Hello and welcome to the Intelligence from the Economist.

In London, I'm Jason Palmer.

And in New York, I'm John Fassman.

Every weekday, we provide a fresh perspective on the events

shaping your world.

Every year, the Economist's culture section

reviews hundreds of books.

Our correspondence read hundreds more in the course of their work.

Here are favorites from 2022.

And rounding out the best of series,

we take a look at the best video games of the year.

From the fantastical to the historical to the, well,

to the world's first trombone-based rhythm game.

But first.

December is littered with celebratory events,

end of your work parties, Christmas, new years.

But one event towers above them all.

The Economist's country of the year contest.

See, every year, our global staff of correspondence

and editors asks which country has improved the most

in the previous year.

There are often several countries in serious contention

...