Economist Podcasts

Don’t spend it all at once: Pakistan and the IMF

May 15, 2019
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.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Pakistan's IMF Reliance

  • Pakistan's reliance on IMF bailouts reflects unsustainable economic policies and a cycle of debt.
  • The IMF's intervention, while necessary, often leads to unpopular austerity measures.
ANECDOTE

Economic Team Shake-Up

  • Prime Minister Imran Khan replaced his economic team amidst criticism.
  • The new central bank head, a former IMF official, sparked controversy in Pakistan.
INSIGHT

IMF Leniency

  • The IMF's leniency towards Pakistan, due to geopolitical concerns, might disincentivize fiscal discipline.
  • This dynamic creates a political game between the IMF and Pakistan.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app