Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor for The Economist, discusses Mikhail Gorbachev's unintended role in the Soviet Union's collapse and the polarized views of his legacy in modern Russia. Simon Wright sheds light on the electric vehicle industry's rapid growth, emphasizing looming challenges in battery manufacturing and material sourcing. Fiametta Rocco takes listeners on a journey to Michael Heiser's monumental sculpture 'City' in Nevada, exploring its artistic impact and the evolution of land art.

Dan Rosenheck, Data editor at The Economist, shares insights from the election forecast model, revealing a surprising shift toward Donald Trump in the presidential race. Simon Wright, Industry editor, discusses the reality of Elon Musk's ambitious robotaxi plans, highlighting the challenges Tesla faces amid skepticism and competition. They also dive into the fascinating legacy of Excel, exploring its evolution and the impact of AI tools on productivity. Tune in for a blend of politics, technology, and data-driven discussions!

Shashank Joshi, The Economist's Defence Editor, and Simon Wright, the industry's editor, discuss the escalating cyberwar between Iran and Israel. Joshi reveals how Iranian hackers are stepping up their game following recent conflicts, posing new threats to Israeli security. Wright sheds light on the struggles faced by Boeing and Airbus amid rising competition from China's COMAC, redefining the aerospace landscape. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of cyber conflicts and the mounting challenges in the aviation sector.

Joining the discussion are Simon Wright, The Economist's industry editor, who provides expert insight into Tesla's evolving role in the electric vehicle market, and Sondra Solstad, a senior data journalist, who brings a unique perspective on estimating Russian military casualties in Ukraine. The conversation dives into Tesla's ambitious growth plans amid fierce competition and explores how innovative strategies and marketing decisions impact its future. Additionally, Sondra shares intriguing data on the complexities of casualty figures amidst the ongoing conflict, making for a thought-provoking dialogue.

Andrew Knox, The Economist's Korea correspondent, provides an expert analysis of the Itaewon tragedy, discussing the tragic loss of over 150 lives and the public outrage over the inadequate police response. Simon Wright, the industry editor, dives into the automotive revolution as vehicles transition into software platforms, addressing the challenges traditional car manufacturers face in this new landscape. The conversation also touches on the cultural impact of organizations like the National Trust amidst evolving societal debates.