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Economist Podcasts

Ukraine reaction: Russia deploys North Koreans

Oct 29, 2024
Shashank Joshi, Defense editor for The Economist, shares insights on the military dynamics in Ukraine, particularly the impact of North Korean troop support for Russia. Tom Easton, Mumbai bureau chief, highlights the hurdles facing U.S. citizens voting from abroad, uncovering bureaucratic snags and the integrity of mail-in ballots. Meanwhile, Britain correspondent Catherine Nixie dissect the quirks of the British citizenship test, discussing its strange focus on customs and the challenges for newcomers. It's a deep dive into global democracy and military strategies!
25:14

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Ukraine's military faces significant attrition from Russian advances, revealing critical challenges in maintaining defense efforts and manpower levels.
  • Voting access issues in the U.S. highlight complex barriers for citizens abroad, undermining America's credibility in promoting global democratic participation.

Deep dives

Challenges in Voting Access

Voting access in the United States has become increasingly significant, especially considering the potential outcomes of elections and the philosophical ideals surrounding democracy. Despite the government’s efforts to enhance voter registration and accessibility, many Americans, even those residing abroad, face complex hurdles in the voting process. For example, one correspondent experienced a convoluted attempt to vote from India, involving mix-ups with mail-in ballots and lack of assistance from consular staff. This scenario highlights not only the individual struggles faced by voters but also casts doubt on the U.S.'s credibility when advocating for democratic participation globally.

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