Mike Bird

In this insightful discussion, Abdullah Fayyad, a Vox policy reporter specializing in trade, teams up with Mike Bird, Wall Street editor at The Economist. They dissect the chaotic aftermath of Trump's latest tariffs, questioning what they truly liberate us from. Topics include the balancing act of tariffs as both protective and revenue-generating tools, their impact on consumer prices, and international trade dynamics. The duo also navigates the varied reactions from Asian nations, highlighting potential diplomatic shifts amid evolving global alliances.

Join Alice Su, Senior China correspondent, and Mike Bird, Asia business and finance editor, as they dissect Taiwan's political landscape under new President William Lai. They explore the challenges Lai faces with internal divisions and rising tensions with China, and the necessity for bipartisan collaboration. The duo also dives into the shrinking stock market as firms opt for private status, and the shift from lonely hearts ads to modern dating apps, showcasing how societal changes reshape connections in our lives.

Daniel Franklin, Deputy US Editor for The Economist, discusses the potential fallout from the recent deal to avert a government shutdown, which could jeopardize Kevin McCarthy's leadership. Mike Bird, Asia business and finance editor, shares insights on the electric scooter boom in Asia, highlighting China's dominance and India's emerging role. Catherine Nixie, Britain correspondent, delves into Britain’s risk registers, revealing the underlying statistics predicting national disasters and the challenges of preparedness. A thought-provoking blend of politics and innovation!

Join Alice Hsu, Senior China correspondent; Mike Bird, Asia business and finance editor; and Catherine Nixie, Britain correspondent, as they dissect Taiwan's new president, William Lai. They discuss his struggle to unify a divided nation while navigating China's pressures. The conversation shifts to the shrinking stock market as firms favor private ownership over public listings. They also humorously explore the shift from lonely hearts ads to dating apps, reflecting on how technology shapes modern relationships amid persistent human loneliness.

Daniel Franklin, Deputy U.S. Editor for The Economist, shares insights into the political upheaval surrounding Kevin McCarthy’s leadership amid funding negotiations. Mike Bird discusses the surge of electric scooters in Asia, highlighting their environmental benefits and urban transformation. Catherine Nixie examines Britain's risk registers, revealing how they quantify potential disasters, and explores the unsettling implications of preparedness versus inaction. Together, they navigate pivotal themes in politics, urban mobility, and crisis management.

Mike Bird, Asia business and finance editor at The Economist, debates industrial policy with Noah, advocating for market-driven resource allocation over government intervention. They explore the impact of recent U.S. legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act on manufacturing jobs and the challenges posed by automation. The discussion also highlights the geopolitical implications of industrial policy, particularly concerning China's influence and the importance of resilience in supply chains, especially in sectors like semiconductors.

Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on the dire humanitarian crisis in northwest Syria post-earthquake, highlighting the complex dynamics of aid amid political tensions. He discusses how longstanding sanctions complicate relief efforts. Mike Bird, Asia business and finance editor, explores South Korea's precarious property market, detailing how rising interest rates and household debt are driving housing prices down, posing risks to the economy. Together, they paint a picture of two interconnected crises.

Mike Bird, Asia business and finance editor at The Economist, shares expert insights on global food price dynamics, revealing how Russian wheat exports are influencing market stability. Meanwhile, Slavia Chankova, the publication's health correspondent, discusses the alarming resurgence of polio in the West, emphasizing vaccination challenges. They also explore the controversies surrounding the viral 'Pink Sauce,' highlighting the difficulties cottage food producers face in a social media-driven world.

Join Anna Lankes, who writes about Latin America for The Economist, and Mike Bird, the publication's Asia business and finance editor, as they dive into Bolivia's economic crisis fueled by dwindling gas reserves. They discuss the nation’s struggles with a dollar shortage and rising debt, alongside public distrust in its currency. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of the China-West relationship and how it shapes global markets, showcasing a fascinating intersection of local challenges and international dynamics.

Greg Karlstrom, the Middle East correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on the insufficient aid following the earthquakes in Syria's war-torn northwest and the complex issues surrounding international sanctions. Meanwhile, Mike Bird, Asia business and finance editor, discusses the perilous downturn in South Korea's property market, triggered by rising interest rates and high household debt. Their insights reveal how geopolitical dynamics and financial challenges intertwine, affecting lives and investments.