Economist Podcasts

Shah caller: Iran’s protests are different this time

107 snips
Jan 9, 2026
Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, provides insight into the evolving protests in Iran, highlighting a shift from 'Women Life Freedom' to economic discontent fueled by high inflation and corruption. Shashank Joshi, Defence editor, discusses China's military strategies, specifically its tactics against Taiwan and rising tensions with Japan. Anne Rowe honors Nuno Lurero, a physicist tragically killed, sharing his passion for fusion energy and impact on colleagues. Each segment offers a unique lens on global unrest and scientific loss.
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INSIGHT

New Protest Demographics Change The Stakes

  • Recent protests in Iran are driven mainly by jobless young men rather than middle-class women seen in 2022.
  • This shift makes the movement harder for the regime to placate with social concessions alone.
INSIGHT

Regime Has Few Quick Economic Fixes

  • The Iranian state can resort to repression but lacks quick economic fixes to calm unrest this time.
  • Without easy concessions, the regime faces a deeper political bind and fewer short-term options.
INSIGHT

Economic Collapse Fueled By Structure And Sanctions

  • Iran's currency collapse and soaring food inflation are key drivers of the unrest.
  • Structural corruption and control by the Revolutionary Guard and clerical foundations amplify the economic pain.
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