increasing sanctions and keeping key maritime trade routes open.
