Attacks on vessels in the Red Sea threaten global trade; young Americans' misconceptions about the Holocaust; museums and NFTs
Read more
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
The attacks by Iran-backed Houthi militants in the Red Sea pose a significant threat to global trade and shipping due to the disruption of major shipping container companies and potential impact on oil supply.
A concerning knowledge gap exists among young Americans regarding the Holocaust, with a significant percentage believing it is a myth, potentially due to inadequate education and the influence of social media.
Deep dives
Growing Concerns over Rising Attacks in the Red Sea
There is a rising spate of attacks in the Red Sea, which is causing serious concern as it disrupts global trade. The Houthis, a militia group supported by Iran, have been launching anti-ship missiles and drones targeting ships passing through the Red Sea. This poses a significant threat to international shipping, as major shipping container companies have halted operations, affecting global container trade. The attacks are escalating, and there are fears that if the situation worsens, it could impact the nearby Arabian Sea, through which a significant amount of global oil supply passes.
Alarming Ignorance of the Holocaust among Young Americans
Young Americans show alarming ignorance about the Holocaust, as revealed by a recent poll conducted by The Economist and YouGov. Approximately 20% of young Americans aged 18-29 believe that the Holocaust is a myth, with another 30% unsure about its authenticity. These numbers are significantly higher than in older age groups, with 0% of respondents aged 65 and older considering the Holocaust a myth. The reasons for this knowledge gap among younger individuals are not definitive, but potential factors include inadequate education and the influence of social media, where conspiracy theories can thrive.
NFTs Find a Place in Museum Collections
Despite the decline in popularity of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in the market, museums are increasingly incorporating NFTs into their collections. Major institutions such as the Whitney Museum, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York have acquired NFTs. While some museums have been cautious and selective, curators recognize the artistic merit of NFT-based works. This shift signifies a move beyond the novelty of NFTs and marks a broader acceptance and appreciation for digital art in the institutional art world.
In response to the war in Gaza, Iran-backed Houthi militants are attacking vessels along the key shipping route. If it continues, the consequences could upend global trade. Why do so many young Americans think that the Holocaust is a myth (09:51)? And, how museums are finding some value in NFTs (14:40).
Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
Podcast transcripts are available upon request at podcasts@economist.com. We are committed to improving accessibility even further and are exploring new ways to expand our podcast-transcript offering.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode