As civil war rages in the country, millions of people have been displaced and famine is widespread. Why won’t the warring parties join talks to end it? Accusations of assassination plots and an attempted coup swirl in Brazil (9:28). And why Chinese bubble tea shops are conquering your local shopping street (17:33). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. 

In this discussion, Greg Karlstrom, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, delves into the recent ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, analyzing its potential sustainability and implications for Gaza amid regional tensions. Anjani Trevedi, Global business correspondent, highlights the bankruptcy of Northvolt, questioning Europe's electric vehicle ambitions and the industry’s future in light of this setback. The conversation touches on broader financial concerns that could reshape the EV landscape.

Donald Trump's legal battles are taking a backseat after his election win, as lawsuits against him increasingly fade. Explore the surprising link between rising wellness trends and iodine deficiency, a critical yet overlooked health issue. Learn about the importance of iodine for bodily functions, especially thyroid health. And enjoy a light-hearted conversation on elevator etiquette, sprinkled with tips and humorous insights about social interactions in tight spaces.

Jeremy Page, Asia diplomatic editor for The Economist, joins Don Wineland, China business and finance editor, to discuss significant political tensions in India tied to Gautam Adani’s bribery allegations and their implications for Prime Minister Modi. They dive into the staggering crisis in China's housing market, where countless homes remain unoccupied due to overbuilding. The conversation also touches on the polarizing popularity of Jordan Peterson and his unique narrative style that intertwines psychology and culture.

Georgia Banjo discusses the contentious issue of assisted dying in Britain, highlighting growing public support despite legislative hurdles. Stephen Mazey explores the lasting influence of Trump's Supreme Court appointments and the implications of potential future nominations. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe celebrates the artistic journey of Frank Auerbach, emphasizing his innovative techniques and reflective nature. Together, they dive into topics that intertwine morality, politics, and art, offering a rich tapestry of contemporary debates.

Patrick Fowles, Foreign Editor for The Economist, delves into the intriguing alliance between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. He discusses Musk's potential influence in a second Trump term and their shared rejection of inefficiency and 'woke values.' The conversation also touches on the implications of wealth in politics, drawing parallels to oligarchical dynamics. Additionally, Fowles highlights the alarming trend of salmon thefts in Chile, showcasing the intersection of organized crime and agriculture in a unique twist.

Greg Karlstrom, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, discusses the implications of Trump potentially resuming his hardline stance on Iran's nuclear ambitions after his presidency. Jason Chow, a world affairs writer, reveals China's aggressive tactics aimed at boosting birth rates amid demographic challenges. They dive into the evolving dynamics of U.S.-Iran relations and the bizarre lengths the Chinese government goes to encourage families to grow. The intriguing world of sneaker markets also gets a nod, highlighting competition between major brands like Nike and Adidas.

Ana Lánchez, Brazil bureau chief for The Economist, discusses Brazil's evolving relationship with China, particularly under Lula's G20 agenda focusing on wealth equality. James Fransham, the data correspondent, analyzes Britain's subpar mobile phone service. They explore Brazil’s strategic shift towards local currency trading with China to lessen U.S. dollar dependence, as well as the potential impact of Trump’s reelection on these ties. Plus, they touch on health risks for astronauts, including the effects of microgravity on human biology.

Shashank Joshi, Defence editor for The Economist, and Simon Rabinovich, U.S. economics editor for The Economist, dive into the implications of the U.S. allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russia. They discuss President Biden's shift in strategy and the geopolitical ramifications. The conversation also touches on Trump's economic policies and their mixed long-term effects on the stock market. Lastly, they explore the revival of airships, highlighting their potential in cargo transport and innovative delivery systems.

Oliver Carroll, The Economist's Ukraine correspondent, discusses the paradox of some Ukrainians welcoming a potential Trump victory. He explains how Trump's admiration for Putin complicates relations yet raises hopes for beneficial U.S. support amid their struggle against Russia. The conversation highlights the intricate dynamics of political alignment and the anxieties it brings to Ukraine's leadership, revealing a landscape where hope and caution dance hand in hand.