Economist Podcasts

Guests Rachana Shanbog, Business Affairs Editor, and Ana Likas, Brazil Bureau Chief, dive into President Trump's unpredictable tariff strategies and their global impact, likening trade negotiations to a soap opera. They explore Brazil's decline in football prominence, attributing it to retiring legends and governance issues while discussing reforms aimed at reviving the sport. The conversation also touches on the ecological transformation of manicured lawns into meadows, highlighting the importance of biodiversity and historical connections to nature.

Fraser McIlwraith, News Editor at The Economist, joins to discuss the evolving Anglo-French relations post-Brexit. He highlights the hopeful diplomatic thaw between Macron and Starmer at the ceremonial state visit. Dive into the alarming rise of illegal gold mining in Latin America and its link to organized crime. McIlwraith also pays tribute to Britain's iconic Shipping Forecast, a century-old feature that continues to resonate culturally amidst modern changes. A captivating blend of politics, crime, and tradition!

Gabriel Crossley, The Economist's China correspondent, discusses recent developments in Gaza, focusing on vital negotiations and Trump's diplomatic approach. Anshul Pfeffer, Israel correspondent, highlights Israel's strategic concerns with Iran and the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The conversation also dives into China's cultural shift as the Communist Party cracks down on alcohol, revealing how this impacts younger generations and reflects broader societal changes. Additionally, they remember John Robbins, who traded ice cream for a life dedicated to health advocacy.

Matthew Holehouse, British politics correspondent, and Vishnu Padmanabhan, Asia correspondent, dive into the struggles of Britain's Labour government in its first year. They dissect the party's failure to meet public expectations and internal strife affecting its unity. The discussion shifts to Bangladesh's political unrest post-Sheikh Hasina, shedding light on the new challenges under interim leadership. They also explore the luxury car market, contrasting Ferrari's success with the struggles of other automakers, particularly in transitioning to electric vehicles.

Avantika Chilkoti, Global business correspondent at The Economist, dives into the financial intricacies of OnlyFans, discussing its disruptive impact on the adult entertainment industry. She explores its business model and the challenges it faces in regulation and exploitation. Meanwhile, Jeremy Page, Asia diplomatic editor, sheds light on the Dalai Lama's reincarnation plans at 90, and the potential ramifications for China-Tibet relations. Together, they navigate fascinating intersections of culture, politics, and the modern economy.

Idrees Kahloon, Washington bureau chief for The Economist, and Oliver Carroll, Ukraine correspondent, dive into the implications of Trump's recent Senate victory on tax and spending. They discuss the transformative effects of congestion pricing in New York, which has reduced traffic and gained public support. The podcast also explores why foreign fighters, particularly from Latin America, are drawn to join Ukraine's military, shedding light on their motivations and the ongoing struggles for support amid the conflict.

Irina Long, an expert on Myanmar, and Rebecca Jackson, the Southern correspondent, delve into Aung San Suu Kyi's complex legacy as she sits in jail after a fall from grace. They discuss the international response to her confinement and the larger humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, revealing her ongoing support among the populace. Additionally, they touch on the rising trend of religious education in America, examining its implications for public schools and how the color butter yellow is capturing attention in fashion.

Emmett Livingston, a Congo correspondent for The Economist, and Henry Tricks, the US Technology Editor, dive into Rwanda and Congo’s fragile peace deal. They discuss the complexities of the newly brokered truce following decades of conflict. The conversation highlights the ongoing threat of the M23 militia and the challenges of sustainable reconciliation. They also explore Mark Zuckerberg’s $14 billion pivot towards AI at Meta and dissect the troubling dynamics of the manosphere, questioning whether it poses real danger or merely reflects societal concerns.

Mike Bird, Wall Street correspondent and host of Money Talks, joins to discuss Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa's battle against transnational gangs. Noboa's recent success in arresting a notorious gang leader signals his commitment to tackling crime while respecting democracy. The discussion also explores market reactions to geopolitical events, revealing surprising investor indifference despite global turmoil. Additionally, Bird reflects on the UN's founding and its lessons in maintaining peace, making for a thought-provoking conversation.

Delve into the intriguing journey of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose reluctance to make decisions has shaped his lengthy reign. Explore the complex dynamics of inheritance management, where trillions are passed down and mismanagement can lead to hefty losses. Discover why India's lengthy address systems complicate logistics and personal dealings, while innovative solutions are emerging to tackle these challenges. From diplomatic shifts in Iran to the financial implications of wealth transfer, this discussion offers a fascinating blend of politics and economics.