Emma Irving

Gareth Brown, the Middle East correspondent, reveals Baghdad's booming construction scene and shares insights from his discussion with Prime Minister Muhammad al-Sudani about the city’s future. Archie Hall, US economics editor, dives into the YIMBY movement in Washington, D.C., where locals embrace population growth. Emma Irving, Asian news editor, explores the intriguing role of superstition in Hong Kong, examining how beliefs shape economic behaviors and even tourism during festivals. Tune in for a whirlwind tour of these dynamic topics!

Josie DeLapp, Middle East editor at The Economist, discusses Mohammed bin Salman's significant visit to the White House, highlighting arms deals and his Vision 2030 reforms. Emma Irving, Asian news editor, addresses the troubling rollback of LGBT rights in Hong Kong and the challenges activists face. Meanwhile, James Fransham, data correspondent, reveals the surprising tactic of using snail farms as a loophole for tax avoidance in Britain, exposing the complexities of local business regulations. A highly informative and engaging discussion!

Emma Irving, Asian news editor at The Economist, analyzes the devastating Hong Kong high-rise fire, discussing its probable causes and the community’s outcry over housing inequality. Sarah Lonyuk, an audio correspondent, explores a year of protests in Georgia, detailing government repression and the challenge of achieving coordination for change. Lastly, Anne Rowe, obituaries editor, reflects on He Yanxin, the last natural inheritor of the Nushu script, emphasizing its cultural significance and her efforts to preserve this unique women-only language.

James Fransham, Data Correspondent for The Economist, shares a quirky story about landlords using fake snail farms to dodge business rates, exposing loopholes in tax law. Emma Irving, Asian News Editor, discusses the alarming rollback of LGBT rights in Hong Kong under increasing Beijing pressure, highlighting public support but significant societal challenges. The conversation also touches on the implications of Trump’s warm welcome to MBS and new defense deals that could reshape Middle Eastern geopolitics.

Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defence editor, shares insights on lessons from Gaza's urban warfare for Western military tactics, emphasizing the role of drones and the enduring importance of tanks. Henry Tricks explores the political rise of J.D. Vance, discussing the uneasy balance between populism and big business. Emma Irving dives into the superstitions affecting Hong Kong's property market, revealing how cultural beliefs deeply influence real estate values amid rapid urban change.