Zany Minton Beddoes

Zanny Minton-Beddoes, editor-in-chief at The Economist, and defense editor Shishank Joshi discuss the seismic shifts in European security highlighted at the Munich Security Conference. They delve into the implications of America's transaction-based foreign policy, the challenges of rising extreme right politics, and NATO's role in the war in Ukraine. The conversation reveals Europe's struggle to bolster its defense capabilities while navigating the complexities of U.S. influence amidst increasing geopolitical tensions.

Zani Minton-Beddoes, Editor-in-chief of The Economist, and Nicholas Pelham, Middle East correspondent, engage with Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria's new transitional president. Al-Sharaa shares his unexpected journey from jihadist to ruler, hinting at a vision for Syria's future yet withholding key details. The conversation touches on skepticism surrounding promised democratic reforms, the challenges of post-conflict recovery, and the complicated landscape of foreign investments. Addressing Syria's dire state, they emphasize the urgency for economic revival amid ongoing insecurity.

Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor-in-chief of The Economist, shares her insights on Xi Jinping's ambitious but questionable economic plans during the China Development Forum in Beijing. She discusses the intricate relationship between China and the U.S., reflecting on the cautious optimism in diplomatic communications. The conversation reveals concerns about China's resistance to expert advice that could stifle economic recovery. Beddoes also highlights the challenges posed by China's focus on domestic security, which could lead to skepticism in global markets.

Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor-in-chief of The Economist, shares her insights on the shifting dynamics of the transatlantic alliance and Europe's perception of the U.S. as an unreliable ally. They discuss the geopolitical consequences following the Ukraine invasion and Europe's defense needs. The conversation also touches on the House GOP's budget resolution, navigating political tensions, and the Trump administration's aggressive media tactics that threaten journalistic integrity. It's a thought-provoking debate on global politics amidst rising populism.

Sam Altman, the Chief Executive of OpenAI, shares insights on the revolutionary potential of AI, emphasizing its ability to enhance productivity across sectors. Meanwhile, Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, discusses integrating AI into everyday tools. The conversation tackles pressing concerns about job displacement and economic inequality, highlighting the importance of equitable access to AI technology. They also stress the need for proactive regulation to ensure safety without stifling innovation. A thoughtful dialogue emerges on the balance between technological advancement and societal responsibility.

Zanni Minton-Beddoes, Editor-in-chief at The Economist, and Shishank Joshi, Defense editor, delve into the pivotal discussions from the Munich Security Conference. They dissect Europe’s growing internal issues amidst rising far-right sentiments and the war in Ukraine. The conversation explores the evolving U.S.-European defense relationship, emphasizing the need for burden sharing and the strengthening of European military capabilities. Zelensky's urgent call for support and the complexities of American commitments are also central themes.

Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor-at-large at The Economist, joins Nicholas Pelham, Middle East correspondent, to discuss the future of the Commonwealth under King Charles III. They explore the Commonwealth's evolving role and its diverse member states, highlighting its potential in global diplomacy. Meanwhile, Pelham paints a vivid picture of Jeddah's cultural erosion amid rapid urban transformation under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, addressing the implications for residents and heritage. The conversation also touches on the challenges facing China's economy as it seeks to compete with the U.S.

Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor-in-chief of The Economist, delves into the shifting dynamics of the transatlantic alliance, highlighting Europe's changing view of the U.S. as a potential adversary. The conversation touches on Ukraine’s security threats and Europe's need for unity amid rising populism. They also analyze the controversial House GOP budget resolution and its implications on essential services, alongside the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party. Finally, they discuss the Trump administration's aggressive tactics against the press, raising alarms about media freedom.

Rebecca Patterson, former chief investment strategist for Bridgewater Associates, joins Glenn Hubbard, Columbia Business School professor and ex-chair of President Bush's Economic Council, alongside Zanny Minton Beddoes, editor-in-chief of The Economist, and Elizabeth Economy, senior fellow at the Hoover Institution. They discuss the market implications of a second Trump presidency, focusing on U.S.-China relations and potential trade impacts. The conversation touches on economic policies, capitalism perceptions, and the prospect of increased foreign direct investment post-election.

Zanny Minton Beddoes, The Economist's editor at large, discusses the rise of universal jurisdiction trials and how they help bring war criminals to justice despite legal obstacles. Callum Williams, a senior economics writer, analyzes the surprisingly mild economic impact of recent lockdowns compared to earlier ones, highlighting how businesses and consumers have adapted. The podcast also touches on Cambodian farmers' plight and the controversial shift to rat catching amid the pandemic’s challenges.