When the levy doesn’t break: a trade-war world adjusts
Mar 13, 2025
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In this discussion, Rajan Ashambog, Business Affairs Editor at The Economist, delves into the intensifying trade war and its implications for global markets. He analyzes how the recent uptick in tariffs might affect investor sentiment and the American economy. Shifting gears, the conversation also touches on the rising influence of hard-right parties in Europe, particularly in Germany, and how these political changes are reshaping societal perspectives. Lastly, Ashambog unpacks the surprising significance of language during key life moments.
The rise of hard-right parties in Europe is fueled by economic insecurities and cultural anxieties, reshaping the political landscape despite strategic barriers to their governance.
New research reveals that both first and last words are socially constructed and reflect cultural influences, challenging traditional views on their significance in communication.
Deep dives
The Impact of Written Communication on Professional Productivity
Professionals dedicate nearly half their workweek to written communication, highlighting its critical role in productivity. Tools like Grammarly serve as AI writing partners, providing real-time suggestions that enhance clarity and confidence across various apps and websites. The vast majority of users, around 93%, report increased efficiency in their work due to these digital writing aids. This underscores the importance of effective communication in the modern workplace, where the quality of writing can significantly affect performance and outcomes.
Political Shifts and the Rise of the Hard Right in Europe
The rise of hard right parties in Europe has been noteworthy, with parties like the Alternative for Germany gaining unprecedented voter shares. Economic insecurity stemming from globalization and crises has made these parties appealing, as they link economic and cultural anxieties to their political narratives. Despite significant support, hard right parties often struggle to gain power due to strategic barriers, with mainstream parties forming coalitions to prevent their governance. This dynamic reflects not only the changing political landscape but also the challenges facing traditional political frameworks in addressing voter concerns.
Cultural Perspectives on First and Last Words
The cultural significance of first and last words is challenged by new insights that highlight their similarities rather than differences. A range of global practices reveals that first words are often socially constructed, influenced by cultural expectations and parental desires. Similarly, the final words spoken by individuals nearing death can reflect the deterioration of language skills, contrasting with traditional beliefs about their profound nature. The nuances of how language is perceived at both ends of life underscore the broader social and cultural contexts shaping communication.
The Trump administration’s dedication to tariffs now seems more fervent than the first time around. Markets are noticing. We ask what might temper the trade war. Europe’s once-fringe hard-right parties are now leading polls, even if not yet leading governments; we look at where things are headed (11:07). And tackling the mythology behind people’s very first and very last words (16:47).