The Intelligence: Alice Weidel’s alternative plan for Germany
Dec 21, 2023
auto_awesome
Alice Weidel, co-leader of the Alternative for Germany, discusses the rise of right-wing populism in Germany. The podcast also explores a new reusable missile system and shares quirky segments including Christmas shopping and influencer boxing.
Alice Weidel's Alternative for Germany party is gaining popularity and reshaping German politics with its focus on secure borders and criticizing immigration policies.
Andoril's new reusable missile called Roadrunner aims to disrupt the defense industry by offering customizable payloads and cost savings through recovery.
Deep dives
The Rise of the Alternative for Germany Party
Alice Weidel, the co-leader of Germany's Alternative for Germany (AFD) Party, has been gaining popularity and reshaping German politics. Despite the AFD having a small presence in the German Parliament, recent polls show a doubling in national voting intentions for the party since Weidel became the leader. She advocates for secure borders and criticizes what she considers to be irresponsible immigration policies. With important upcoming elections, including for the European Parliament and several German states, Weidel's party is expected to perform well.
Roadrunner: The Reusable Missile
Andoril, a California-based startup, has developed a new range of reusable missiles called Roadrunner. Unlike traditional missiles that are single-use, Roadrunner can be launched and recovered, potentially saving costs if interceptors aren't needed. The payload on Roadrunner can be customized with different sensors or high-explosive warheads. While its cost is currently higher compared to some existing systems, Roadrunner aims to challenge traditional defense industry players and disrupt the industry with innovative approaches.
The Influence of Car Size and Ice Cream Flavors
Car preferences and the size of car models differ across regions and reflect cultural differences. While Europeans favor smaller, compact cars like the Peugeot 208, Americans have a preference for larger vehicles like the Ford F-150 truck. The difference in car sizes mirrors the cultural mindset of European simplicity versus American empowerment and spaciousness. In another quirky segment, taste tests revealed unusual ice cream flavors like cheese-flavored ice cream, highlighting the creativity and variety in the ice cream industry.
Our Berlin bureau chief sits down with the increasingly popular co-leader of the Alternative for Germany, the furthest-right of the country’s seven main political parties. How viable are her policy plans? The startup behind a reusable missile that could change American warfare (10:08). And, the quirkiest segments we have run in 2023 (18:31).
For a limited time, visit economist.com/gift to redeem 30% off of gift subscriptions to our print and digital editions
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.