The Intelligence from The Economist Stimulating discussion: policy responses to covid-19
Mar 12, 2020
Duncan Weldon, Britain’s economics correspondent, shares insights on government strategies to cushion economies against COVID-19, including a hefty £30bn stimulus. Shoshank Joshi, The Economist's defence editor, dives into the rise of laser weapons, discussing both their potential military advantages and historical challenges. They also take a moment to celebrate the anniversary of 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy,' exploring its comedic yet profound insights on life amid the ongoing pandemic.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Global Economic Response
- Governments worldwide are using fiscal and monetary policies to combat the economic shock of the pandemic.
- These policies aim to support households and businesses, especially small businesses facing demand hits.
Coordinated Policy Response
- Coordinate policy responses across countries for greater impact, as learned during the 2008-2009 financial crisis.
- A coordinated approach amplifies the effectiveness of individual actions.
Early Laser Weapon Challenges
- Early attempts at laser weapons faced significant challenges.
- A 17-ton laser mounted on a Boeing 747, using toxic chemicals, was deemed a failed experiment.
