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.

In this discussion, Sarah Birke, The Economist's bureau chief for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, and Carrie Richmond Jones, the international economics correspondent, delve into Nayib Bukele's controversial reign in El Salvador. They explore his strategies in tackling gang violence and the erosion of democratic norms as he seeks to remain in power indefinitely. The conversation also touches on the surprising decline in U.S. fertility rates, particularly in high-birth states, and the transformation of France's Provence region into a glamorous lifestyle brand.

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.