Hal Hodson

Hal Hodson, America editor at The Economist, discusses the surprising electoral victory of Javier Milei and its implications for Argentina's economy. Tom Nuttall, the Berlin bureau chief, highlights Germany's stagnant reforms under Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the political ramifications. Meanwhile, William Warren explores the resurgence of challenging video games, examining how player expectations for difficulty have shifted over the decades and the balance between challenge and accessibility in modern game design.

Hal Hodson, America’s editor at The Economist, shares insights on Prime Minister Mark Carney's attempts to negotiate tariff relief with President Trump to stabilize Canada’s economy, along with long-term strategies to diversify trade partners. Avantika Chilkoti, Global business correspondent, dives into the booming phenomenon of live-stream shopping, revealing its addictive potential, driven by engaging formats that mimic traditional TV shopping. The discussion also touches on China's role in shaping social commerce trends and regulatory battles over consumer protection.

Hal Hodson, Americas editor for The Economist, Christopher Sabatini, a Latin America expert at Chatham House, and Vanda Felbab-Brown from the Brookings Institution come together to unravel the chaos in Venezuela. They dive into Maduro's economic mismanagement, the political power shift post-capture, and the implications for the oil industry. The trio critiques the U.S.'s influence and discusses the realities facing everyday Venezuelans as elites thrive. They explore potential paths forward and the geopolitical ramifications for the region.