Economist Podcasts

Sophie Pedder, the Paris bureau chief for The Economist, shares her insights on the rise of hard-right parties in Europe, driven by the influence of Trumpism. She discusses the complexities these politicians face in reconciling national interests with European unity, especially regarding Ukraine. Pedder also explores the geopolitical implications of the Houthi's strength in Yemen and touches on the surprising resurgence of Christian television, uncovering its blend of faith and commerce that is captivating audiences.

Canada's political landscape is heating up with Justin Trudeau's resignation stirring the pot for a snap election. As Mark Carney emerges in the Liberal party, the influence of Donald Trump's persona shapes campaign strategies for both major parties. Meanwhile, China's assertive actions in international relations contrast with initial expectations of diplomatic outreach. The podcast also dives into the rise of dystopian fiction, spotlighting themes of technology and surveillance that reflect modern societal anxieties.

Shoshank Joshi, Defense editor for The Economist, and Ore Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondent focusing on Nigerian politics and women's challenges, dive into a shocking security breach involving the Trump administration's lax handling of classified military communications. They discuss the dire conditions for women in Nigeria’s political sphere, highlighting a senator's harrowing experiences of harassment and discrimination. Lastly, they tackle the intricacies of idea appropriation in the workplace, suggesting not all credit stealing is malicious.

Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, discusses the intense and escalating conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. He highlights the humanitarian crisis and the internal struggles within Israel, particularly as Prime Minister Netanyahu faces increasing political challenges. The conversation also touches on the changing dynamics of U.S.-Mexico relations, emphasizing Claudia Sheinbaum’s strategic responses to U.S. policies. In a lighter moment, the podcast includes a tribute to Richard Fortey, a passionate paleontologist celebrated for his work on trilobites.

Shashank Joshi, the Defence editor for the Economist, delves into the precarious state of U.S. intelligence-sharing alliances. He discusses how Donald Trump's presidency has raised concerns about trust within the Five Eyes alliance due to political tensions and leaks. Joshi also highlights China's remarkable evolution in biotech, leading the charge in cutting-edge pharmaceuticals, which poses challenges for Western companies. Plus, there's a touch on weekend viewing recommendations that balance quality and entertainment.

In this discussion, Matt Yuki, a Latin America expert, and Annie Crable, a news editor, delve into pressing global issues. They analyze the arrest of Turkish opposition leader Ekrem Imamoglu and its threatening implications for democracy in Turkey. The conversation shifts to Panama's strategic negotiations amid U.S. relations with insights on how these lessons might relate to future dealings with Donald Trump. Annie also shares intriguing details about visiting zoos for antivenom treatment, underscoring their vital role in snakebite emergencies.

Chris Lockwood, Europe editor at The Economist with a focus on political analysis, joins Simon Wright, the industry editor specializing in the automotive sector, for an insightful discussion. They delve into the implications of Putin’s missile attacks during Trump’s ceasefire hopes. The talk then shifts to Tesla's struggle with declining sales, linked to Musk's controversial political moves. Finally, they explore the rise of literary erotica, noting how female authors are reshaping the genre amidst societal changes.

Angel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent for The Economist, discusses the explosive situation in Gaza following a surge of Israeli airstrikes, exploring the fragile ceasefire and the intricate geopolitical stakes involved. Meanwhile, Sarah Wu, China correspondent, highlights the cultural shift in Chinese cinema with the success of the animated film 'No Zha 2,' revealing its humor-driven approach that departs from traditional narratives. The dialogue reflects on the intersection of politics, international relations, and evolving cultural identities.

Rebecca Jackson, Southern correspondent for The Economist, dives into the turbulent landscape of the CDC. She reveals how political tensions during the Trump era have created a culture of fear within the agency, affecting staff morale and public health initiatives. They discuss the looming threats to America's public health infrastructure, alongside the unexpected comeback of silver as an investment and the rise in popularity of live albums in music. It's a thought-provoking conversation about adaptability in a changing world.

Jonjo Devlin, deputy editor of The Intelligence and expert on Scandinavian affairs, discusses the International Criminal Court's arrest of Rodrigo Duterte, highlighting the complexities of international justice. The conversation shifts to Sweden's surge in gang violence, particularly among youth motivated by money, revealing deep societal issues. Devlin also honors playwright Athol Fugard, whose works courageously addressed apartheid's injustices, reminding us of the power of storytelling in challenging times.