The World in Brief from The Economist

Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, who had been convicted for illegally owning a gun and also faced several tax-related charges. Also, Russian and Syrian air forces intensified their attacks on Syrian rebels, who are advancing south after seizing most of Aleppo, the country’s second-biggest city.

Syrian and Russian jets bomb rebels; foe of the “deep state” to lead FBI, and more

Mr Trump threatened the world’s biggest developing countries with tariffs of 100% if they seek to dethrone the dollar as the currency of global business and trade.

China’s factory activity expanded for a second consecutive month in November

Russian warplanes joined Syrian armed forces in attacking rebels attempting to seize Aleppo.

Justin Trudeau, Canada’s prime minister, reportedly met Donald Trump, America’s president-elect, at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

Chad said it was leaving a defence pact with France, five years after signing a revised version of the deal because of growing threats from Islamic extremists

Chad said it was leaving a defence pact with France, five years after signing a revised version of the deal because of growing threats from Islamic extremists