Russia appears close to agreeing a deal to revise the anti-ballistic missile treaty - lifting its objections to an American system of missile defence.

BBC: Shanghai showcase

When the US embarked in the 1950s on the construction of the 42, 795-mile National System of Interstate and Defence Highways, Americans applauded.

BBC: Killer on the road: why mass murderers haunt US highways

There is also a more subtle defence of the American political system: the hazing defence.

ECONOMIST: A hard day’s night | The