Economist Podcasts

John McDermott, Chief Africa Correspondent at The Economist, and Gareth Brown, Middle East correspondent, discuss the intense legacy of Rwanda's genocide on its 30th anniversary. They analyze the complex leadership of Paul Kagame, balancing national progress with political controversies. The conversation also dives into the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, highlighting stories of survival amid chaos, as well as the influence of local gangs. The episode further touches on the excitement and science behind an upcoming total solar eclipse, weaving together narratives of resilience and hope.

Marwan Barghouti, a Palestinian politician and revolutionary currently serving a life sentence, could be pivotal in shaping Palestine's future. In the conversation, Barghouti's enduring influence on Palestinian politics is explored, highlighting his popularity amid the current leadership. The discussion dives into his resilience in prison, his commitment to education, and the emotional toll on families of prisoners. Barghouti's journey from activism to advocating armed resistance during the Second Intifada is also examined, alongside his potential to unify factions and foster peace with Israel.

Jessica Taylor, the Senate editor at The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, dives into the razor-thin margins of the upcoming congressional races. She analyzes key Senate dynamics and candidate strategies, highlighting the potential for Republican gains and their implications for future governance. The discussion emphasizes the challenges that Democrats face to retain control amid shifting political landscapes in crucial areas like California. Expect insightful predictions on how these elections might shape the next presidency, all amidst the backdrop of historical political lessons.

In this discussion, Kinley Salmon, Sophie Batter, and Anne Rowe share insights on Argentina's President Javier Milei and his economic reforms affecting everyday citizens. The panel highlights the challenges of implementing these drastic changes amidst rising poverty. They also explore Paris's ambitious plans for the Olympics, including revitalizing areas like Saint-Saint for lasting community benefits. Lastly, they celebrate the inspiring journey of a polio survivor who, after years in an iron lung, achieves personal milestones and fosters deep connections despite his challenges.

Shoshan Joshi, The Economist's defense editor with expertise in nuclear security and geopolitics, discusses the complexities of modern nuclear deterrence amid rising global powers like Russia and China. She highlights America's challenges in addressing multiple nuclear threats while updating its strategies. The conversation also dives into the booming AI industry, spotlighting Nvidia's groundbreaking technologies, and touches on the diminishing number of accountants in the U.S., emphasizing the profession's need for revitalization to attract younger talent.

Leo Marani, India correspondent for The Economist, discusses India's alarming rise in obesity amidst ongoing undernutrition, highlighting cultural and economic challenges in promoting healthier diets. Fyodor Zilevski, Turkey correspondent, analyzes recent local election results that challenge President Erdogan's dominance, signaling potential political shifts. They also dive into the soaring demand for high-quality sand driven by technology and renewable energy, exploring the implications of dwindling resources in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.

In this discussion, Edward Carr, Deputy Editor of The Economist, provides sharp insights into the political turmoil faced by Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, exploring how chaos may serve as a shield for his leadership. Alice Forward, Wall Street correspondent, dives into the booming market of 'superfakes' in the luxury goods sector, revealing how these high-quality counterfeits are reshaping consumer trust. The conversation also touches on the evolving drinking habits among French youth, posing challenges for traditional wine producers.

Rosie Bloor, an International China correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on China's extensive surveillance of its diaspora and the chilling effects of state monitoring on freedom. Caitlin Talbot, who writes about culture, discusses the staggering amount of unexhibited treasures the world's museums hold, like Darwin's tortoise. They also touch on America's transformed skiing industry, focusing on new business models and how these shifts reflect consumer behavior. It's a captivating exploration of culture, surveillance, and industry evolution!

Join Arkady Ostrovsky, The Economist's expert on Russia, as he reveals the harrowing truth about life inside Russia's brutal prison system, where political prisoners face unimaginable conditions. Vijay Vaitheeswaran discusses the daunting challenge of transitioning from oil dependency, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions amidst rising global temperatures. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe honors Amnon Weinstein, a luthier on a mission to restore Holocaust violins, bringing their haunting histories back to life through music.

Alice Forward, a Wall Street correspondent and co-host of Money Talks, and Catherine Nixey, Britain correspondent, dive into the fallout from the dramatic FTX collapse. They discuss the legal fate of Sam Bankman-Fried and the staggering $8 billion misappropriation of customer funds. The conversation takes an intriguing turn as they explore the challenges and potentials of building new cities globally and even touch on how M&S underwear has historical significance in women’s lives. The episode connects finance, urban development, and social history in compelling ways.