Eric Connect

Georgia Banjo, a foreign affairs writer for The Economist, and Eric Connect, the North Africa correspondent, tackle pressing global issues. They discuss the WHO's findings on the origins of SARS-CoV-2, emphasizing the intermediary animal theory while dismissing lab leak claims. The conversation shifts to the disturbing rise of transnational repression, where authoritarian regimes silence dissent abroad. Finally, they explore Algeria’s car shortage, caused by past import bans and economic mismanagement, shedding light on the country’s struggles to build a sustainable automotive industry.

Alice Fullwood, The Economist's American finance correspondent, discusses the impressive earnings of major U.S. banks amid the pandemic and the challenges they face in a fluctuating economy. Eric Connect, covering Egypt, sheds light on the controversial highway projects near Cairo, revealing the emotional turmoil for locals affected by significant urban disruptions. The dialogue captures the broader implications of these issues, from police reform in Nigeria to the financial resilience of banks, illustrating the intricate balance of social and economic dynamics.