The country's roaring exports contributed to a growing current-account surplus, which exceeded 10% of its GDP in 2007 (see chart 3).

ECONOMIST: Exports

The current U.S. astronaut aboard Mir, Mike Foale, has put on a happy face despite the setbacks, but CNN has been told a lack of oxygen and a surplus of carbon dioxide may have contributed to a series of onboard mistakes which threatened the health of the station and could have killed the crew.

CNN: Continued U.S. participation questioned

And while domestic demand in surplus economies flags, the imbalances that have contributed to the current crisis will not right themselves, and will encourage protectionism.

ECONOMIST: Why China and Germany need to do more to boost demand