Economist Podcasts Deaths spiral: America’s spike in murders
Apr 7, 2021
Idris Kaloun, a Washington correspondent for The Economist, delves into the alarming spike in America's murder rates, exploring the socioeconomic factors driving this surge amidst the pandemic. Tim Judah, the Balkans correspondent, contrasts this with Serbia's successful COVID-19 vaccination rollout, showcasing how effective public health strategies can prevail despite broader European challenges. They also discuss the impact of the pandemic on work culture, raising questions about work hours and the pursuit of happiness.
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Murder Spike Factors
- The pandemic and racial justice protests likely contributed to a significant rise in US murders.
- This increase reversed a 25-year decline in violent crime.
Unique American Trend
- The 2020 murder rate increase (25-30%) was the largest in half a century, reversing a long decline.
- This rise seems unique to America, unlike other countries with strict lockdowns.
City-Specific Increases
- Murders increased across the US, even in small towns, but the rise was worse in big cities.
- Chicago saw a 56% increase, New York 45%, and the Bay Area 36%.