Economist Podcasts
Iron Curtain call: Mikhail Gorbachev
Aug 31, 2022
Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor for The Economist, discusses Mikhail Gorbachev's unintended role in the Soviet Union's collapse and the polarized views of his legacy in modern Russia. Simon Wright sheds light on the electric vehicle industry's rapid growth, emphasizing looming challenges in battery manufacturing and material sourcing. Fiametta Rocco takes listeners on a journey to Michael Heiser's monumental sculpture 'City' in Nevada, exploring its artistic impact and the evolution of land art.
26:15
Episode guests
AI Summary
Highlights
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Gorbachev's reforms unintentionally led to Soviet Union's collapse due to underlying propaganda and repression.
- Challenges in electric vehicle production stem from battery demand surpassing manufacturing capacities and raw material sourcing issues.
Deep dives
Mikhail Gorbachev's Rise to Power and Leadership in the Soviet Union
Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union, implemented reforms that led to the collapse of the Soviet Empire. Despite being relatively unknown initially, Gorbachev's background in a peasant family influenced his rejection of violence and his quest for modernization. He focused on economic reforms initially, aiming to make the nation more modern, which later expanded to include political restructuring and fostering socialism with a human face, emphasizing the well-being of ordinary Russians.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
