In this discussion, Andrew Knox, a writer for The Economist specializing in extremism, examines the rise of far-right groups in America leveraging the pandemic to spread their ideologies. He highlights troubling instances of violence and online recruitment tactics. Mark Johnson, The Economist's China correspondent, contrasts this with the long-overdue governmental shift toward acknowledging mental health issues in China, detailing recent initiatives and ongoing challenges stemming from cultural stigmas. Together, they unpack these pressing societal issues.
Extremists are cropping up at protests and expanding their reach online. They see the pandemic as proof of their worldview, and as an opportunity to spread their messages. After systematically ignoring mental-health concerns for decades, China’s authorities are at last tackling the issue—somewhat. And lockdowns prove that Britain is a nation of gardeners. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe here www.economist.com/radiooffer