Economist Podcasts

Oliver Carroll, an Economist correspondent covering Ukraine, dives deep into 'Operation Midas,' a groundbreaking corruption scandal shaking the nation's political landscape. He outlines the investigation's origins, revealing chilling details about leaked tapes and a kickback scheme undermining Ukraine's energy sector. Carroll also discusses the significant political fallout stemming from high-profile arrests and public protests, emphasizing the ongoing threat corruption poses to Ukraine's war effort and stability as it navigates a potential peace deal.

Duncan Robinson, Political journalist and The Economist's Britain political editor, dissects Keir Starmer's bold stance against Nigel Farage's Reform party, questioning the effectiveness of his policies. Rebecca Jackson, Southern correspondent, reveals the troubling surge in US executions, spotlighting Florida's influence and the Supreme Court's role in this trend. From political strategies to the ethical implications of capital punishment, this episode dives into pressing issues shaping global politics today.

Kira Huyu, Asia correspondent, delves into the rekindled ties between India and Russia during Putin's recent visit, exploring how Trump's policies shifted the balance. She touches on defense deals and India's growing dependence on discounted Russian oil. Joining her is Vishnu Papmanaban, who discusses the Malaysian football scandal involving forged documents that sparked public outrage and possible penalties for the national team. Their conversation reveals the intricate links between international politics and sports controversies.

Join Shashank Joshi, Defence editor, as he unpacks the legality of controversial US missile strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and their implications for military policy. Emily Steinmark, Science correspondent, delves into the world of gene-editing startups, exploring the rise of embryo editing and its associated risks. Moika Iida, East Asia reporter, highlights the fight for women's inclusion in sumo, discussing cultural barriers and the hope for future change in Japan's gender dynamics.

Join Rachna Shambhog, Business Affairs Editor at The Economist, as she dives into China's cutting-edge advancements in robotaxis and pharmaceuticals, discussing how low-cost production and agile regulations are reshaping the future of innovation. Also featured is Joel Budd, Social Affairs Editor, who reveals that Spain ranks as the most similar country to Britain, highlighting policy insights Britain could borrow, like more relaxed immigration. Plus, explore the comforting rise of capybaras as cultural icons in today's world.

Henry Tricks, the Technology editor at The Economist, delves into the evolving AI landscape, discussing the circular nature of investments and competition challenges posed to giants like OpenAI. He emphasizes the potential shift toward AI specialization over monopolistic dominance. Meanwhile, Benselin von Bredow, a Senior Germany correspondent, reveals Denmark's groundbreaking decision to end national letter delivery amid declining letter volumes, while highlighting how postal services are adapting to booming parcel demands in a digital world.

Join Gary Thomas, the Culinary Director for Royal Caribbean, who oversees food operations for thousands at sea. He shares the secrets behind feeding thousands on the colossal Star of the Seas, detailing the choreography of dining, staggering protein volumes, and the use of AI to minimize waste. Discover the high-stakes world of kitchen logistics, the immense pressures on crew, and the fascinating connections between modern dining rooms and factory lines. Gary also reflects on the challenges of crew life and his culinary philosophy.

Emma Irving, Asian editor at The Economist, discusses the devastating high-rise fire in Hong Kong, revealing safety failures like flammable materials and disabled alarms. She highlights public grief and outrage over housing inequality affecting the elderly victims, alongside political implications and potential reforms. Sarah Lonyuk, an Audio correspondent, shares insights on a year of protests in Georgia, tracking their evolution amidst legal restrictions and Russian influence. She evaluates the factors that could lead to successful popular uprisings.

Tom Carter, Britain's economics correspondent at The Economist, dives into the UK budget's disappointing growth prospects. He critiques the tax-and-spend plan for lacking measures to boost productivity and argues it ultimately undermines the political center. The discussion also highlights missed reforms that could stimulate growth in areas like migration and employment. Additionally, Robert Guest shares insights from Uttar Pradesh, exploring Yogi Adityanath's dual role as a leader while addressing infrastructure developments and the implications of rising religious nationalism.

Zen Smiley, an Editor-at-large with firsthand experience in Cuba, dives deep into the current turmoil facing the island nation. He discusses the ongoing struggles of its people amidst a failing economy and relentless adherence to communist ideals. Smiley explores the failures of the 2021 protests and the complex role of private businesses in the economy. He also sheds light on the influence of Miami's lobby on US-Cuba relations. Tune in for a fascinating look at the intersection of politics, economics, and the resilience of the Cuban spirit.