Join Oliver Carroll, a correspondent in Kiev, and Kate Parker, a Latin America expert, as they dive into the ongoing war in Ukraine. Carroll reveals how Russia is leveraging political rifts to gain an advantage. Meanwhile, Parker discusses a drought-induced crisis in the Panama Canal, predicting a rise in global trade costs. The duo also touches on the importance of preserving Britain's heritage pig breeds by encouraging sustainable consumer choices. It's a compelling blend of international insights and agricultural advocacy.
Russia's advantage in the Ukraine conflict stems from its ability to mobilize industry, recruit manpower, and garner global allies.
The severe drought in the Panama Canal has resulted in decreased ship transits, higher shipping costs, and the need for water efficiency and alternative sources.
Deep dives
The Ukraine-Russia conflict and the challenges for Ukraine's victory
The Ukraine-Russia conflict is at a critical stage, with the potential for a Putin victory becoming more possible than ever. Winning in this context is about perception, morale, and endurance. Russia has managed to mobilize its industry, ramping up production and consolidating the production of drones and loitering munitions. Ukraine, on the other hand, has not been able to mobilize in the same way, with criticism directed at its leadership. Russia's ability to recruit manpower from the poorest and even prison populations gives them an advantage. Additionally, Russia has garnered support from global allies, while Ukraine's fatigue and internal political struggles weaken its position.
The impact of drought on the Panama Canal and global shipping
The Panama Canal is facing a severe drought, resulting in a decrease in the number of ships that can transit. The canal's locks require fresh water to function, and the reservoirs that supply it have reached all-time lows due to the lack of rain. As a result, the canal authority has been reducing the number of ships allowed to pass daily, leading to a backlog of ships waiting to transit and higher shipping costs. The drought also poses risks to the ships themselves, as lower water levels increase the likelihood of cargo-carrying vessels scraping the bottom of the canal. Efforts to increase water efficiency and explore additional water sources are underway, but they face challenges and will take time to implement.
The decline of rare pig breeds in Britain and efforts to preserve them
The large white pig, a breed favored for industrial pig farming, has led to the decline and near extinction of many other pig breeds in Britain. The government's push for efficiency and the focus on a single breed have resulted in the loss of diverse pig populations. Some rare breeds now face critically low numbers, with only a handful of breeding females remaining. However, a small but growing market for these rare breeds has emerged, driven by their distinct taste and the desire to preserve genetic diversity. Farmers are finding innovative ways to market and sell these breeds, turning them into brands and ensuring their survival.
Even before America’s tussle over funding Ukraine’s war effort, it seemed as if Russia was gaining the upper hand—by exploiting Ukraine’s widening political cracks. A drought-induced traffic jam in the Panama Canal will only get worse in the coming dry season, and consumer-price rises look inevitable (10:42). And to save Britain’s heritage pig breeds, consumers should eat more of them (17:48).
Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.