Olivia Ackland

Join John Peete, Political and Brexit editor, and Olivia Ackland, Africa correspondent, as they dissect Europe's vaccine export tensions with the UK. Peete provides crucial insights into the evolving EU-UK relationship, shaped by Brexit. Ackland reports on the controversial Congolese election, where the long-standing president's victory raises questions amid public discontent and political strife. They explore the intimate link between leadership and national outcomes, revealing how inbreeding among monarchs has historically dented their effectiveness.

Join Robert Guest, Foreign editor at The Economist, and Olivia Ackland, Central Africa correspondent, as they delve into how autocrats are exploiting the pandemic to undermine democracy. They discuss alarming trends in global governance, highlighting how leaders use health crises to suppress dissent. Olivia brings insights on the cobalt mining crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, revealing the impact of falling prices on local communities and the ethical challenges of the electric vehicle industry.

Alex Trevely, The Economist’s India correspondent, discusses India's rising COVID-19 cases, focusing on the early lockdown's devastating effects on the economy and health outcomes. Olivia Ackland highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the UN peacekeeping mission in Congo, where community distrust complicates efforts for stability. They also explore the contrasting narratives of the pandemic's impact in India and a playful debate over the cultural significance of baked beans in Britain and America.

Tom Nuttall, The Economist's Berlin bureau chief, discusses Germany's bold economic shift from frugality to increased spending, driven partly by the pandemic and supported by a significant recovery package. Olivia Ackland, The Economist's Africa correspondent, reflects on the implications of Burundi's outgoing president's controversial reign following his death. With whispers of potential leadership changes in Burundi, the conversation also touches on innovative election forecasting techniques and the turbulent socio-political landscape influencing the U.S. presidential race.

David McNeil, a correspondent for The Economist focused on Japan, and Olivia Ackland, who reports from the Democratic Republic of Congo, delve into pressing social issues. They discuss Japan's stalled same-sex marriage bill, highlighting the gap between public opinion and political action. Activists leverage the Tokyo Olympics for change amid a conservative backdrop. The conversation also shifts to Burundi's political turmoil, addressing the impacts of an oppressive election tax that drives citizens to flee, illustrating the harsh realities of governance on individual lives.