Economist Podcasts

Join Callum Williams, a Senior economics writer at The Economist, and Alice Su, a Senior international correspondent, as they dive into Russia's resilient but slowing economy under sanctions. Callum reveals how fiscal stimulus has masked the economic downturn while exploring whether rising inflation could pressure Putin. Alice shares insights on the creative tactics of protestors in China, highlighting how economic grievances are turning into political action despite severe state crackdowns.

Tom Wainwright, media editor at The Economist, dives into the implications of TikTok's potential divestment from Chinese ownership, revealing national security concerns and the balance of power among U.S. investors. He discusses the complexities of retaining some control for ByteDance and the risks of media consolidation under new ownership. The conversation shifts to the alarming rise of dengue fever, exploring how climate change raises its transmission, especially in urban settings, as well as insights on prevention strategies and the health risks associated with this disease.

Chris Lockwood, Europe editor at The Economist, sheds light on Ukraine's ongoing military stalemate and the dire impact of manpower shortages, highlighting the nation's increasing reliance on drones. He also discusses Ukraine’s strained economy and democratic challenges under martial law. Meanwhile, Shailesh Chitnes, global business writer, analyzes the potential consequences of proposed H-1B visa fee hikes, emphasizing the risk to U.S. tech firms and Indian IT companies, and how they might adapt their hiring strategies in response.

In this discussion, Shashank Joshi, a defense editor with expertise in Pakistan and nuclear strategy, delves into the newly formalized defense partnership between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. He explains the implications of Pakistan’s nuclear umbrella and the historical context of their military cooperation. Joshi also shares insights on how recent regional tensions pushed this agreement into the spotlight, along with the economic and diplomatic motivations for Pakistan. Plus, there’s a glance at how authoritarian regimes handle comedians who mock them.

Anton LaGuardia, Diplomatic editor at The Economist, analyzes the precarious state of the United Nations, discussing funding cuts and potential futures shaped by global politics. Meanwhile, Henry Tricks, U.S. editor (technology) at The Economist, explores the advantages of smaller AI language models over their larger counterparts. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by aspiring London cab drivers due to competition from ride-hailing services and autonomous vehicles, blending diplomacy, technology, and urban transport.

Tim Cross, a senior science writer, dives into the surprising benefits of sunlight and its often misunderstood health effects. The conversation also touches on the recent memorial for Charlie Kirk, highlighting political and religious undertones, as well as Trump’s provocative speech. Additionally, they explore a shift in pop culture, where contemporary female musicians focus less on villainous men and more on their mediocrity, reflecting changing societal narratives.

India is emerging as a major player in the AI landscape, attracting substantial investment from US tech firms due to its vast user base and valuable data. The discussion also dives into Nestlé's recent struggles, examining their leadership changes and plans for recovery. Additionally, there is a heartfelt tribute to Robert Redford, celebrating his impactful career and contributions to both film and activism.

AstraZeneca's £200m investment pause raises eyebrows as the UK fears losing its life-science edge. The discussion highlights tax and approval challenges facing innovators. Meanwhile, the Royal Navy is exploring the future of hybrid air wings, merging manned and unmanned capabilities for strategic advantage. Plus, scientists in the Caribbean are pioneering coral restoration with innovative techniques like coral IVF to combat hurricane damage and enhance reef resilience.

Angel Pfeffer, the Israel correspondent for The Economist, provides deep insights into the severe accusations of genocide against Israel regarding its actions in Gaza. He discusses the urgent humanitarian crisis and Netanyahu's unwavering military stance. Matthew Holhouse, the British politics correspondent, delves into the implications of Donald Trump's state visit to Britain amidst rising Trumpism. They also share unexpected insights into quirky culinary trends in China and innovative life hacks that reflect youth creativity during tough times.

Carrie in Richmond-Jones, an international economics correspondent, and Henry Trix, the US technology editor, dive into the implications of declining global fertility rates. They discuss how this trend could reshape societies and economies without necessarily making us poorer. The conversation also touches on the biases in large language models and the worrying decline in reading habits, linking these changes to broader societal issues like literacy and political engagement. A thought-provoking exploration of our evolving world!