Joel Budd

Guests Joel Budd, Social Policy Editor, and Avantika Chukoti, International Correspondent, dive into the complexities of asylum policies and Afghanistan's economy. They discuss Britain's controversial plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, halted by the European Court of Human Rights. Budd highlights legal and moral objections while Chukoti reveals the Taliban’s surprising ability to collect taxes amidst a collapsing economy. Both emphasize the dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and the global challenges facing electric vehicle adoption.

Joel Budd, social policy editor, discusses Britain’s controversial asylum plan to send seekers to Rwanda, raising concerns about its effectiveness and ethical implications. Ryan Avent sheds light on how the pandemic has disrupted global supply chains, suggesting that resilience comes from diversification rather than reshoring. Meanwhile, Sebastian Scotney celebrates the legacy of jazz icon Charles Mingus, reflecting on his profound influence and the community initiatives inspired by his music, emphasizing his role in empowering underserved artists.

Joel Budd, Social Affairs Editor at The Economist, dives into the plight of Kharkiv amid ongoing conflict. He shares harrowing stories from residents adapting to daily chaos while fostering community resilience. The conversation also touches on the evolution of children's play during the pandemic. Traditional games are making a comeback, blending nostalgia with modern adaptation. Additionally, Budd discusses the revival of impactful muralism in Mexico, highlighting its role in community safety and representation.

Susanna Savage, an insightful journalist covering Bangladesh for The Economist, joins Joel Budd, the publication's social affairs editor. They discuss Bangladesh's impressive economic growth and the vital role of women in the workforce amidst political turmoil. The conversation shifts to global happiness trends post-pandemic; surprising findings reveal that older generations feel more content than ever, while younger people express discontent. The duo also delves into the significant trade disruptions caused by the Suez Canal blockage, highlighting its global implications.

In this engaging discussion, Susanna Savage, a writer for The Economist focusing on Bangladesh, joins Joel Budd, the social affairs editor, to explore Bangladesh's remarkable journey over its first 50 years. They highlight the country's empowerment of women and dominance in the garment industry. However, they also delve into the challenges of political corruption and the fight for workers' rights. Additionally, the conversation touches on surprising shifts in global happiness during the pandemic and the shocks caused by the Suez Canal blockage.

Joel Budd, Social Policy Editor for The Economist, dives into pressing global issues, including the alarming rise in road fatalities, with over a million deaths annually. He discusses the urgent need for governments to adopt effective safety measures and contrasts road safety approaches in various countries. The conversation also touches on the ongoing chaos in Libya, the complexities of foreign interventions, and the broader impacts of climate change on cultural heritage, showcasing how museums are adapting to protect artifacts amid environmental threats.

Roger McShane, Middle East editor for The Economist, highlights the political upheaval in Tunisia following President Essebsi's passing, discussing the nation's struggle with economic challenges and the rise of populism. Joel Budd, Social policy editor, dives into the global pet ownership trend, exploring its societal implications and changing attitudes towards pets. The conversation also touches on the removal of state subsidies for homeopathy in France, raising questions about consumer habits and health perceptions.

This episode features a political commentator analyzing the fallout from Sir Kim Darroch's resignation, revealing the strain on UK-US relations amid Brexit. Joel Budd, social policy editor, discusses the challenges of scaling development projects, emphasizing that what works for a few may not succeed for many. They also delve into the peculiar phenomenon of uniformity in British political accents despite the country's diverse dialects. Tune in for insights on diplomacy and the intricacies of international development!

Joel Budd, Social policy editor for The Economist, dives into the diplomatic fallout over the UK's ambassador to the US and the implications of his resignation. He discusses the complexities faced in international development, especially when scaling projects like the Bangladesh rice farmers' initiative. The conversation also humorously tackles why most British politicians sound alike despite the country's rich variety of accents, revealing the impact of education on political representation.

Joel Budd, social policy editor at The Economist, dives into Pakistan's recent economic crisis and its 22nd bailout from the IMF. He discusses the socio-political implications of the bailout amid public discontent. The conversation shifts to global meat consumption trends, highlighting an increase in demand even as vegetarianism gains traction. Budd also explores cultural insights derived from French naming conventions, revealing social changes that numbers alone can’t illustrate. It’s a fascinating juxtaposition of economy, diet, and identity.