– On the cover: The world is facing an upsurge of proliferation. To stop it, nuclear powers need to act: leader, page 9. There has not been a new nuclear state since Who’s next? Briefing, page 16

– The folly of Buy American President Joe Biden’s protectionism sullies his economic agenda: leader, page 10. His executive order may not have its intended effect, page 59

– Europe’s vaccine nationalism: Fussy decision-making has slowed Europe’s roll-out of covid-19 jabs—and threatens its economy: leader, page 10.

– Delays in delivery are causing tempers to flare and timetables to slip, page 39

• Can Boeing still fly? The American planemaker may need government help to survive: Schumpeter, page 56