Max Rodenbeck

Tom Sass, Britain’s public policy editor, shares insights into the Labour Party's remarkable surge, highlighting how key demographics are realigning politically. Max Rodenbeck, the Berlin bureau chief, discusses Germany's military blunders and their reputational fallout amidst rising tensions. The conversation also explores innovative childcare initiatives in Japanese towns, revealing how community-driven support can combat declining birth rates and transform societal attitudes towards parenting.

Join Su Lin Wong, Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist, and Max Rodenbeck, Berlin bureau chief, as they dive into critical discussions on Indonesia's pivotal presidential election, where democracy hangs in the balance. They also tackle the complexities of cancel culture in Germany, particularly how individuals, including Jews questioning the Gaza conflict, face backlash. Additionally, they explore the challenge of choosing meaningful books amidst today's reading distractions, encouraging listeners to savor quality over quantity.

Max Rodenbeck, Berlin bureau chief at The Economist, explores the significant protests in Germany against the rising anti-immigrant rhetoric of the Alternative for Germany party, revealing deep societal tensions. Duncan Weldon, the Britain economics correspondent, discusses the decline of the British penny in the face of inflation and a shift towards cashless payments. The conversation also touches on Japan's initiatives to re-integrate women into the workforce, highlighting the cultural and systemic barriers they confront.

Su Lin Wong, Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on the critical upcoming Indonesian election, where democracy hangs in the balance as candidates Prabowo Subianto and Anis Baswedan vie for power. Meanwhile, Max Rodenbeck, Berlin bureau chief, unpacks the chilling effects of cancel culture in Germany surrounding the Gaza conflict, exploring the implications for free expression. The discussion also touches on the future of reading in our busy lives, offering strategies on selecting meaningful literature.

Join Tom Sass, a public policy editor for The Economist, who dissects the Labour Party's significant polling lead in the UK and the shifting dynamics among key voter demographics. Max Rodenbeck, Berlin bureau chief, discusses the ramifications of two recent blunders by the German military concerning Ukraine, questioning national security and alliance perceptions. Meanwhile, explore innovative approaches in Japan to counter declining birth rates through community-driven childcare initiatives, highlighting shifts in cultural attitudes toward parenting.