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The Intelligence from The Economist

Up and atom: can Trump stop Iranian nukes?

Nov 20, 2024
Greg Karlstrom, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, discusses the potential implications of Donald Trump's return to presidency on Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He examines the precarious balance of U.S.-Iran relations and the consequences of the torn nuclear deal. Meanwhile, Jason Chow sheds light on China's aggressive policies to increase birth rates amidst demographic challenges, describing officials' sometimes invasive strategies. They also touch on the competitive sneaker wars, where brands like Nike and Adidas navigate shifting consumer preferences.
24:39

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • China's invasive tactics on fertility reflect a drastic societal shift towards state control over personal life and family values.
  • The U.S. faces renewed challenges with Iran's nuclear ambitions as Donald Trump's potential return could alter diplomatic dynamics significantly.

Deep dives

The Shift in China's Reproductive Policies

China has witnessed a demographic crisis as the birthrate has plummeted to an average of 1.1 children per woman, far below the required 2.1 for population stability. To combat this decline, the government is adopting unconventional methods like invasive phone campaigns asking women about their reproductive plans, highlighting a shift in societal values and state control over personal lives. Traditional incentives such as child tax credits and maternity subsidies are being introduced alongside efforts to foster a cultural change that emphasizes marriage and family, as sought by Chinese leaders. Critics argue that these measures might not resonate well with a modern population that values privacy and is disillusioned by the government's intrusive approach.

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