Carrie Ann Richmond-Jones

In this discussion, Sarah Birke, The Economist's bureau chief for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, and Carrie Richmond Jones, the international economics correspondent, delve into Nayib Bukele's controversial reign in El Salvador. They explore his strategies in tackling gang violence and the erosion of democratic norms as he seeks to remain in power indefinitely. The conversation also touches on the surprising decline in U.S. fertility rates, particularly in high-birth states, and the transformation of France's Provence region into a glamorous lifestyle brand.

Guests Sarah Burke, The Economist's bureau chief for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, and Carrie Richmond Jones, the international economics correspondent, dive into the controversial ascent of El Salvador's president, Nayib Bukele. They discuss his aggressive crackdown on gang violence and the troubling constitutional changes allowing indefinite re-election. Shifting family dynamics in the U.S., including a historic drop in birth rates, also take center stage, revealing fascinating societal trends. Finally, they explore the allure and challenges of Provence as a tourist destination.

Chris Lockwood, Europe editor for The Economist, dives into the shifting dynamics of military aid to Ukraine as Western powers finally supply tanks, weighing the strategic implications of this decision amid fears of Russian escalation. Carrie Ann Richmond-Jones discusses the chaotic bankruptcy proceedings of FTX, highlighting the complex legal challenges and future regulatory responses in the cryptocurrency space. They also touch on California's drastic climate shifts, from devastating floods following drought, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure improvements.