Bill Ridgers

Bill Ridgers, the Asia digital editor for the Economist, discusses Hong Kong's recently adopted Article 23 national security law, which restricts dissent and amplifies government control. He highlights how this legislation stifles freedom of expression and reshapes the landscape of political protest. The conversation also shifts to security issues in New York, where rising subway crime has led to the controversial deployment of National Guard troops. Lastly, Ridgers candidly shares insights on coping with tinnitus, revealing the complexities of navigating sound and silence.

Bill Ridgers, Asia digital editor for The Economist, explores the unsettling decline of faith in China's once-thriving market, unraveling the complexities that lead foreign investors to look elsewhere. The conversation shifts to slam poetry's rise in Francophone Africa, empowering voices and challenging societal norms. Ridgers also dives into the diminishing phenomenon of multi-talented athletes, pondering how modern sports specialization has shifted the landscape, with figures like Deion Sanders showcasing the challenge of excelling in multiple disciplines.

Join Andrew Miller, The Economist's culture editor, as he reveals the prophetic themes of the iconic film 'Titanic' and its relevance to today's climate challenges. Bill Ridgers, the Asian news editor, reflects on the aviation industry's evolution with the last Boeing 747's production ending, marking a significant shift in travel preferences post-pandemic. Their discussions underscore the social inequalities highlighted by transportation issues in France, showcasing how both cinema and aviation shape our cultural landscape.