They openly prioritise foreign affairs rather than sorting themselves out.
The UK has a bigger economy. With under half the same population. Without billions upon billions of energy sources.
On books, I don't get through many but tom holland is the best I've had recently.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Persian-Fir...hollandpersian one is very good.
I didn't have a clue about the subject before it but he is easy to read.
And roger crowley