Olivia Ackland

Arkady Ostrovsky, The Economist's Russia editor, delves into the chilling implications of Belarus’s government detaining a dissident journalist and his girlfriend, sparking international condemnation. Olivia Ackland reports on the chaos following the Mount Nyiragongo eruption in Congo, where locals fled to safety amid panic. The duo also discuss the increasing trend of copyright disputes in the music industry, highlighting how artists navigate the fine line between inspiration and infringement.

Join Arkady Ostrovsky, The Economist's expert on Russia and Belarusian politics, as he unpacks the alarming detention of dissident journalist Roman Protasevich. He discusses the international backlash against Belarus's authoritarian regime and its implications for democracy. Meanwhile, Olivia Ackland reports on the chaos following the Mount Nyiragongo eruption in Goma, where residents face ongoing threats from seismic activity. Together, they highlight pressing humanitarian crises and the efforts needed to aid those affected.

Robert Guest, Foreign editor at The Economist, and Olivia Ackland, who covers Central Africa and cobalt mining, delve into the darker side of the pandemic. They discuss how autocrats worldwide have seized the opportunity to stifle democracy and civil liberties under the guise of public health. The duo also explores the troubling impact of falling cobalt prices on communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where local miners face increasing hardship and crime as larger firms dominate the industry.

Alex Trevely, The Economist's India correspondent, shares insightful details about India's alarming COVID-19 surge, as the country grapples with balancing health and economic recovery. He discusses the limited testing and the rise in cases amid reopening. Olivia Ackland, covering the Congo, highlights the ongoing challenges of the UN peacekeeping mission, reflecting on community distrust and violence in Eastern Congo. The conversation also lightens up with a playful exploration of the cultural differences between British and American baked beans.

John O'Sullivan, an author on financial markets, and Olivia Ackland, a reporter covering Congo, dive into the current global economic landscape. They discuss investors flocking to safe assets amid rising anxiety over trade tensions and recession fears. The conversation shifts to the remarkable resilience of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, exploring its conservation efforts and the intertwined struggles of nature and local communities. They also touch on the fascinating complexities of language evolution, revealing why some languages are particularly challenging to learn.