Economist Podcasts

In this engaging discussion, Georgia Banjo, Britain correspondent for The Economist, and Stanley Pignol, Brussels bureau chief, uncover Britain’s remarkable rise as a gaming powerhouse, largely driven by its creative culture and the success of franchises like Grand Theft Auto. They also explore the decline of sin taxes across Europe and the impact this has on public services. Additionally, the conversation takes an intriguing turn with the emergence of battery-powered rickshaws in Bangladesh, showcasing innovative energy solutions. It's a fascinating mix of gaming and societal trends!

Chris Lockwood, Europe editor at The Economist, and Oliver Carroll, Ukraine correspondent, dive into the high-stakes meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump. They explore Zelensky's balancing act between urgent peace initiatives and U.S. demands, while assessing the skepticism surrounding American support. The duo also examines the evolving landscape of AI-driven entrepreneurship, highlighting the rise of solopreneurs leveraging technology for success. Lastly, they touch on the modern resurgence of traditional Chinese medicine, focusing on a 400-year-old cough syrup gaining traction among Western audiences.

Nicholas Pelham, the Middle East correspondent for The Economist, dives into the shifting dynamics of Hamas amid internal and external pressures. He discusses the organization's potential disarmament and the significant risks involved in such a move, revealing hesitations among militants about surrendering their fight for liberation. Pelham also touches on the emotional factors impacting market behaviors, challenging traditional views of risk in investment strategies. Additionally, a historical look back to Japan’s surrender in 1945 reflects on the complexities of post-conflict recovery.

Join Adam O'Neal and Matthew Steinglass, correspondents for The Economist, as they explore the geopolitical intrigue of Svalbard. They discuss the historical significance of Barentsburg, a Russian settlement in Norway, and its role in contemporary Arctic dynamics. The conversation shifts to the complexities of hybrid warfare in the region, touching on Russia's military activities and Norway's sovereignty efforts. As climate change alters access to resources, they dissect the rising tensions and implications for global powers like NATO.

In this discussion, Sarah Birke, The Economist's bureau chief for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, and Carrie Richmond Jones, the international economics correspondent, delve into Nayib Bukele's controversial reign in El Salvador. They explore his strategies in tackling gang violence and the erosion of democratic norms as he seeks to remain in power indefinitely. The conversation also touches on the surprising decline in U.S. fertility rates, particularly in high-birth states, and the transformation of France's Provence region into a glamorous lifestyle brand.

Alex Hearn, an AI writer for The Economist, dives into the fascinating world of generative AI, particularly OpenAI’s GPT-5 and its implications for society. He discusses how the advancements of GPT-5 enhance various fields, from healthcare to event planning, and explores the competitive AI landscape and emotional ties users have with technology. Hearn also examines Japan's shifting investment culture, revealing a growing enthusiasm among younger investors. Finally, he highlights the evolving realm of professional wrestling, marked by the rise of indie promotions amid declining traditional viewership.

Oliver Carroll, Ukraine correspondent for The Economist, delves into the complexity of peace talks in Ukraine, examining potential deals influenced by Russia and the US. He discusses the implications of President Trump’s unpredictable actions on the ongoing conflict, highlighting the urgency of Ukraine's situation. Meanwhile, Don Wineland, the finance editor, reveals China’s ambitious quest to become the electric vehicle powerhouse, akin to Detroit, as cities like Chongqing vie for dominance in this booming market.

Shul Pfeffer, the Israel correspondent for The Economist, dives deep into the accountability of Israel's military actions in Gaza. He sheds light on the challenges within the Israeli legal system regarding war crime allegations and the implications for democracy. The conversation takes a turn to the phenomenon of job hopping, discussing its declining effectiveness as inflation rises. Lastly, the podcast reflects on Father Patrick Ryan's troubling journey from priest to IRA figure, raising profound questions about morality and violence.

Rachna Shanbog, business affairs editor at The Economist, and Shishank Joshi, defense editor at The Economist, discuss the lasting impact of Donald Trump’s tariffs, revealing how American consumers will bear their costs. They explore the U.S. Space Command’s readiness for new space conflicts amid rising geopolitical tensions. Additionally, they highlight Gen Z's fascination with personalized reusable water bottles, examining how these items have become trendy symbols influenced by social media. It's a deep dive into economics and culture!

Tom Gardner, Africa correspondent for The Economist, shares insights on Somalia's challenging political landscape and the regression from recent progress against jihadists. Meanwhile, Tom Sasse, public policy editor, discusses the evolving crime dynamics in Britain, noting overall declines in crime but rising visible offenses. The conversation highlights the complexities law enforcement faces amid modern challenges, including technology-driven criminality, reflecting a significant shift in policing strategies.