Keir Starmer, a prominent British politician and former Prime Minister, teams up with Shishank Joshi, The Economist's Defense editor, to dissect Elon Musk's audacious meddling in UK politics. They explore how Musk's social media antics are shaping political discourse and raising questions about tech influence. The discussion also shifts to Europe's security landscape, emphasizing pressing defense challenges in light of the Ukraine war and shifting U.S. policies, highlighting the urgent need for a unified European strategy.

John Prideaux, the United States editor and host of Checks and Ballots, discusses the pressing issue of climate change in India, highlighting innovative community-led initiatives and the growing adaptation costs. He shares a gripping story of resilience from Wayanad, shedding light on families facing natural disasters. The conversation then shifts to the feasibility of political promises, particularly in the context of Donald Trump's administration. Lastly, Prideaux explores the robotic revolution in grape harvesting, marrying tradition with tech in wine production.

Christopher Lockwood, Europe editor for The Economist, discusses the alarming rise of Austria's far-right Freedom Party as a pivotal player in the country's political future. He connects this trend to broader pro-Russia sentiments across central Europe, while reflecting on Jean-Marie Le Pen's legacy and the normalization of extremist ideologies. Additionally, the conversation touches on the challenges of financial inclusion in Latin America, highlighting the ongoing issues faced by unbanked populations.

Rob Russo, The Economist's Canada correspondent, reveals the internal party conflicts leading to Justin Trudeau's resignation and the implications for future Canadian elections. Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief, reflects on the legacy of the Charlie Hebdo attacks, emphasizing the publication's commitment to satire despite ongoing threats. The discussion also highlights AI's transformative potential in the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on how it could reshape drug development by 2025, amidst challenges and optimism for future innovations.

In this discussion, Anshul Pfeffer, The Economist's Israel correspondent, and Guy Scriven, a global business writer, dive into the ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Qatar amid Israel's military actions in Gaza. They analyze the complex dynamics of hostages and public opinion in Israel as the U.S. political landscape shifts. Transitioning to business, they highlight the impressive performance of Nordic firms in the global market and explore the cultural and economic factors driving their success, alongside the political challenges facing democracy in Asia.

Simon Rabinovich, U.S. economics editor at The Economist, dissects the complex dynamics within Donald Trump's economic team, exploring the interplay between traditional conservatives and the America First faction. Anne Rowe captivates listeners with the curious case of Saturn's disappearing rings and their deep historical significance. Meanwhile, Rachel Dobbs highlights alarming trends in tourism's carbon emissions, stressing the urgent need for sustainable practices in an era of rising environmental impact.

Noah Snyder, East Asia Bureau chief for The Economist, discusses South Korea's political turmoil, including the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol amid a devastating air disaster. Ana Lankas, Brazil bureau chief, analyzes the transformation of Brazilian football into lucrative enterprises, heralding a new competitive era. Alexander Suits-Bass, Culture editor, explores the increasing allure of video game adaptations in Hollywood, highlighting their impact on the entertainment landscape and future film portrayals.

Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor for The Economist with deep expertise in Russian politics, and Matthew Holhouse, British political correspondent focusing on the UK's landscape, explore the complexities of Russian public opinion about the war in Ukraine. They discuss the internal divisions facing Russians, who desire a return to normalcy. The conversation also shifts to the UK's political future post-2024, while analyzing challenges faced by the Labour government amid a fragmented electorate and exploring the cultural significance of nicknames.

In a lively discussion, Ed Carr, Deputy Editor of The Economist, and Maria Wilczek, News Editor, dive into the whirlwind of the 2024 elections worldwide. They unravel surprising political outcomes and the resilience of democracy amidst rising challenges. Ed highlights the shift away from identity politics, while Maria sheds light on Poland's beloved milk bars facing modernization hurdles. The talk also ventures into the evolving economics of these traditional spots, blending nostalgia with innovation, and explores future trends in China's urban landscapes.

John Priddo, the United States editor for The Economist, shares valuable insights on Jimmy Carter's presidency and lasting principles of empathy and human rights. Tom Standage, Editor of World Ahead 2025, discusses predictions on global trends, the unpredictable nature of future events, and the divergence in AI adoption. The conversation also examines how perceptions of Carter's leadership have evolved and highlights the complexities of forecasting in a rapidly changing world.