Wendelin von Bredow

David Rennie, Beijing bureau chief, and Wendelin von Bredow, a European affairs writer based in Berlin, dive into the complexities of vaccine mandates in Europe. They discuss Austria's decision and the resultant public unrest in Belgium and the Netherlands. The conversation shifts to the troubling situation of Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai, raising concerns about her safety amid censorship. Additionally, they touch on the ambitious Guggenheim project in Abu Dhabi, highlighting its cultural significance and the UAE’s growing role in the global art scene.

Max Rodenbeck, South Asia bureau chief in Delhi, delves into the alarming erosion of democratic norms under Prime Minister Modi in India, highlighting the risk of a one-party state. Wendelin von Bredow, Europe correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on Sweden's rising gang violence, presenting a stark contrast to its peaceful image and probing into the socio-economic roots of this crisis. They also discuss how Black Friday shopping dynamics have shifted during the pandemic, revealing the lasting effects on consumer habits.

Noah Snyder, The Economist's Tokyo bureau chief, discusses the urgent need to preserve the stories of Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivors, highlighting personal accounts and their mission to prevent future tragedies. Wendelin von Bredow, the roving Europe correspondent, analyzes the political landscape in Belarus as President Lukashenko faces challenges from a fresh opposition, signaling potential shifts in governance. The conversation touches on the implications of these narratives within a global context, blending history with contemporary politics.

Noah Snyder, The Economist's Tokyo bureau chief, discusses the vital effort to preserve the stories of Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivors, emphasizing the hope that their experiences can prevent future atomic tragedies. Wendelin von Bredow, the roving Europe correspondent, analyzes the tense Belarusian presidential election, where the long-standing leader faces unexpected opposition and public discontent. The conversation also touches on the intersection of horror storytelling and modern technology, revealing the chilling effects of a recent Zoom prank.

Ben Farmer, a journalist specializing in Afghanistan for The Economist, teams up with Wendelin von Bredow, the European business and finance correspondent based in Berlin. They dive into the complexities of the Afghan-Taliban peace negotiations, highlighting the challenges of a U.S. withdrawal agreement and ongoing violence. The discussion also covers Wirecard's dramatic fall from grace amid a massive fraud scandal, and how national football victories can temporarily unify a nation, as seen in the Ivory Coast.