Joel Budd, social policy editor at The Economist, dives into Pakistan's recent economic crisis and its 22nd bailout from the IMF. He discusses the socio-political implications of the bailout amid public discontent. The conversation shifts to global meat consumption trends, highlighting an increase in demand even as vegetarianism gains traction. Budd also explores cultural insights derived from French naming conventions, revealing social changes that numbers alone can’t illustrate. It’s a fascinating juxtaposition of economy, diet, and identity.
The International Monetary Fund has struck another deal to bail out Pakistan—its 22nd. But how did the country’s economy end up in such a mess? Never mind rising numbers of vegetarians: the world is eating more meat, and in a way, that’s a good thing. And, how French names reveal social trends that census data cannot.