Sophie Petter

Josh Roberts, Capital Markets correspondent at The Economist, and Sophie Petter, the Paris bureau chief, delve into Britain’s bold but underfunded new defense strategy amid rising security threats. They discuss waning investor confidence in government bonds as a safe haven. Additionally, there's a surprising surge in adult baptisms in France, influenced by the quest for community following the pandemic. This conversation touches on national security challenges and societal shifts in faith.

In this engaging discussion, Richard Enzor, The Economist's Mexico City Bureau Chief, sheds light on Mexico's deep-rooted Coca-Cola obsession, revealing its impact on health and culture. Meanwhile, Sophie Petter, Paris bureau chief, shares insights from a remote French village, exploring the complex themes of solitude and community during the pandemic. The conversation navigates how Coca-Cola integrates into daily life and contrasts this with the resilience found in rural isolation, offering a thought-provoking look at modern challenges.

Sophie Petter, the Paris bureau chief for The Economist, discusses the fierce protests ignited by a controversial police-protection bill, which critics say threatens media freedom and accountability amidst rising concerns over police brutality. Mark Johnson, the education correspondent, examines global educational responses to the pandemic's disruption of high-stakes exams, revealing stark differences in grading outcomes. The conversation also touches on South Africa's alarming rise in livestock theft and the challenges faced by farmers.

In this engaging discussion, Alexei Navalny, Russia’s brave opposition leader, shares insights on the chilling assassination attempt against him, pointing to a regime in decline. Joining him is Sophie Petter, Paris bureau chief for The Economist, who dives into the recent murder of a teacher in France, igniting fierce debates over secularism and freedom of expression. They also explore how mobile internet access is eroding trust in governments, underscoring the shifting landscape of political power and civil liberties.

John Fasman, Washington correspondent for The Economist, discusses Joe Biden's centrist appeal during a time of division in America. He highlights Biden's balancing act between progressive and moderate ideologies while aiming for national healing. Sophie Pett, Paris bureau chief, analyzes Emmanuel Macron's surprising appointment of Jean Castex as Prime Minister and the implications for French politics. They also explore the rise of rap music in the Arab world, where artists address social injustices and challenge conservative norms through their lyrics.

Join John Prideaux, United States editor for The Economist, and Sophie Petter, Paris bureau chief, as they unpack pressing global issues. They discuss the impeachment process against Trump, diving into its historical context and the intense partisan climate surrounding it. Additionally, Sophie addresses the urgent problem of femicide in France, highlighting recent protests for women's rights. Together, they also explore the impact of climate change on winemaking, revealing how wineries are adapting to preserve their craft amidst environmental shifts.

Sophie Petter, Paris bureau chief for The Economist, examines the massive national strikes in France against unannounced pension reforms, revealing deep public dissatisfaction and the impact on various sectors. Meanwhile, Tom Gardner, the East Africa correspondent, explores the historic peace prospects in conflict-ravaged Darfur, shedding light on the complexities of the local tensions and the nuances of government negotiations. Together, they delve into the pressing issues of labor rights and the quest for stability in Sudan.

Sophie Petter, Paris bureau chief for The Economist, shares her firsthand experience traveling with Emmanuel Macron during his diplomatic trip to China, emphasizing Europe's strategic role amid global rivalries. Elliot Morris discusses the changing political landscape of Texas, focusing on the rise of young, diverse voters who are pushing for a potential shift to Democratic leadership. Meanwhile, Miki Kobayashi tackles the pressing issue of groping on Japan's public transport, exploring innovative solutions and societal shifts aimed at combating this pervasive problem.

Shishang Choushi, The Economist's defense editor, and Sophie Petters, Paris bureau chief, dive into the surge in global defense spending, especially by the U.S. and China, while some countries face shrinking budgets. They discuss the chaotic May Day protests in Paris, linking the violence to President Macron's challenges in managing public dissatisfaction. The conversation also touches on the historical cycles of military expenditure and conflict, highlighting the tension in international relations.

In this captivating discussion, Shishang Choushi, The Economist's defense editor, and Sophie Petters, Paris bureau chief, explore the surge in global defense budgets amidst rising geopolitical tensions, with a focus on America and China. They dive into France’s recent May Day protests, highlighting President Macron's struggle to quell unrest and public discontent. Additionally, they tackle a quirky study on the prevalence of misleading self-assessments among English-speaking youths, revealing fascinating insights into confidence versus actual knowledge.