Economist Podcasts

Join Callum Williams, a Senior economics writer, and Michelle Hennessy, Graphic detail editor at The Economist, as they delve into pressing global issues. They analyze the potential use of seized Russian assets to support Ukraine's financial needs amid winter challenges. Callum reveals alarming trends on AI's effect on junior hiring, indicating no impending jobs apocalypse yet. Michelle shares insights from Henley & Partners’ passport rankings, showcasing how Asian passports are gaining power while the US passport declines.

Alice Su, a Senior international correspondent for The Economist, dives into NATO's challenges with shadow fleets in the Baltic, revealing tactics used to evade detection. Don Wineland, the China business and finance editor, discusses the rise of 200 million gig workers reshaping China's economy, highlighting their precarious conditions yet promising flexibility. Meanwhile, John Fasman, a culture correspondent, explores the intricacies of antisemitism through Mark Mazower's book, tracing its evolution and the modern political landscape it inhabits.

Hal Hodson, America editor at The Economist, discusses the surprising electoral victory of Javier Milei and its implications for Argentina's economy. Tom Nuttall, the Berlin bureau chief, highlights Germany's stagnant reforms under Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the political ramifications. Meanwhile, William Warren explores the resurgence of challenging video games, examining how player expectations for difficulty have shifted over the decades and the balance between challenge and accessibility in modern game design.

Simon Rabinovich, Beijing bureau chief at The Economist, discusses how China's rare-earth export controls have shifted the trade war's dynamics in its favor. He explains China's strategic investments in semiconductors and dominance in processing rare-earth elements, affecting global supply chains. Meanwhile, Tom Wainwright highlights the rising screen time among seniors, weighing the risks against potential social and cognitive benefits. Lastly, Henrietta McFarlane dives into the cultural significance and modern revival of the waltz, showcasing its lasting appeal in Vienna.

In this discussion, Sam Beale, an international correspondent for The Economist, delves into the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, highlighting the lack of urgency from both parties and the potential economic fallout. Tom Gardner, the Africa correspondent, shares insights from Ghana, emphasizing how its democratic stability has spared it from jihadist violence affecting neighboring regions. Carla Zuburana explores the premiumization trend in the bottled-water industry, discussing consumer shifts toward flavored waters and the environmental implications of this market change.

Kinley Salmon, a Latin America correspondent for The Economist, discusses the booming cocaine trade and how traffickers have evolved into innovative, specialized networks. He reveals new smuggling techniques like narco-subs and chemical masking, while advocating for smarter policing over military strikes. Meanwhile, Don Weinland, China business editor, unpacks the unsettling Liu Zhi detentions of executives, citing political motives and rising anti-corruption campaigns. They also touch on the audacious Louvre heist and the challenges of recovering stolen treasures.

Noah Snyder, East Asia bureau chief at The Economist, shares insights into Takaichi Sanae, Japan’s first female prime minister, her heavy-metal hobbies, and politically ambitious agenda. Meanwhile, Archie Hall, US economics editor, discusses America's hardline immigration policies and their economic repercussions, revealing how zero migration could stunt growth and innovation. The conversation also touches on a buzzing coffee shop chain in Germany, highlighting its appeal and community impact.

Sarah Lanyuk, an audio correspondent for The Economist, shares gripping firsthand accounts from residents in Gaza during a fragile ceasefire, revealing their hopes and hardships amidst ongoing insecurity. Daniel Knowles, the Midwest correspondent, discusses the cycling renaissance in global cities, spotlighting the rise of bike lanes and e-bikes post-pandemic. The conversation also touches on the unique advantages of left-handed athletes in sports, exploring intriguing neurological insights.

In this discussion, Adam Roberts, the Digital editor at The Economist, analyzes the indictment of John Bolton for mishandling classified documents and the accusations of DOJ politicization. Shashank Joshi, Defence editor at The Economist, delves into the implications of Britain dropping espionage charges against alleged Chinese spies and the ongoing dilemma of engagement versus security regarding China. Lastly, Anne Rowe, Obituaries editor, pays tribute to Saul Zabar, exploring his legacy and the cherished history of Zabar's delicatessen.

Join John Hooper, Italy and Vatican correspondent, and Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chief, as they explore Giorgia Meloni's surprisingly stable premiership in Italy amidst turbulent times. Hooper delves into her political rise, moderate governance, and strategies on migration challenges. Meanwhile, Nuttall tackles the woes of Germany's long-distance trains, discussing punctuality issues and the broader economic implications. The conversation also touches on nostalgia with a nod to traditional British conker competitions, highlighting community and wholesome fun.