Chris Lockwood, The Economist's Europe editor, dives into the U.S. decision to supply controversial cluster bombs to Ukraine, sparking debates on military ethics and geopolitical strategies. Guy Scriven, the U.S. technology editor, discusses the exciting developments in AI adoption among American firms, likening its impact to that of electricity. Lastly, former columnist Philip Coggan shares must-read recommendations on riveting corporate scandals, shedding light on the implications of corporate deceit and investigative journalism.
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insights INSIGHT
Ukraine's Western Arms Dance
Ukraine and the West engage in a delicate dance regarding weapon systems.
The West expresses escalation fears but gradually supplies increasingly powerful weapons.
insights INSIGHT
Cluster Bomb Controversy
Cluster bombs are controversial due to unexploded ordnance remaining, posing long-term threats like landmines.
Ukrainians argue it's their territory, they'll handle cleanup, and it's crucial for expelling Russians.
insights INSIGHT
NATO Divided
America will supply cluster bombs to Ukraine despite opposition from several NATO members like Germany and Britain.
This creates tension within NATO, especially with the upcoming summit between Biden and Sunak.
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In 'Bad Blood', John Carreyrou chronicles the story of Theranos, a biotech startup founded by Elizabeth Holmes that claimed to have developed a revolutionary blood-testing technology. However, the technology did not work, and the company's success was built on deceit, intimidation, and manipulation. The book is based on extensive interviews with former employees and other individuals involved in the scandal, revealing the toxic company culture, the misuse of investor funds, and the risks posed to patients due to inaccurate blood test results. Carreyrou's investigation led to the exposure of Theranos's fraud, resulting in significant legal and financial consequences for the company and its leaders.
Empire of Pain
The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty
Ricard Gil
Patrick Radden Keefe
Empire of Pain is a comprehensive and damning narrative about the Sackler family, who built their pharmaceutical empire through aggressive marketing and questionable ethics. The book traces the family's history from their early success with tranquilizers like Librium and Valium to the devastating impact of OxyContin, which contributed significantly to the opioid crisis. Keefe's work is based on extensive research and exposes the family's ruthless business tactics, their influence on medical and governmental bodies, and their attempts to evade accountability for the harm caused by their products.
Money Men
A Hot Startup, A Billion Dollar Fraud, A Fight for the Truth
Dan McCrum
Money Men is the astonishing inside story of Wirecard's multi-billion-dollar fraud, Europe's biggest new tech darling revealed as a house of cards. Journalist Dan McCrum provides a gripping firsthand account of the investigation, detailing the setbacks, luck, and hard-edged tactics used against him. The book uncovers a world of short sellers, whistleblowers, pornographers, private militias, hackers, and spies, and reveals the intense pursuit and threats McCrum faced as he worked to expose the fraud.
Despite considerable opposition from allies in NATO, America has agreed to send them to Ukraine. The highly controversial munitions could speed up Ukraine’s counteroffensive, but at what cost? As excitement around AI continues to generate, our new index examines how American firms are deploying the tech (11:16). And, what to read to learn more about the juiciest corporate scandals (19:11).
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