Economist Podcasts A tax or attacks: how the Houthis fund themselves
10 snips
Jan 22, 2025 
Corbyn Duncan, a Global correspondent for The Economist, shares insights on how Houthi rebels in Yemen fund their operations through extortion, impacting global trade dynamics. Ore Ogunbiyi, covering the rise of a Ghanaian rum distillery, showcases the revival of local spirits and culture. Meanwhile, Alex Hearn discusses China's rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, highlighting the competitive landscape against America's dominance. This session delves into the intertwining of geopolitics, innovation, and cultural heritage.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Houthi Toll Road
- The Houthis offer safe passage through the Bab al-Mandab Strait for a price, creating a toll road for trade.
- This unconventional system involves emailing the group and receiving a pass, highlighting a peculiar aspect of modern conflict.
Geopolitical Impact of Houthi Attacks
- Houthi attacks in the Bab al-Mandab Strait disrupt global trade, diverting traffic and increasing shipping costs.
- While not significantly impacting overall inflation, these attacks strain international relations and resources.
China's AI Rise
- China is rapidly closing the gap with America in AI innovation by developing comparable models at much lower costs.
- This competitive pricing could sway non-American companies towards Chinese AI solutions, threatening US dominance.