Economist Podcasts

Avantika Chilkoti, a global business correspondent for The Economist, shares her insights after attending the annual gathering of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Nagpur. She delves into the dual nature of the RSS as both a community for young men and a force behind rising Hindu nationalism in India. The complex ties between RSS and Prime Minister Modi reveal the organization's influence on policy. The episode also discusses a shift towards scientific innovation in the Gulf and introduces the intriguing word 'cacostocracy' as the word of the year.

In this engaging episode, Lena Shipper, Africa editor for The Economist and former South Asia bureau chief, shares her insights on global change. She discusses remarkable transformations in Bangladesh, driven by a student-led movement advocating for human rights. The contrasting political landscape of Syria emphasizes the ongoing struggles some nations face. The conversation also takes an unexpected turn with a heartwarming rescue mission for abandoned animals, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and community efforts.

In this discussion, Adam Roberts details NATO's heightened defense strategies at the Estonia-Russia border amid rising tensions. Ava Renee shares insights on the surge of spiritual influences online, highlighting the quest for genuine practices versus commercialization. Aaron Braun emphasizes conservation of the California condor, revealing its near-extinction plight and the crucial efforts to protect this majestic bird from threats like lead poisoning. Together, they explore urgent global concerns spanning politics, spirituality, and environmental preservation.

Gareth Brown, a Correspondent recently returned from Syria, shares firsthand accounts of uncovering a mass grave near Damascus, highlighting the haunting stories of families seeking missing relatives. Sophie Petter, The Economist's Paris bureau chief, analyzes the political challenges faced by France’s new Prime Minister, Francois Beirut, amid rising far-right sentiments. The conversation blends deep emotional narratives with urgent calls for global accountability in Syria's humanitarian crisis, offering a chilling glimpse into the aftermath of a fallen regime.

In this discussion, Leo Marani, Asia correspondent for The Economist based in Mumbai, dives deep into India's waste management crisis, spotlighting Pamjin's successful transformation into a clean city. He addresses the history of waste challenges and the essential role of community involvement. The podcast also explores the political chaos in Germany as Chancellor Olaf Scholz faces a confidence vote, leading to impending snap elections, and discusses the implications this has for voter priorities amid economic stagnation.

Sarah Larniuk, Senior Producer for The Economist, reports from Tbilisi amidst escalating protests against the controversial election of a new president in Georgia. She sheds light on the citizens' struggle for democratic representation against a backdrop of historical Russian influence. Tim Cross, Senior Science Writer, discusses the challenges facing NASA, especially in light of budget cuts and shifting political priorities, while also touching upon the cultural significance of the martini and its evolution over time.

In this conversation, an anonymous contributor discusses the precarious state of the Russian economy, highlighting potential crises amid ongoing conflicts. Anne Rowe reflects on Shalom Nagar, the Israeli prison officer associated with Adolf Eichmann, unpacking the emotional weight of his role. They touch on alarming trends in adult cognitive skills, revealing many perform worse than ten-year-olds, and debate the socio-economic implications of declining literacy rates in affluent nations. Get ready for some profound insights and historical reflections!

Shailesh Chitnis, a global business writer for The Economist, and Sarah Larniuk, a senior producer for The Intelligence, delve into Intel's dramatic decline amid fierce global competition. They discuss the implications of the chipmaker's struggles for American national security and the potential impacts of leadership changes at Intel. The conversation also explores an intriguing International Criminal Court case and the influence of viral food trends in social media, revealing how cultural phenomena shape our understanding of food and justice.

Explore the harrowing tales from a notorious Syrian prison, where families seek closure while former inmates share their traumatic experiences. Dive into the booming world of spiritual tourism in Rishikesh, fueled by seekers drawn to self-discovery. Learn about the rise of secular pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, highlighting both personal journeys and economic boosts for local businesses. Meanwhile, football fans grapple with the struggles of Manchester City as investigations loom over their performance.

Anshul Pfeffer, Israel correspondent for The Economist, dives into Binyamin Netanyahu's groundbreaking testimony as the first Israeli prime minister to stand trial. He highlights the political turmoil surrounding Netanyahu amid major national crises and protests, as the defense claims a 'witch hunt.' The conversation also critiques the actual value of master's degrees in today’s job market, questioning if they truly benefit graduates. To wrap up, the team shares their must-read book recommendations for 2024, covering diverse themes and engaging narratives.