Duncan Robinson, the Brussels bureau chief for The Economist, and Richard Enzer, a correspondent based in Mexico City, delve into the EU's struggles with COVID-19, emphasizing the growing economic divides among member states. They raise critical questions about the EU's purpose amid the pandemic. Meanwhile, Enzer discusses the authoritarian shift in El Salvador under President Nayib Bukele, contrasting it with cultural changes in Indonesia, where people are adapting health practices through sun exposure.

Christopher Lockwood, Europe editor for The Economist, joins Duncan Robinson, the Brussels bureau chief, to dissect the latest political upheaval in Russia as President Putin's proposed constitutional changes trigger a government resignation. They explore how this move aims to solidify Putin’s grip on power. Additionally, they delve into the enduring stereotypes within the EU that affect national identities and political relations, unraveling the ironic dynamics of how these biases persist, even in times of crisis.