Fiametta Rocco

Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor for The Economist, discusses Mikhail Gorbachev's unintended role in the Soviet Union's collapse and the polarized views of his legacy in modern Russia. Simon Wright sheds light on the electric vehicle industry's rapid growth, emphasizing looming challenges in battery manufacturing and material sourcing. Fiametta Rocco takes listeners on a journey to Michael Heiser's monumental sculpture 'City' in Nevada, exploring its artistic impact and the evolution of land art.

Tom Lee Devlin, The Economist's global business correspondent; Fiametta Rocco, senior editor and culture correspondent; and Tom Wainwright, tech and media editor, tackle the shifting landscape of American consumer behavior. They discuss how inflation pushes middle-class shoppers toward budget brands while luxury markets remain resilient. The trio also dives into the transformative role of AI in journalism, weighing its potential benefits against job displacement concerns, and reflects on the importance of marginalized narratives through historical lens.

Charlotte Howard, Executive Editor at The Economist, talks with Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia’s editor, and Fiametta Rocco, Culture Correspondent, about various transformative topics. They delve into the Biden administration’s revitalization plans for American manufacturing and clean energy. Ostrovsky highlights the resilience of independent journalists in Russia amid censorship and war. Rocco shares insights on Gina Lollobrigida’s inspiring rise from wartime Italy to Hollywood stardom, emphasizing her cultural impact.

Join Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor for The Economist, who shares insights from his interviews with Mikhail Gorbachev. He discusses Gorbachev's complex legacy as both a reformer and traitor in today’s Russia. Simon Wright provides a deep dive into the electric vehicle market’s hurdles, revealing potential supply chain issues that could stunt growth. Fiametta Rocco takes listeners on a journey through Neville's monumental sculpture 'City', showcasing how art can transform landscapes and perceptions.

Richard Enzer, Mexico City Bureau Chief, dives into the alarming corruption landscape in Mexico, sparked by shocking claims from former state oil head Emilio Lozoya. He discusses the challenges President López Obrador faces in combating systemic graft and the complexities of transparency in politics. Fiametta Rocco adds a cultural twist, exploring how a new wave of museum curators is pivoting towards restitution debates, reshaping the ethics of cultural heritage. The conversation also touches on social media algorithms and their impact on political discourse.

Richard Enzer, the Mexico City Bureau Chief for The Economist, shares his insights on high-level corruption claims, specifically those by Emilio Lozoya against elite politicians. Fiametta Rocco, the Culture correspondent, discusses the new wave of curators pushing for the restitution of cultural artifacts. They explore the dynamics between political accountability and the restitution movement, plus the complexities of prosecuting corruption in Mexico. Additionally, they unveil an analysis challenging claims about Twitter's bias against conservative views.

Max Rodenbeck, The Economist's South Asia bureau chief based in Delhi, shares keen insights on India's challenging COVID-19 lockdown and the delicate balance between health and economic reopening. Fiametta Rocco, the culture correspondent, dives into the ongoing debate around the removal of statues, examining how they reflect changing societal values. The conversation touches on the complexities of historical legacies and the need for a nuanced view of public monuments. Plus, they explore intriguing concepts in sports, including the 'hot hand' phenomenon.

Shoshank Joshi, The Economist's defence editor, delves into the U.S. controversial stance on anti-personnel landmines, analyzing its implications for modern warfare and civilian safety. Fiametta Rocco, the culture correspondent, uncovers Britain's universities' connections to the slave trade, discussing their efforts to reconcile with this legacy. The conversation also touches on innovative advertising strategies in sports, revealing how technology is reshaping viewer experiences and revenue models.

David Rennie, Beijing bureau chief for The Economist, and Fiametta Rocco, culture editor for The Economist, dive into the tension between China’s military might and Hong Kong’s vibrant protest culture. They discuss the striking military parade for China’s National Day, juxtaposed with burgeoning artistic expressions emerging from unrest in Hong Kong. Rocco highlights the poignant new protest art and music shaping the movement's identity. They also tackle the controversial effects of hot desking on employee dynamics, revealing how it can strain workplace relationships.

Robert Guest, Foreign Editor at The Economist and a seasoned traveler, shares hilarious and chaotic airport anecdotes, discussing infamous travel hubs. Fiametta Rocco, the Culture Correspondent, highlights the romantic revival of sleeper trains as a comforting alternative to flying, citing their appeal, especially among artists. Joel Budd, Social Policy Editor, analyzes Lagos' unique traffic jams, revealing how residents transform these delays into entrepreneurial opportunities, showcasing resilience in urban chaos. Safe travels!