The Intelligence from The Economist
Spies isn’t everything: Putin’s global-chaos machine
Oct 21, 2024
Shoshan Joshi, Defense editor and expert on Russia, joins Callum Williams, Senior economics writer focused on government efficiency, and Maria Vilcek, News editor with a flair for culinary trends. They delve into Russia's chaotic global tactics and their attempts at destabilizing democracies. The discussion also critiques how rising government spending has led to inefficiencies, with a candid suggestion of raising taxes. Plus, they explore the cultural shift in Britain as baked beans face stiff competition from alternative proteins.
24:30
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Quick takeaways
- Russia's aggressive global tactics, including disinformation campaigns and sabotage, challenge Western intelligence agencies and democratic integrity.
- Inefficiencies in wealthy governments, despite increased social spending, raise concerns about resource allocation and public service effectiveness.
Deep dives
Government Inefficiency Amidst Expansion
Many rich world governments have expanded significantly, now accounting for about 40% of GDP, yet they have become increasingly less efficient. This paradox highlights that increased spending on social welfare and safety nets has not translated into improved public services or effective bureaucracies. For instance, despite promises of a robust infrastructure overhaul in the U.S., infrastructure spending has actually decreased since 2021. Similarly, the UK's National Health Service, while receiving more funding annually, has shown signs of decline, indicating a systemic inefficiency that raises questions about government resource allocation.
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