Wendelin von Bredoff, Senior Germany correspondent at The Economist, dives into a shocking coup plot in Germany by far-right extremists aiming to restore a monarchy. He details the government's decisive response to this threat to democracy. Daniel Knowles, Midwest correspondent, discusses the alarming rise of spontaneous violence in Chicago linked to street racing and the fragmentation of gang structures, highlighting the unintended consequences of organized crime crackdowns. They also touch on Indonesia's religious leaders taking action on climate issues.

Sarah Maslin, The Economist's Brazil correspondent, shares her insights on Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's potential return to power, debating whether Brazil would see a fiscal conservative or a populist. Wendelin von Bredow, the senior Germany correspondent, discusses Germany's economic woes, like its heavy reliance on Russian gas and the looming threat of deindustrialization. The podcast also touches on the revival of Vietnam's loudspeakers and what this retro move signifies in today's digital world.

Matthew Holhouse, a British political correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on the controversial Partygate report detailing lockdown gatherings under Boris Johnson, revealing a deepening public dissent and its implications for his leadership. Wendelin von Bredow, Senior Germany correspondent, discusses the remarkable success of Switzerland in the business arena despite its modest resources, while also addressing its future challenges. The duo also explores the influence of Russian propaganda on social media, analyzing its surprising success in shaping perceptions globally.