Alexandra Sewitch-Bass

Alexandra Sewitch-Bass, a senior correspondent at The Economist specializing in U.S. state politics, joins Jan Piotrowski, the publication's business editor, and Asia editor James Astell. They delve into the rising importance of state legislatures, discussing how their laws affect citizens more than federal actions. Jan offers insights into Meta’s recovery strategies, while James reflects on Pervez Musharraf’s complex legacy in Pakistan, highlighting his reforms and the intertwining of military and democracy.

Alexandra Sewitch-Bass, a senior correspondent for politics, technology, and society, digs into Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's controversial shift to the right and how it might affect his presidential aspirations. Kinley Semon, Africa correspondent, shares harrowing insights on the escalating jihadist violence in Burkina Faso, particularly its impact on schools and local communities. They also touch on the unexpected rise of Japanese Kei trucks in rural America, reshaping consumer habits away from traditional pickups.

James Miles, a seasoned China writer for The Economist, delves into China's abrupt easing of strict COVID-19 measures, revealing concerns about public health and vaccination rates. Alexandra Sewitch Bass, a Senior correspondent, discusses a Napa Valley lawsuit highlighting the regulatory struggles faced by winemakers amid rising costs. The podcast also explores innovative shark conservation technologies that aim to reduce bycatch, sparking a discussion about marine life sustainability and the broader implications for fishing practices.

Gabriel Crossley, The Economist’s China correspondent, discusses Xi Jinping's unprecedented third term and his iron grip on power within the Communist Party. Alexandra Sewitch-Bass sheds light on the political ramifications of the immigration crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border, spotlighting the pressures on the Biden administration. Vishnu Padmanabhan explains the historic split between FIFA and EA Sports, marking the end of a 30-year partnership, and explores its impact on the future of football video games.

Alexandra Sewitch-Bass, a senior correspondent specializing in Florida politics, and Kinley Semon, Africa correspondent covering jihadist crises, engage in a provocative discussion. They unpack Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s controversial rightward shift and its implications for his presidential ambitions. Meanwhile, they delve into the harrowing rise of jihadist violence in Burkina Faso, impacting children’s lives, and highlight America’s rural shift towards Japanese Kei trucks, exploring changing consumer preferences and the evolving trucking market.

Alexandra Sewitch-Bass, a senior correspondent at The Economist, dives into the bustling American state legislatures and the crucial laws impacting everyday lives. Jan Piotrowski discusses Meta's surprising financial rebound, driven by AI, amidst tech turmoil. Meanwhile, James Astell reflects on Pervez Musharraf's complex legacy as a reformist military leader in Pakistan, highlighting his influence on U.S.-Pakistan relations post-9/11. Together, they unpack the intersection of state politics, tech recovery, and historical legacies.

James Miles, a seasoned China writer at large for The Economist, discusses the rapid dismantling of China’s strict COVID-19 measures, predicting a surge in infections and hospital cases as social interactions resume. Alexandra Sewitch Bass, Senior correspondent, highlights a winemaker's lawsuit against Napa County, revealing the regulatory challenges faced by local producers and the impact on California's wine industry. They also explore innovative solutions to protect vulnerable shark populations from fishing bycatch.

In this installment, Shashank Joshi, Defense editor for The Economist, provides keen insights into the latest military actions in eastern Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of urban areas and Western support. Alexandra Sewitch-Bass, Senior correspondent, sheds light on America's broken immigration system, discussing recent legal challenges and the emotional landscape at the border. Together, they explore not only the gritty realities of war but also the complexities of immigration policy, highlighting the significant events shaping these pressing issues.

Shishank Joshi, Defense editor for The Economist, offers sharp insights on Russia's recent tactical advances in eastern Ukraine, detailing the intense conflict in the Donbass. He discusses how Western military support could influence the war's trajectory. Alexandra Sewitch-Bass, Senior correspondent, dives into America's challenging immigration landscape, focusing on the contentious Title 42 policy and its implications. Together, they explore the interconnectedness of global conflicts and domestic policies, highlighting the urgent need for reform.

Don Wineland, The Economist’s China business and finance editor, reveals the chaos of Shanghai’s strict lockdown as residents grapple with restrictions and dwindling supplies. Alexandra Sewitch-Bass, a senior correspondent, discusses uncomfortable heat conditions in American prisons due to lack of air conditioning, raising urgent questions around inmates' rights. Together, they highlight how these pressing issues reflect broader societal challenges and the ongoing struggle for human dignity in extreme circumstances.