Economist Podcasts

Explore the fascinating rise of Narendra Modi, a tea-seller’s son turned Prime Minister of India. Discover the complexities of his leadership and the dynamic balance he strikes between economic growth and nationalist sentiments. As he aims for a third term, the podcast examines whether he can solidify India as a superpower while addressing the challenges that come with his controversial agenda. Intriguing personal stories and historical insights illuminate the enigma of one of the world’s most influential politicians.

Matthew Holhouse, a British political correspondent, provides keen insights into Rishi Sunak's rocky tenure and what it means for the upcoming election. Catherine Braik, the environment editor, explains the surprising impact of climate change on Earth's rotation, making our days slightly longer. Together, they delve into the UK's political landscape, exploring the Conservative Party's struggles against Labour's disciplined campaign amid a backdrop of escalating gang violence in Latin America, and the need for more effective responses to this crisis.

Narendra Modi's incredible rise from a tea-seller’s son to one of the world’s most influential leaders takes center stage. The podcast dives deep into the complexities of his leadership, showcasing India’s economic surge under his rule. Yet, it also tackles the tensions surrounding his promotion of Hindu nationalism. Can he skillfully navigate these contrasting agendas to solidify India's status as a global superpower? Join as they unravel what drives this enigmatic figure.

Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, discusses the grim realities unfolding in Gaza, including the aftermath of airstrikes and Israel's growing international isolation. Erin Braun, a writer on the American West, highlights the increasing electoral power of the Mexican diaspora in the U.S., exploring how their emerging influence could shape Mexico's upcoming elections. Additionally, the duo shares a light-hearted moment, reminiscing about the nuances of lawn bowling and its cultural significance.

Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Director of the IAEA, is at the forefront of nuclear oversight, navigating tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear program and global stability. He discusses the challenges of promoting peaceful atomic energy amid rising risks. Alongside Tom Lee-Devlin, global business correspondent, they dive into De Beers' struggles with diamond sales and the shift toward lab-grown gems. The conversation also explores Russia's innovative tank defenses, highlighting the complex interplay of military technology and modern combat challenges.

Join Guy Scriven, US technology editor at The Economist, and Sakeep Rahim, a science and technology writer, as they dive into pressing issues in tech and agriculture. Scriven reveals the power dynamics behind Apple and Alphabet's app duopoly, while discussing rising regulatory scrutiny and the quest for competition. Rahim shares innovative, low-tech strategies to combat desert locust invasions, emphasizing proactive measures and the role of diplomacy. Plus, discover the alarming rise of election campaign costs in India and its implications for electoral integrity.

The podcast explores the controversial 'foreign agent law' in Georgia, likened to Putin's tactics. It delves into the crackdown on dissent, political turmoil, and brave protests against Russian influence. The narrative highlights the struggle for independence, democracy, and EU integration amidst concerns over foreign interference, emphasizing the need for international support and actions like sanctions.

Narendra Modi's journey from a tea-seller's son to the Prime Minister of India is captivating. His decade-long tenure has transformed India into an economic powerhouse, yet he's also linked to a divisive Hindu nationalist agenda. The balance he must strike between these two forces poses intriguing questions about his future and India's direction. Exploring his complex legacy uncovers the intricacies of his influence on democracy and his political ambitions, making for a thought-provoking discussion.

Anshul Pfeffer, Jerusalem correspondent for The Economist, delves into Israel's current political turbulence amidst growing public discontent with Netanyahu's leadership. He highlights the internal struggles within the Unity Cabinet and international reactions to the crisis. The discussion takes a cultural turn as they explore how the Netflix series 'Bridgerton' has reignited interest in classical music. Additionally, the conversation touches on Italy's costly energy efficiency subsidies and their economic repercussions, illustrating a fascinating blend of politics and culture.

Tom Standage, the Deputy Editor of The Economist, dives into Nvidia's reign over AI chip technology, exploring how its gaming GPUs have propelled its market dominance. He discusses the fierce competition from emerging rivals aiming to disrupt this stronghold and the critical innovations in chip design that could reshape AI processing. The conversation also touches on the complex and disputed casualty counts in Gaza, illustrating the difficulties in obtaining accurate figures amidst conflict turmoil. Standage wraps up with a look at the intriguing dynamics of political rematches in the U.S.