Bloomberg's Stephanie Baker and the New Yorker’s Evan Osnos explain the fight to seize (and maintain) billionaire boats.This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.Transcript at vox.com/todayexplainedSupport Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stephanie Baker, a Bloomberg News reporter and author of "Punishing Putin," discusses the economic sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. She explains why initial assessments of these sanctions were overstated and explores the long-term effects on Russia's military capabilities. Baker also delves into the complex dynamics of global trade, particularly with China, and how these sanctions could influence future geopolitical conflicts, including potential tensions over Taiwan. A fascinating look at the evolving landscape of economic warfare!

In this conversation with journalist Stephanie Baker, who has spent nearly three decades covering business and politics, she shares insights from her book, *Punishing Putin*. Stephanie recounts her early experiences in 90s Moscow, including a chilling encounter at a murder scene. She discusses the chaotic rise of Russian oligarchs, the complexities of sanctions post-Ukraine invasion, and how Western businesses have navigated these turbulent waters. A deep dive into capital flight and the fascinating role of crypto in hiding wealth adds further intrigue to this gripping analysis of global economic warfare.

Stephanie Baker, a Bloomberg News reporter and author of "Punishing Putin," dives deep into the global ramifications of sanctions against Russia post-Ukraine invasion. She discusses the complexities of targeting oligarchs and the intricate balance of political and economic strategies involved. The challenges Western brands face, like McDonald's exit from Russia, are also explored. Baker evaluates the sanctions' effectiveness, highlighting Russia's economic fluctuations and its growing ties with China, bringing to light the implications for future geopolitical dynamics.

Joining the discussion are Stephanie Baker, a senior Bloomberg writer and author of "Punishing Putin," and Alexander Gabuev, director at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Centre. They dive into Russia's dramatic 25% increase in defense spending amidst mounting economic challenges. Is the war economy sustainable? Despite Western sanctions, Russia shows surprising resilience, bolstered by oil revenues. The guests explore socio-economic divides in Russia, with labor shortages and shifting demographics raising questions about the long-term viability of this military-driven model.

Stephanie Baker, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in global events, discusses how U.S. technology plays a pivotal role in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. She reveals that components from American companies found their way into Russian missiles, culminating in tragic strikes on cities like Chernihiv. The conversation delves into the failures of export controls and the disturbing actions of middlemen in technology transfers. Baker also highlights the emotional toll on victims' families, adding a poignant human element to a complex geopolitical issue.

In this engaging discussion, Stephanie Baker, a senior writer at Bloomberg and author, dives into her book exploring the economic ramifications of sanctions against Russia. She highlights the intricate geopolitical dynamics surrounding these measures and how Russia is navigating unprecedented economic challenges. The conversation unveils the complex interplay of freezing central bank assets, the struggles of Russian elites under sanctions, and the evolving international oil trade, particularly with India and China. Insightful and timely, this dialogue sheds light on the ongoing global economic war.

In this engaging discussion, Stephanie Baker, an award-winning Bloomberg journalist renowned for her economic investigations, delves into the economic war against Russia. She reveals how the unprecedented sanctions have positioned Russia as the most sanctioned nation ever, yet it demonstrates surprising resilience. Baker examines the complex role of international coalitions and corporate responses, the pivotal strategies of Russia's Central Bank, and the mounting challenges faced by the Russian military, all while considering the future of global alliances amidst this conflict.

In a riveting discussion, Stephanie Baker, a veteran Bloomberg journalist and Russia expert, dives deep into the economic warfare unleashed against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. She unpacks the intricate mechanisms behind sanctions and their geopolitical implications. The conversation covers the challenges of enforcement, the power of the U.S. dollar, and the unintended humanitarian impacts of sanctions. Baker also shares insights on the current state of the Russian economy and the potential shifts in U.S. policy depending on future elections.

Bloomberg's senior writer Stephanie Baker and correspondent Oliver Crook discuss the implications of the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump, global reactions, impact on US politics, and President Biden's response. The podcast delves into the aftermath on Joe Biden's campaign, international denouncements of violence, and contrasts between US and European perspectives on political divisions, gun control, and violence concerns.