Economist Podcasts

Najib Mikati, Lebanon's prime minister and seasoned businessman, shares his insights on the recent Gaza conflict and his ambitious peace plan aimed at stabilizing the region. He discusses the critical need to prevent Hizbullah from escalating tensions and the broader implications for Middle Eastern relations. The conversation also touches on the tragic impact of the conflict on civilians and the urgent quest for diplomatic solutions. In addition, listeners learn about the evolving strategies in Ohio's abortion rights debate and the challenges of honesty in today’s job market.

Anshul Pfeffer, a seasoned correspondent for The Economist, reports from the front lines in Gaza, providing a gripping account of the ongoing military operations and their humanitarian toll. Callum Williams, the senior economics writer, dives into the lingering effects of the pandemic on consumer behavior, questioning why many are still withdrawing from social activities. They discuss the concept of 'quiet quitting' and its implications for various generations in the workplace, shedding light on drastic shifts in engagement and satisfaction among workers post-pandemic.

Catherine Brahic, Environment editor at The Economist, and Sacha Nauta, Social affairs editor, share their deeply personal journeys with IVF. They explore the emotional rollercoaster of hope and despair that comes with fertility treatments. Their candid discussions highlight the grief, loneliness, and relationship dynamics shaped by their experiences over five years. Both guests emphasize the need for openness about these struggles, shedding light on the often-untold realities of the IVF process and advocating for greater understanding and support.

Alice Fullwood, a Wall Street correspondent for The Economist, and Sasha Nauter, the social affairs editor, dissect the dramatic fall of Sam Bankman-Fried, convicted of fraud and its ripple effect on the cryptocurrency market. They also explore the evolution of IVF treatment, shedding light on accessibility issues many face. Lastly, the discussion turns to the shifting nuances of Southern accents, revealing how generational change is shaping linguistic identities in America’s South.

Arkady Ostrovsky, the Russia and Eastern Europe editor for The Economist, shares his insight on the stagnation in the Ukraine conflict, drawing parallels to historical military strategies. Alexandra Sewage-Bass, the Culture editor, delves into the dynamic shift in the art market from London to Paris, emphasizing the impact of Brexit on auction practices. The discussion also touches on the role of social media influencers in bridging the gap in sexual health education in India, revealing cultural challenges amidst traditional festivities.

Andrew Miller, a special correspondent at The Economist, and Adrian Blomfield, the East Africa correspondent, delve into two pressing issues: the Gaza conflict and King Charles's visit to Kenya. They discuss how technology, demographics, and ideology shape Western perceptions of the Israel-Hamas conflict, reflecting shifting public opinions. Meanwhile, King Charles grapples with historical colonial tensions during his Kenyan visit. The duo also touches on the rise of bedbugs, highlighting public panic and the challenges of eradication efforts. A captivating exploration of cultural and social dynamics!

Kinley Salmon, Africa correspondent for The Economist, shares insights from his interview with Senegal's President Macky Sall, highlighting the country's precarious political landscape as elections approach. Despite being a relative outpost of stability, Sall expresses concerns about democracy in a region plagued by unrest. Nicholas Pelham delves into the shadowy figure of 'The Phantom,' a key Hamas commander, exploring his rise and the implications of his actions. The discussion also touches on the evolving cultural and political narratives surrounding meat consumption in France.

Piotr Zalepski, The Economist's Turkey correspondent, delves into the enduring legacy of Kemal Ataturk and how President Erdogan is reshaping Turkish identity amidst economic challenges. He discusses the shift from secularism to a more Islamic public life, highlighting nationalistic sentiments. Kevin Gainers reflects on the nostalgia surrounding Canada's Long Dash, a once-unifying time signal, now silenced—evoking emotional connections that transcended generations. The conversation intertwines modern conflicts with reflections on cultural traditions.

Kevin Roberts, President of the Heritage Foundation, delves into the Republican Party's ideological journey from internationalism to isolationism. Edward Carr, Deputy Editor at The Economist, emphasizes how current skepticism towards foreign alliances shapes U.S. foreign policy. They discuss the implications of recent political dynamics, military aid debates, and America's evolving role globally. The conversation also touches on historical influences, including Eisenhower's moderate stance and the challenges posed by a divided political landscape.

Nicholas Pelham, the Middle East correspondent for The Economist, dives deep into Iran's intricate geopolitical strategies. He discusses the recent American airstrikes on Iranian-linked Syrian bases, emphasizing Iran's proxy conflicts in the region. Pelham unpacks Iran's delicate balancing act as it maneuvers between tensions with the US and Israel. The conversations offer insights into the extensive implications these dynamics hold for international relations and the risk of a wider conflict.