Robert Guest

Robert Guest, Foreign editor at The Economist, discusses Ukraine's selection as Country of the Year, highlighting its remarkable resilience amid conflict. This recognition emphasizes the bravery of its citizens and the importance of global support for democracy. The conversation also touches on the standout books of 2022, featuring insights into social issues and economics. Additionally, they explore the diverse array of innovative video games released this year, showcasing how creativity has flourished even during challenging times.

Noah Snyder, The Economist's Tokyo bureau chief with years of Russian insights, joins foreign editor Robert Guest and obituaries editor Anne Rowe to explore Russia's propaganda machine. They discuss the stark contrast in perceptions of the war in Ukraine due to intensified state censorship and media control. Snyder shares his firsthand experiences navigating Russian media narratives. Additionally, the group touches on Zimbabwe's economic turmoil and the challenges of inflation, revealing the human impact behind the headlines.

Noah Snyder, The Economist's Tokyo bureau chief with a rich background in Russian media, joins Robert Guest, the foreign editor focusing on Zimbabwe's economic woes, and Anne Rowe, the obituaries editor recalling the legacy of Katsumoto Saotome. They discuss Russia's propaganda machine and its impact on public opinion regarding the Ukraine war. The guests also analyze Zimbabwe's return to hyperinflation and the struggle of its citizens amidst economic turmoil. Lastly, they reflect on the importance of remembering historical atrocities.

Join foreign editor Robert Guest as he reflects on the standout cultural moments of the year. He passionately discusses Ukraine's heroism and resilience, earning its title as 'Country of the Year.' The conversation shifts to insightful literary recommendations, including Ed Yong's exploration of animal perceptions and Percival Everett's sharp satire on racism. Finally, he reviews impactful video games like 'Elden Ring' and the innovative creativity seen in indie titles, showcasing the industry's dynamic evolution.

Tom Gardner, The Economist's Horn of Africa correspondent, discusses Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's ambitious plans as Somalia's first re-elected president, focusing on tackling jihadist threats and fostering regional relations. Robert Guest, the foreign editor, delves into how education plays a crucial role in helping communities adapt to climate change, highlighting the challenges faced by those less educated. Additionally, they touch on the burgeoning optimism in the film industry, sparked by recent blockbuster successes, signaling a potential revival of cinema attendance.

Robert Guest, Foreign editor at The Economist, dives into the rising tide of global inflation and its potential to spark social unrest. He discusses how surging fuel and food prices have fueled anger in countries like Sri Lanka and Tunisia. The podcast highlights the link between economic struggles and protests, while also taking a detour into China’s intelligence shortcomings amid geopolitical tensions. Plus, an intriguing take on America's lifeguard shortage reveals how pandemic disruptions are endangering summer water safety.

Robert Guest, Foreign editor at The Economist, delves into the brewing storm of global inflation and its potential to ignite unrest. He highlights dire cases of civil discontent in countries like Sri Lanka and Pakistan, revealing how economic grievances fuel protests. The conversation shifts to Tunisia and Turkey, where rising costs devastate living standards, linking historical data to recent social upheaval. Additionally, he uncovers surprising insights into China's espionage failures and the unique lifeguard recruitment crisis in America.

Tom Gardner, The Economist's Horn of Africa correspondent, discusses Somalia's newly reelected president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and his plans to combat jihadist insurgents while addressing humanitarian crises. Robert Guest, Foreign editor, highlights how education can aid climate change adaptation, demonstrating its vital role in resource management. Meanwhile, Tom Wainwright shares insights on the film industry's recovery post-pandemic, focusing on summer blockbusters and the balance between cinema and streaming in today's market.

Simon Rabinovich, The Economist's U.S. economics editor, dives into America’s inflation crisis, discussing factors driving prices up and how governmental actions are shaping the economic landscape. Robert Guest, the foreign editor, examines the waning influence of the U.S. on global affairs and the ascent of authoritarian regimes. Lane Green, the language columnist, challenges the notion that Inuit languages have many snow words and traces how environmental factors influence color terminology, revealing fascinating insights into language and culture.

In this engaging discussion, Simon Rabinovich, The Economist’s U.S. economics editor, sheds light on America's inflation woes. Robert Guest, the foreign editor, critiques the diminishing U.S. influence, noting how mid-sized autocratic powers are seizing the opportunity. Lane Green, the language columnist, intriguingly connects language and color perception, exploring why some cultures lack a word for blue. Together, they unravel the intricate ties between inflation, geopolitical shifts, and linguistic quirks.