Joining the discussion are Chris Lockwood, Europe editor for The Economist, who dives into the controversial decision to send cluster bombs to Ukraine, and Guy Scriven, US technology editor, analyzing the AI Early Adopters Index and the impact of AI on American businesses. They explore the ethical dimensions of military aid amidst NATO's differing views. Additionally, Philip Coggan, a former columnist, shares intriguing book recommendations centered on corporate scandals, shedding light on narratives behind high-profile fraud cases.
27:19
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
The West's Hesitation and Eventual Provision of Weapons to Ukraine
Ukraine and the West engage in a continuous back-and-forth regarding weapon systems.
The West initially hesitates but eventually provides Ukraine with increasingly advanced weaponry.
insights INSIGHT
Cluster Bombs: Functionality and Long-Term Threat
Cluster bombs scatter small bombs over a large area, causing widespread damage.
Unexploded bombs pose a long-term threat, similar to landmines, sometimes for decades.
insights INSIGHT
Current Use of Cluster Bombs in Ukraine
America and Ukraine are not part of the convention banning cluster bomb use.
Russia also uses cluster bombs in Ukraine, despite not signing the treaty.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Empire of Pain is a comprehensive and damning narrative about the Sackler family, who built their pharmaceutical empire through aggressive marketing and questionable ethics. The book traces the family's history from their early success with tranquilizers like Librium and Valium to the devastating impact of OxyContin, which contributed significantly to the opioid crisis. Keefe's work is based on extensive research and exposes the family's ruthless business tactics, their influence on medical and governmental bodies, and their attempts to evade accountability for the harm caused by their products.
Bad Blood
Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup
John Carreyrou
In 'Bad Blood', John Carreyrou chronicles the story of Theranos, a biotech startup founded by Elizabeth Holmes that claimed to have developed a revolutionary blood-testing technology. However, the technology did not work, and the company's success was built on deceit, intimidation, and manipulation. The book is based on extensive interviews with former employees and other individuals involved in the scandal, revealing the toxic company culture, the misuse of investor funds, and the risks posed to patients due to inaccurate blood test results. Carreyrou's investigation led to the exposure of Theranos's fraud, resulting in significant legal and financial consequences for the company and its leaders.
Money Men
A Hot Startup, A Billion Dollar Fraud, A Fight for the Truth
Dan McCrum
Money Men is the astonishing inside story of Wirecard's multi-billion-dollar fraud, Europe's biggest new tech darling revealed as a house of cards. Journalist Dan McCrum provides a gripping firsthand account of the investigation, detailing the setbacks, luck, and hard-edged tactics used against him. The book uncovers a world of short sellers, whistleblowers, pornographers, private militias, hackers, and spies, and reveals the intense pursuit and threats McCrum faced as he worked to expose the fraud.
Despite considerable opposition from allies in NATO, America has agreed to send them to Ukraine. The highly controversial munitions could speed up Ukraine’s counteroffensive, but at what cost? As excitement around AI continues to generate, our new index examines how American firms are deploying the tech (11:16). And, what to read to learn more about the juiciest corporate scandals (19:11).
For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer
The Intelligence from The Economist 
