The Intelligence from The Economist

The Economist
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Oct 30, 2020 • 21min

Net losses: plunder of the oceans

Dominic Ziegler, an expert on illegal fishing, and Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chief, dive into pressing global issues. They highlight the shocking scale of illegal fishing and its devastating effects on workers and ecosystems. The discussion also touches on the rise of millennial investors reshaping finance with their focus on corporate responsibility. Additionally, they humorously recount the saga of Berlin's new airport, a project marred by years of mismanagement that finally opens with a mix of optimism and challenges.
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Oct 29, 2020 • 22min

What Xi said: China’s five-year plan

Simon Rabinovich, Asia economics editor based in Shanghai, discusses China's ambitious five-year plan and its implications for Xi Jinping's future leadership. Avantika Chulcotti, international correspondent, explores how the pandemic has reshaped discussions around mortality, highlighting trends like forest burials and death cafes. Charlie McCann, Southeast Asia correspondent, sheds light on the pressures faced by Singapore's hawker culture as young chefs battle to keep their culinary heritage alive amid modern challenges.
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Oct 28, 2020 • 19min

Stumbling bloc: Europe’s second wave

Edward Carr, the Deputy Editor of The Economist, sheds light on the alarming rise of COVID-19 cases in Europe and the diverse responses from countries like Germany and Sweden. He emphasizes the urgent need for effective and sustainable containment measures. The conversation also tackles the tense political climate in Tanzania, where an election looms amidst accusations of oppression under President Magufuli. Additionally, Carr touches on intriguing research about how wine language shapes our perception, revealing fascinating insights about taste.
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Oct 27, 2020 • 22min

Chagrin, and Barrett: America’s Supreme Court

Stephen Mazey, The Economist's Supreme Court correspondent, dives into the implications of Amy Coney Barrett's confirmation, marking a significant conservative shift in the court. They discuss the potential impact on critical issues like affirmative action and LGBTQ+ rights. The conversation then shifts to the exciting discovery of water on the Moon, raising ethical questions about ownership rights in space. Additionally, they explore the controversy surrounding Australia's Aboriginal flag and the tensions between cultural heritage and commercial interests.
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Oct 26, 2020 • 22min

Coming write-up: Chile votes to overhaul its constitution

Brooke Unger, America's editor for The Economist, discusses the implications of Chile’s decision to replace its Pinochet-era constitution, revealing how this reflects a broader desire for political renewal. Sarah Burke, an international correspondent, highlights the challenges faced by an aging prison population, particularly the unique issues older inmates encounter. Meanwhile, Callum Williams examines a theory linking excessive numbers of aspiring elites to political instability, shedding light on the social tensions that arise from competition for power and privilege.
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Oct 23, 2020 • 21min

Civil proceedings: America's presidential debate

John Priddo, the United States editor and host of Checks and Balance, dives into the recent presidential debate, noting its increased substance compared to earlier discussions. He explores the immovability of polls despite early voting, shedding light on key policy contrasts between candidates. Additionally, the conversation shifts to South Korea's struggles with population decline and the push for women’s workforce participation. Priddo also compares the legendary careers of F1 icons Hamilton and Schumacher, revealing the complexities of evaluating greatness in racing.
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Oct 22, 2020 • 21min

Pandemic power-grabs: autocrats’ covid opportunism

Join Robert Guest, Foreign editor at The Economist, and Olivia Ackland, Central Africa correspondent, as they delve into how autocrats are exploiting the pandemic to undermine democracy. They discuss alarming trends in global governance, highlighting how leaders use health crises to suppress dissent. Olivia brings insights on the cobalt mining crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, revealing the impact of falling prices on local communities and the ethical challenges of the electric vehicle industry.
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Oct 21, 2020 • 22min

Secular-stand nation: terror in France

Sophie Petter, Paris bureau chief for The Economist, shares her insights on the chilling murder of a French schoolteacher, examining its implications for secularism and free speech in France. She highlights President Macron's commitment to tackling jihadism while navigating the delicate balance between freedom of expression and religious sentiments. The discussion also touches on Alexei Navalny's recovery from poisoning and the broader dynamics of opposition in Russia, emphasizing how mobile internet access is reshaping trust in governments globally.
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Oct 20, 2020 • 22min

The persecution of a people: China’s repression of the Uyghurs

Gadi Epstein, China affairs editor for The Economist, shares his insights on the harrowing plight of the Uyghur people under Chinese repression. He discusses the alarming statistics of detainment and cultural erasure, emphasizing firsthand accounts from exiled Uyghurs as they navigate fear and surveillance. Epstein calls for urgent global attention to the severe human rights violations faced by this community. The contrasting resurgence of cultural practices in Yunnan showcases the stark differences in treatment of various ethnic groups in China.
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Oct 19, 2020 • 21min

Loved Labour’s won: landslide in New Zealand

Eleanor Whitehead, The Economist's Australia and New Zealand correspondent, and Simon Wright, its industry editor, dive into New Zealand's political landscape following Jacinda Ardern's historic electoral victory. They discuss how the pandemic influenced public approval and looming challenges like housing and poverty. Think shipping is sinking? Think again! The duo reveals the surprising resilience of the shipping industry amidst global trade turbulence. Finally, they touch on museums grappling with financial strain and the ethics of selling off art collections.

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