The Intelligence from The Economist
Division multiplication: the UAE’s foreign meddling
Apr 23, 2025
Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, and Moeka Iida, a Japan analyst for The Economist, delve into the UAE's enigmatic foreign policy, revealing its dual role as both mediator and supporter of regional militias, complicating its diplomatic image. They also discuss Japan's recent rice crisis, spotlighting farmer protests for better working conditions amid rising prices and climate issues. The conversation touches on the broader implications for food security and the delicate balance between government intervention and free market efficiency.
22:32
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The UAE maintains a façade of stability while secretly exacerbating regional conflicts through support for militia groups like Sudan's Rapid Support Forces.
- Recent discussions on personal pronouns highlight linguistic evolution and cultural tensions, emphasizing the natural adaptability of language over prescriptive rules.
Deep dives
Japan's Rice Crisis and Farmer Protests
Japan is currently facing a significant rice crisis characterized by skyrocketing prices and severe shortages, prompting government officials to tap into the National Strategic Rice Reserve. Farmers have protested against harsh working conditions and low pay, demanding better compensation, such as direct cash handouts. With the aging farming population and adverse climate conditions making rice production increasingly unpredictable, the protests highlight the deep impact of these challenges on the agricultural sector. The situation has garnered public attention, comparably likened to the egg crisis in America, as it symbolizes a wider cost of living issue affecting consumers.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
