Duncan Weldon

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!

Shoshank Joshi, defense editor at The Economist, discusses the surprising resilience of Russian intelligence despite recent failures. He sheds light on how Russian tactics are evolving amidst the Ukraine conflict. Duncan Weldon analyzes the controversial Saudi investment in Newcastle United, delving into the mixed feelings of fans and the moral dilemmas tied to foreign ownership. They explore whether a commodities supercycle is on the horizon, factoring in the growing demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy.

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.

Max Rodenbeck, Berlin bureau chief at The Economist, explores the significant protests in Germany against the rising anti-immigrant rhetoric of the Alternative for Germany party, revealing deep societal tensions. Duncan Weldon, the Britain economics correspondent, discusses the decline of the British penny in the face of inflation and a shift towards cashless payments. The conversation also touches on Japan's initiatives to re-integrate women into the workforce, highlighting the cultural and systemic barriers they confront.

Erin Braun, the West Coast correspondent for The Economist, discusses the surprising resurgence of grizzly bears in Montana and the political tensions surrounding their protection. She highlights the balancing act between conservation efforts and local residents. Meanwhile, Duncan Weldon, the Britain correspondent, delves into the booming vaping market, revealing the industry's unexpected call for more regulation to safeguard youth. Together, they navigate the intersection of wildlife management and public health in a rapidly changing landscape.

Idris Kalun, Washington bureau chief for The Economist, and Duncan Weldon, a specialist in British affairs, discuss the shifting political landscape ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, suggesting Trump has a strong chance to win again. They analyze Biden's declining support and the challenges he faces, from age to voter perceptions. The conversation also touches on Basildon as a mirror for Britain's national trends and remembers peace activist Vivian Silver, underscoring the impact of her tragic story against the backdrop of conflict.

Duncan Weldon, British economics correspondent, and Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent, discuss the UK's troubling supply shortages. They explore how Brexit, labor issues, and pandemic demands contribute to this crisis, leaving Britons scrambling for essentials. In Tunisia, they analyze the implications of appointing the country's first female prime minister amid political turmoil. Finally, they touch on the rise of micro-stay hotels in India that offer privacy for unmarried couples, reflecting changing societal attitudes.

Duncan Weldon, Britain economics editor for The Economist, discusses the financial challenges facing the UK as the pandemic reshapes the budget. He explores the Chancellor's balancing act between job protection and managing debt. Guy Scriven, the climate risk correspondent, dives into cost-effective climate policies amid the urgency for net-zero emissions, and the innovative solutions like Berlin's cargo bikes. The conversation also touches on Zanzibar's unique land ownership issues, where every fruit tree has an owner, reflecting the complexities of property rights.