Zan Smiley

John Prideaux, United States editor for The Economist, and Zan Smiley, Editor at The Economist, dive into pivotal political shifts with Prideaux analyzing Reverend Raphael Warnock's impactful win for Democrats in the Georgia Senate runoff. They discuss the implications for national politics and the Republican Party's evolving landscape. Smiley highlights Algeria's oppressive social climate and the frustrations of its youth, while also reflecting on the political ramifications of an AI's success in the game Diplomacy, connecting technology's growth with societal unrest.

Zan Smiley, Editor-at-large at The Economist, shares insights on the future of the Commonwealth under King Charles III, exploring its diverse membership and significance in modern geopolitics. Nicholas Pelham, the Middle East correspondent, discusses the rapid transformation of Jeddah, raising concerns about cultural heritage as the city faces demolition in the name of progress. The conversation also touches on the economic rivalry between China and the U.S., analyzing China's current struggles and its prospects in the global economy.

Hal Hudson, The Economist's Asia technology correspondent, and Zan Smiley, editor-at-large, dive into China's surge as a tech leader. They discuss how Chinese companies are shifting from assembly to innovation, especially in sectors like semiconductors and electric vehicles. The duo also explores the cultural and economic struggles of indigenous communities in the Bering Strait. Finally, they shed light on the secretive world of private tutoring in North Korea, revealing the nuances of education and government control.