Sarah Birke

John Hooper, Italy and Vatican correspondent for The Economist, and Sarah Birke, Mexico City Bureau Chief, engage in a revealing conversation about the impending papal conclave. They dive into the pressing challenges the next pope will face, including clerical abuse scandals and global influences on the church. The discussion also touches on the alarming rise of disappearances in Mexico due to gang violence and ineffective government responses. Additionally, they explore the unexpected chaos around the Minecraft movie's success in theaters.

Ed Carr, the Deputy Editor of The Economist, joins Sarah Birke, the Mexico City bureau chief, to discuss a pivotal year for global democracy with elections in over 70 countries. They delve into the crucial Mexican elections, highlighting the influence of President López Obrador and the rivalry between Claudia Sheinbaum and opposition candidate Xochitl Galvez. Additionally, they explore how ambient music can enhance productivity, offering interesting insights on creating a focused work environment amidst the chaos.

Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor for The Economist, shares his insights on the shifting political landscape in Russia as elites consider life beyond Putin. He explores the potential rise of figures like Alexei Navalny and implications for democracy and European security. Meanwhile, Sarah Birke, Bureau Chief for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, highlights Haiti's dire humanitarian crisis amid gang violence and ineffective foreign intervention. They also touch upon the contentious history of the Koh-i-noor diamond and its demand for repatriation.