Britain: The G8's First Bankruptcy?

I cannot forecast to you the action of Russia. It is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma; but perhaps there is a key. That key is Russian national interest.
- Winston Churchill, October 1939.

It is ironic that from a strictly economic point of view, the United Kingdom today appears more akin to the Russia of Joseph Stalin that was described by British statesman Winston Churchill in his memorable quote in 1939. Its economy is in the throes of its greatest financial crisis in over two generations, yet the UK shows unmatchable resolve in trying to crash and burn itself faster and with greater impact than any other political economy appears to be even contemplating.