Su Lin Wong, Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on Indonesia's unique approach to campaigning, where social media savvy trumps policy discussions. She highlights a 72-year-old candidate’s transformation via TikTok, raising questions about authenticity in politics. The conversation also delves into the declining Panama Canal's impact on global trade and the challenges posed by wild boar hybrids in Canada, which are disrupting local agriculture while alarming American pork producers.

John Priddo, U.S. editor and co-host of Checks and Balance, and Su Lin Wong, Southeast Asia correspondent, discuss the significant legal defeat for Donald Trump in a sexual assault case, highlighting its implications for his political future. They also delve into the dynamic political landscape in Thailand, examining the power struggles and economic challenges that could shape the upcoming elections. Additionally, they explore Ukraine's innovative use of inflatable decoys as a tactical strategy in warfare, redefining modern military deception.

Su Lin Wong, the Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist, dives deep into Indonesia's recent presidential election, where Prabowo Subianto claimed a controversial victory amid concerns over his human rights record. The discussion sheds light on the potential threat this poses to Indonesia's democratic progress. Additionally, the podcast touches on the groundbreaking advancements in AI technology, particularly with AMD's new microprocessor aiming to rival NVIDIA, and even the rise of slap fighting as a bizarre new spectacle in sports.

Join Su Lin Wong, Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist, and Max Rodenbeck, Berlin bureau chief, as they dive into critical discussions on Indonesia's pivotal presidential election, where democracy hangs in the balance. They also tackle the complexities of cancel culture in Germany, particularly how individuals, including Jews questioning the Gaza conflict, face backlash. Additionally, they explore the challenge of choosing meaningful books amidst today's reading distractions, encouraging listeners to savor quality over quantity.

Su Lin Wong, a Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist known for her coverage of innovative food trends, joins the discussion on critical elections in Ecuador and Guatemala. She highlights Ecuador's turbulent political climate marked by violence, including the assassination of a candidate, contrasting with Guatemala's hopeful mood after a victorious outsider. The conversation shifts to an intriguing medical topic—the resurgence of leprosy in America—and Singapore's pioneering advancements in alternative proteins, showcasing its leadership in lab-grown food innovation.