Join Tom Wainwright, Technology and Media Editor at The Economist, as he dives into Amazon's high-stakes streaming strategy and the mixed reviews it garners. Duncan Weldon, Britain’s Economics Correspondent, reveals that nearly 2% of GDP was overlooked in British data, offering hope for the economy's recovery. Keith Houston, author of 'Empire of the Sum', takes us on a nostalgic journey through the history of pocket calculators, showcasing their pivotal role in ushering in the digital age.

Duncan Weldon, Britain’s economics correspondent for The Economist, dives deep into Germany's political turbulence, exploring how the rise of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has intensified anti-immigrant rhetoric and led to mass protests. He also discusses Japan's efforts to reinsert women into the labor market and examines the UK's shift away from coins like the penny, highlighting the socio-economic changes driving this trend. Weldon ties these topics together, revealing how currency and politics intertwine in today's complex landscape.

Join Anne Rowe, Obituaries editor, and Duncan Weldon, Economics correspondent, as they tackle a striking revelation: adults are performing worse in literacy and numeracy tests than average ten-year-olds! They discuss the implications of this alarming trend and how it reflects on educational systems. The conversation takes a detour into the precarious state of Russia's economy, balancing challenges like high interest rates and reliance on China. Plus, a light-hearted quiz tests adult knowledge against child-level questions, leaving listeners both puzzled and amused!

It’s not an exaggeration to say that the whole of human history can be divided into two parts: before the Industrial Revolution, and after. Economist Duncan Weldon joins me to talk about the Industrial Revolution, why it started in Britain, and the trajectory of the British economy over the past two centuries. Get Duncan’s book, Two Hundred Years of Muddling Through, here.Patrick's book is now available! Get The Verge: Reformation, Renaissance, and Forty Years that Shook the World in hardcopy, ebook, or audiobook (read by Patrick) here.Listen to new episodes 1 week early, to exclusive seasons 1 and 2, and to all episodes ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App https://wondery.app.link/tidesofhistory.Support us by supporting our sponsors! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Duncan Weldon, The Economist's Britain economics correspondent, tackles the powerful resurgence of protests ignited by police brutality, particularly the tragic death of George Floyd. He delves into the changing landscape of the Black Lives Matter movement, discussing its challenges and the importance of local activism. The conversation also covers London's evolving identity post-pandemic, highlighting its economic hurdles and the impact of remote work on the city's future prospects.