Oliver Carroll, a reporter covering the war in Ukraine, and Sue Lin Wong, host of The Prince podcast, dive into the escalating violence following the Kerch Bridge attack, examining its grave implications for Ukraine and Russia. They discuss the psychological impact on civilians and the shifting military dynamics. Additionally, they explore the global influence of K-pop and how South Korean culture is reshaping international pop trends, as well as the complexities of alcohol sales policies in India, highlighting the political tensions at play.

In this engaging discussion, Sue-Lin Wong, a Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist and an expert on China's influence in the region, dives into the dark world of transnational crime. She examines robust scamming networks flourishing amid economic despair, especially in Myanmar and Thailand. Sue-Lin highlights the urgent need for international cooperation to combat these issues. Additionally, she explores how Southeast Asian nations navigate the strategies of superpowers like the U.S. and China, revealing a complex geopolitical landscape defined by corruption and resilience.

In this engaging discussion, Sue-Lin Wong, a Southeast Asia Correspondent for The Economist known for her sharp investigative journalism, dives deep into the alarming rise of the $500 billion scam industry. She shares chilling insights on how sophisticated scammers outpace law enforcement using advanced tech like voice cloning and AI tools. The conversation touches on the pervasive issue of scams in Asia, revealing personal stories and highlighting the human impact. Wong emphasizes empathy for victims and the urgent need for collective action against these crimes.

Sue Lin Wong and Owen Bennett-Jones discuss the future of Xi Jinping and China, exploring his early life, Iowa visit, and unknown period before taking power. They analyze Xi's leadership, including his nationalism and crackdowns, and delve into the complex issue of Taiwan's relationship with China.

Christopher Lockwood, Europe editor for The Economist, provides keen insights on Russia's planned annexation of Ukrainian regions and its geopolitical risks. Su Lin Wong, the China correspondent, delves into Xi Jinping’s unprecedented consolidation of power ahead of the Communist Party's National Congress. They introduce a new podcast series, 'The Prince', exploring Xi's political maneuvers and personal history. Additionally, they discuss the rising prestige of video game music, showcasing its evolution from simple melodies to complex orchestral compositions.

Max Rodenbeck, The Economist's South Asia bureau chief, and Sue Lin Wong, a correspondent for The Economist, dive deep into the rising tide of religious bigotry in India, particularly concerning the Hindu nationalist movement. They explore how government complicity worsens violence against religious minorities and impacts India's secular identity. The discussion also shifts to China's evolving propaganda film industry, notably its successful cinematic endeavors that mix entertainment with nationalism, shedding light on cultural trends and their implications.

In this insightful discussion, Sue Lin Wong, The Economist’s China correspondent, reveals the tightening grip on media freedom in Hong Kong, detailing the shutdown of pro-democracy outlets and the chilling effects of the national security law. Meanwhile, Jonathan Rosenthal, the Africa editor, sheds light on Sudan’s political turmoil post-Abdallah Hamdok, discussing the military's resistance to civilian governance amid ongoing protests. They also touch on the unintended consequences of US sanctions on the saffron trade, showcasing global interconnectedness.

Ludwig Stigler, The Economist's U.S. technology editor, and Su Lin Wong, its China correspondent, dive into Apple's growth under Tim Cook. They discuss the hurdles ahead for maintaining Apple's dominance amid increasing competition and regulatory challenges. Wong sheds light on the escalating crackdown on labor unions in Hong Kong, illustrating the dire state of democracy and activism there. The conversation also touches on how California's new laws are impacting the pork industry, reflecting broader tensions in consumer advocacy and compliance.

Sue-Lin Wong, The Economist's China correspondent in Hong Kong, discusses the dire state of press freedom following police raids on pro-democracy media. She highlights the chilling impact of a national security law on journalists. Avantika Chilkoti shares insights from Europe’s and Africa’s largest slums, revealing how the pandemic exacerbated hardships for residents. She emphasizes personal stories, particularly of young women, and urges new solutions to alleviate urban poverty, all while showcasing the evolving camel trade practices in Somaliland.

In this engaging discussion, Su Lin Wong, a China correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on the harsh sentencing of Hong Kong's pro-democracy activists like Jimmy Lai and Martin Lee. The podcast examines the implications for dissent and the future of democracy in the region. Meanwhile, Claire Oliver-Williams, a science writer, explores the ethical dilemmas surrounding groundbreaking human-monkey chimeras, highlighting their potential in regenerative medicine and the societal concerns they raise. A thought-provoking blend of politics and science!