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.

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, 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.

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.

Robert Guest, Foreign editor for The Economist, provides insights into Ukraine's ongoing conflict and its resilience against Russian pressure, highlighting the dire situation faced by residents. Stanley Pignol, European business and finance correspondent, discusses the ambitious need for robust international electricity networks to tackle renewable energy challenges. They explore innovative collaborations in energy interconnections, illustrating the financial and logistical hurdles in transitioning to sustainable sources while underscoring the geopolitical importance of Ukraine's sovereignty.

Rosemary Ward, the New York correspondent for The Economist, discusses the city's remarkable transformation since 9/11, showcasing the resilience of its citizens and the shift towards a more diverse economy. Robert Guest, the foreign editor, explores the troubling connection between the mistreatment of women and societal instability, emphasizing the need for reforms to empower women for a stable society. They also touch on a fascinating hummingbird phenomenon that reflects broader themes of gender dynamics and survival strategies.

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.

Christopher Lockwood, Europe editor for The Economist, shares insights on the grip of COVID-19 in Europe, particularly in Italy and Spain, revealing the challenges of government responses and public health measures. Robert Guest, Foreign editor for The Economist, discusses Colombia's dual crises: the influx of Venezuelan refugees and the ongoing drug war. Both guests highlight the complex interplay of these issues amid the pandemic, as well as the broader impact on global sports and community morale. This conversation unpacks the layers of urgency and interconnectedness in today's crises.

Robert Guest, the Foreign Editor for the Economist, dives into the pressing challenges faced by Cyril Ramaphosa in reforming South Africa and the ANC. They discuss the deep-rooted corruption issues lingering from Jacob Zuma’s presidency and the urgent need for effective governance. The talk also touches on the risks of algorithmic trading and its influence on financial markets, raising concerns over automation's impact on investor decisions. Finally, they explore the evolution of taboo language and its cultural implications.