Argentina's presidential frontrunner, a libertarian right-winger, discusses his drastic plans to shrink the state and turn the country around. The podcast also explores the clash in Berlin between Germany's autobahn and techno music, as well as the importance of preserving biodiversity and the launch of The Economist's Podcast Plus.
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Quick takeaways
Javier Millet, a libertarian right-winger, has emerged as a front-runner in Argentina's presidential election, potentially signaling a shift away from traditional left-wing parties and a desire for more drastic solutions to the country's economic crisis.
The debate over expanding Germany's Autobahn reflects the tension between infrastructure development and the preservation of cultural spaces, highlighting the impact on local communities and the clash between modernization and cultural identity.
Deep dives
Argentina's Presidential Election: A Shift to the Right
In Argentina's upcoming presidential election, Javier Millet, a libertarian right-winger, has emerged as a front-runner, signaling a potential shift away from the traditional left-wing parties that have ruled the country for decades. The economic crisis in Argentina, characterized by high inflation, currency devaluation, and rising poverty, has fueled a desire for more drastic solutions. Millet, known for his right-wing libertarian beliefs, proposes shrinking the size of the government, cutting public spending, privatizing state companies, and reducing or eliminating taxes. While his proposals have received both support and skepticism, the election remains wide open.
The Battle in Berlin Over Autobahn Expansion
A plan to expand the Autobahn in Berlin, Germany's renowned highway system, has faced opposition from residents, including music lovers who protest the destruction of technoclubs along the highway's path. The expansion of the A100 highway would not only tear apart residential areas but also disrupt Berlin's club culture. The debate centers around the need for infrastructure development versus the preservation of cultural spaces and concerns about climate change. The fight reflects the ongoing tension between modernization and the impact on local communities and cultural identity.
Conserving Biodiversity: Lessons from Noah's Ark and Economics
When it comes to conservation efforts and preserving biodiversity, economist Martin Weitzman proposes a thought experiment: which animals should be saved in a modern-day Noah's Ark scenario? Weitzman argues that conserving one species with shared genetic information is more effective than attempting to save multiple highly endangered species. This prioritization maximizes the preservation of genetic information and ecosystem services. However, caution is necessary, as biodiversity also provides insurance against risks such as the vulnerability of a single species to viruses or other threats. Striking a balance between preserving biodiversity and the benefits to humanity remains crucial.
The libertarian right-winger is leading in the polls, a surprise for a country that has typically leaned left. He has drastic plans to shrink the state. Could he turn the country around? Why Germany’s highway system and techno lovers have come to a crossroads (11:22). And, a Noah’s-Ark-inspired economic theory of conservation made pertinent by the threat of climate change (19:59).
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