The Intelligence from The Economist

The Economist
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Jun 12, 2020 • 22min

Heavy lifting: India’s lockdown tradeoffs

Max Rodenbeck, The Economist's South Asia bureau chief based in Delhi, shares keen insights on India's challenging COVID-19 lockdown and the delicate balance between health and economic reopening. Fiametta Rocco, the culture correspondent, dives into the ongoing debate around the removal of statues, examining how they reflect changing societal values. The conversation touches on the complexities of historical legacies and the need for a nuanced view of public monuments. Plus, they explore intriguing concepts in sports, including the 'hot hand' phenomenon.
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Jun 11, 2020 • 22min

Spend, sometime: Germany’s economic shift

Tom Nuttall, The Economist’s Berlin bureau chief, sheds light on Germany's surprising economic turnaround after years of austerity. He discusses the nation’s expansive financial relief package and a significant shift in fiscal policies spurred by recent crises. The conversation also touches on the political turmoil in Burundi following the death of its long-time leader, hinting at uncertain prospects for the country's future. Nuttall expertly ties together economic strategy and political stability in these two very different nations.
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Jun 10, 2020 • 20min

Haftar be going now: the balance shifts in Libya

Nicholas Pelham, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, provides deep insights into the shifting landscape of Libyan politics, focusing on Khalifa Haftar's declining power. He discusses the ongoing factional struggles and the influence of external powers on Libya's future stability. Pelham shares personal experiences from Tripoli, shedding light on the region’s turbulent dynamics. Additionally, the conversation touches on North Korea's withdrawal from communication with the South and IKEA's innovative strategies for adapting to a post-pandemic world.
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Jun 9, 2020 • 21min

Cops, a plea: police reform in America

John Fassman, Washington correspondent for The Economist, and Anne Rowe, its Obituaries editor, discuss the significant impact of George Floyd's murder on American policing reform. They analyze the global protests ignited by his death and what recent legislative efforts could achieve. The conversation highlights successful changes in places like Camden and the essential need for accountability in law enforcement. They also reflect on the personal tragedy of Floyd's life, framing it within the broader context of systemic racism and the push for meaningful reform.
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Jun 8, 2020 • 22min

Say his name, and others’: American protests spread globally

Simon Long, deputy digital editor at The Economist, and Abby Adams-Prassell, an Oxford professor, dive into the worldwide protests ignited by George Floyd's death. They discuss how these demonstrations reflect global demands for justice and the impact on U.S. diplomacy. Abby sheds light on the pandemic's disproportionate effects on women's employment and the unique challenges they face. Additionally, they explore the retro revival in the video gaming industry, blending nostalgia with modern trends.
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Jun 5, 2020 • 22min

Not everything in moderation: Twitter v Facebook

Ludwig Ziegler, the U.S. technology editor for The Economist, dives into the contrasting business models of Twitter and Facebook. He explains how their approaches to content moderation reflect their economic strategies. The conversation touches on the challenges both platforms face with regulatory issues like Section 230 and the need for oversight. Ziegler also discusses the significant influence of social media on political protests, highlighting the Black Lives Matter movement and the broader implications for accountability in tech.
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Jun 4, 2020 • 21min

This, too, shall impasse: Brexit talks resume

John Peete, the Brexit editor for The Economist, shares insights on the renewed, yet faltering, Brexit negotiations heavily affected by the pandemic and the dwindling chances of a timely deal. Adrian Blomfield, East Africa correspondent, discusses the significant arrest of Felician Kabuga, a notorious figure in the 1994 Rwandan genocide, highlighting the long-delayed quest for justice. The conversation also touches on how archaeology reveals ancient musical practices through modern technology.
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Jun 3, 2020 • 22min

Forgoing the distance: covid-19 spreads in Brazil

Sarah Maslin, a correspondent based in São Paulo, covers Brazil's troubled COVID-19 response influenced by President Bolsonaro's skepticism towards science. Alice Fullwood, specializing in U.S. finance, discusses the private equity industry's resilience during the crisis and its implications for major corporations facing bankruptcy. The conversation highlights the socioeconomic challenges in Brazil and the tension between tourism and cultural heritage, while also unraveling the mystery of Guanajuato's preserved mummies.
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Jun 2, 2020 • 20min

An epidemic of hunger: covid-19 and poverty

Kenley Salmon, Africa correspondent for The Economist, discusses how COVID-19 has pushed poverty numbers up for the first time in 20 years, affecting millions as lockdowns ravage traditional coping strategies. Emma Hogan, Editor at The Economist, reflects on the comfort found in reading diaries during tough times, drawing on historical examples. They also explore the environmental implications of China’s hydropower projects on the Mekong River, highlighting the intricate link between health crises and ecological challenges.
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Jun 1, 2020 • 22min

The flames spread: protests in America

John Priddo, the US editor for The Economist, and Shashank Joshi, the defense editor, dissect the explosive protests following George Floyd’s death. They explore the systemic issues fueling unrest, the paradox of increasing police violence, and the political fallout. Priddo and Joshi also delve into the pressing weaknesses in America’s cyber defenses, outlining the urgent need for stronger protections against state-sponsored threats in an increasingly digital landscape. Finally, they touch on museums' innovative efforts to document this historic moment.

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