Joel Budd

Joining the discussion are Joel Budd, Britain’s social affairs editor at The Economist, who dives into the business strategies of migrant smugglers, and Ainsley Johnston, a data journalist, focusing on evolving American perceptions of traditional allies. They reveal the surprising entrepreneurial tactics behind migrant smuggling across the English Channel, likening it to small businesses. The conversation shifts to how climate change is fueling wildfires in East Asia and altering migration patterns, while also unraveling the complexities of shifting international alliances.

Callum Williams, a Senior economics writer for The Economist, shares insights on the unexpected resilience of the Russian economy amid sanctions, featuring trends in inflation and wages. Joel Budd, the Social affairs editor, highlights Britain's evolving immigration landscape, discussing the successes of immigrant integration against the backdrop of political rhetoric. They also tackle the challenges of electrifying commercial transport, stressing the urgent need for innovation in the trucking industry.

In this engaging discussion, Joel Budd, the Social Affairs editor at The Economist, and data journalist Ainsley Johnston delve into the dark world of migrant smuggling. They reveal how these operations resemble small businesses, evolving to embrace technology amid increasing migration. The duo also tackles the urgency of environmental crises, particularly the raging wildfires in East Asia, linking them to climate change. Additionally, they discuss shifting American views on global alliances, reflecting changing political dynamics that impact international relations.