Piotr Zalewski

This week features Piotr Zalewski, The Economist's Turkey correspondent, who breaks down Recep Tayyip Erdogan's surprising election victory and the political landscape ahead. Zalewski discusses how nationalism fueled Erdogan's support despite economic turmoil and democratic concerns. The conversation also shifts to South Korea, where rising suicide rates among young women are attributed to societal pressures and the Me Too movement, alongside efforts to improve mental health support. Insights into the connection between dreams and creativity in music add a unique twist.

In this discussion, Piotr Zalewski, The Economist's Turkey correspondent, unpacks the crucial issue of earthquake preparedness in Istanbul. He highlights how it is a central theme in recent mayoral campaigns, driven by concerns over the city's vulnerable infrastructure and poor building standards. The conversation also touches on the political landscape in Senegal, following the surprising rise of anti-establishment politician Bassirou Diomaye Faye, marking a significant shift in the country’s democracy.

Piotr Zalewski, Turkey correspondent for The Economist, delves into Turkey's shifting economic landscape, following the appointments of Mehmet Simsek and Hafizeh Gaya Erkan. The duo aims to revise controversial monetary policies that have plagued the nation. Zalewski discusses the broader global ramifications of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, including spikes in military spending and inflation. Additionally, he touches on environmental concerns with the alarming rise in whale injuries in New York, highlighting the dual impact of economic activities on coastal ecosystems.

Piotr Zalewski, The Economist's Turkey correspondent, provides insight into Turkey's precarious political landscape as elections approach. He discusses President Erdogan's shift from democratic reforms to autocracy and the implications for the nation's future. The conversation also touches on the abuse of non-compete clauses in employment, which are stifling worker mobility and innovation. Additionally, the podcast features renowned composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, who explores his reflections on mortality in his latest album, '12', capturing the essence of life through music.

Piotr Zalewski, The Economist's Turkey correspondent, discusses the high-stakes election that could reshape Turkey's political landscape, highlighting the challenges for both incumbent President Erdogan and his credible challenger. Erin Braun, covering the Hollywood writers' strike, reveals the deep frustrations writers face about compensation in the streaming era. She connects the current strikes to historical events, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for fair representation in the evolving entertainment industry. Tune in for insights on both topics!

In this discussion, Piotr Zalewski, The Economist's Turkey correspondent, and Greg Karlstrom, the Middle East correspondent, tackle the resurgence of tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia, linked to historical conflicts and the shifting influence of Russia. They explore how Azerbaijan's ambitions are bolstered by rising oil prices and what this means for the region. The conversation also touches on the new economic dynamics in Gulf countries, questioning whether they will invest responsibly or indulge in lavish spending.

Join Piotr Zalewski, The Economist’s Turkey correspondent, and Ed Carr, Deputy editor, as they dissect Turkey's shifting geopolitical stance under President Erdogan. They explore the nuances of Turkey's renewed ties with the West and skepticism around true alignment. The conversation also dives into a global survey revealing the mixed reception of liberal values. Plus, the hosts discuss a monumental paleontological discovery that could redefine the title of the largest animal ever, adding a prehistoric twist to the dialogue.

In this discussion, Piotr Zalewski, The Economist’s Turkey correspondent, delves into the surprising results of Turkey’s elections, highlighting the implications of a potential runoff. Daniela Raz reveals alarming data linking social media use to declining mental health in teenage girls, urging a deeper look into this pressing issue. Meanwhile, Shashank Joshi offers insights into the world of espionage, contrasting romanticized images with the realities of intelligence work and recommending thought-provoking books on the subject.

Piotr Zalewski, The Economist's Turkey correspondent, shares heart-wrenching insights from the earthquake's aftermath in Turkey, focusing on the failure of building regulations and the public outcry for accountability. Joshua Roberts, city and finance correspondent, dives into Britain's productivity crisis, linking it to management failures and suggesting that better management could significantly boost company performance. The conversation also touches on a national survey exploring sexual health data, revealing changing attitudes and behaviors.

Piotr Zalewski, The Economist's Turkey correspondent, shares firsthand accounts from the earthquake-ravaged regions of Turkey, revealing inadequate government responses and rising public anger. He discusses the chaos of rescue efforts and ongoing humanitarian challenges. Meanwhile, Joshua Roberts examines Britain's productivity crisis, attributing it to poor management practices and the potential gains from reforming these systems. They also explore a groundbreaking national survey on sexual attitudes, reflecting a shift toward openness in discussing sensitive topics.