Economist Podcasts

Anshul Pfeffer, The Economist's Israel correspondent, shares insights on Netanyahu's recent speech, revealing its political intentions amid the Gaza conflict but noting the lack of concrete plans. Ore Ogunbiyi, the Africa correspondent, discusses Nigeria's food crisis, emphasizing rising prices and stagnant wages as key challenges for households. Both guests reflect on the impact of global events on local economies, including the surprising role of Starbucks as a driver of community innovation.

Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defence editor, dives deep into the lessons Western armies are learning from the conflict in Gaza. He discusses the complexities of urban warfare, including the strategic use of tunnels and drones, and the moral dilemmas posed by civilian casualties. Joshi also examines how historical military strategies evolve and adapt in response to modern challenges. Additionally, he touches on the political dynamics of a tech-savvy vice presidential candidate and the intriguing superstitions affecting Hong Kong's real estate market.

Kamala Harris is making waves in the Democratic Party, poised to be the nominee with impressive fundraising and increased support. Meanwhile, China's unicorn startup scene faces decline amidst government regulations and a changing economy. In a lighter vein, the cultural significance and surging prices of Britain's charming beach huts are explored, revealing how these seaside treasures have become highly sought-after properties, especially post-pandemic.

John Priddo, the U.S. editor for The Economist, Leo Morani, the Asia correspondent, and Anne Rowe, Obituaries editor, dive into the political shake-up of Joe Biden endorsing Kamala Harris. They discuss how India's governance could improve by creating new states, allowing for better local administration. The conversation takes a turn to remember Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the renowned sex therapist who transformed American discussions about sexuality, emphasizing her impactful legacy in challenging societal norms.

Slavia Chankova, The Economist's healthcare correspondent, examines the looming threat of a bird flu pandemic, discussing its potential to leap from animals to humans. Meanwhile, Rebecca Jackson, the Southern correspondent, sheds light on the often-overlooked roles of white women in the American slave trade, revealing their active participation in nearly 30% of slave transactions. The conversation navigates historical narratives and the complexities of gender roles in economic transactions, making for a captivating blend of current and historical topics.

Kinley Salmon, a Latin America correspondent for The Economist, dives into the sluggish trade dynamics within Latin America, exploring trade barriers like protectionism and customs challenges. He contrasts management texts with classic literature to uncover deeper insights on leadership. The conversation also touches on J.D. Vance's rise in American politics and the implications of his recent speech, providing a fascinating backdrop to the complexities of the region's economic potential.

Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defence editor, dives into crucial topics like the connection between nutrition and cognitive development. He highlights how proper nourishment in the first 1,000 days can unlock a child's potential. The discussion also covers the vulnerabilities of undersea cables, which are critical to global communication yet face threats from geopolitical tensions. Additionally, advancements in menstrual hygiene products are explored, including a groundbreaking powder that aims to ease discomfort during periods.

Noah Snyder, The Economist's East Asia bureau chief, sheds light on Japan's puzzling economic situation. He discusses the nation’s struggle with low inflation and mixed signals about its recovery, including stagnant wages and changing consumer habits. The chat dives into deep demographic challenges posed by an aging workforce, leaving Japan with weak long-term growth prospects. Additionally, ethical concerns about animal testing and the rising trend of etiquette coaching amid social media shifts add intriguing insights to the conversation.

Idris Kahloon, Washington bureau chief for The Economist, and Daniel Franklin, Senior editor at The Economist, dive into the aftermath of an attempted assassination on former President Trump. They explore the chaotic fallout and the disturbing rise of political violence in America. The conversation sheds light on how such events may influence voter perceptions and campaign dynamics, drawing historical parallels and highlighting current political polarization. Their insights reveal the troubling legacy of violence within the American democratic landscape.

Shashank Joshi, The Economist's Defence Editor, dives deep into the role of AI in modern warfare, addressing the pressing ethical dilemmas it brings to combat decisions. Rory Galloway highlights groundbreaking discoveries of fossil chromosomes from extinct species, shedding light on ancient DNA secrets. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe recounts the intriguing life of art thief Pål Enger and his obsession with Edvard Munch’s The Scream, revealing the psychological facets of his notorious crimes.