Simon Wright

Chris Lockwood, Europe editor at The Economist with a focus on political analysis, joins Simon Wright, the industry editor specializing in the automotive sector, for an insightful discussion. They delve into the implications of Putin’s missile attacks during Trump’s ceasefire hopes. The talk then shifts to Tesla's struggle with declining sales, linked to Musk's controversial political moves. Finally, they explore the rise of literary erotica, noting how female authors are reshaping the genre amidst societal changes.

Simon Wright, The Economist's industry editor, shares insights into Tesla's impressive growth and ambitious goals amid increasing competition in the EV market. He discusses the challenges Tesla faces in maintaining its edge, especially in China. Sondra Solstad, a senior data journalist, provides a fascinating look at innovative methods for estimating Russian casualties in Ukraine, revealing troubling statistics and the impact on military recruitment. The podcast also touches on the dangers of professional cycling, highlighting the risks faced by competitors in events like the Tour de France.

Join Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defence editor, and Simon Wright, the industry editor, as they dive into the escalating cyberwar between Iran and Israel. They discuss Iran's strategic shift towards psychological operations amidst geopolitical tensions. The conversation also explores the fierce rivalry in aviation, highlighting the challenges Boeing and Airbus face from emerging competitor COMAC. Alongside these topics, they touch on rental affordability in America, revealing surprising insights into solo living costs.

Sarah Maslin, Brazil correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on the chaos following the riots in Brazil, drawing parallels to the U.S. Capitol riot and discussing the implications for democracy. Simon Wright, industry editor, analyzes the dramatic downturn of Tesla's share price, exploring factors like Elon Musk's divided attention and the fierce competition in the electric vehicle market. They also touch upon the cultural phenomenon of a film being remade across various countries, highlighting its universal themes and societal reflections.

Lena Shipper, Seoul bureau chief, dives into the escalating tensions between Japan and South Korea over territorial disputes, revealing how this historical discord threatens regional stability. Simon Wright, The Economist's industry editor, discusses the staggering financial toll of the grounded Boeing 737 MAX, estimated at $4 billion per quarter. The conversation also touches on Greta Thunberg's influence on the emerging 'flight shame' movement in Sweden, highlighting shifting attitudes toward air travel and climate activism.