Economist Podcasts

Shashank Joshi, Defence editor at The Economist, discusses Russia's provocative air and maritime incidents targeting NATO, examining the escalating tensions in Europe. John McDermott, Senior Africa correspondent, shares insights from Madagascar, where deep-rooted poverty fuels unprecedented protests against the government. Tim Cross, a science writer, answers listener questions about the health benefits of sunlight, revealing its effects on mood and blood pressure while promoting sensible sun exposure. Tune in for a blend of geopolitical analysis, social unrest, and health science!

In this discussion, John Prideaux, a seasoned political analyst from Checks and Balance, delves into the recent US government shutdown, exploring its causes and immediate impacts on federal services. He highlights Trump’s threat of irreversible cuts. Meanwhile, Alex Hearn, an AI expert, reveals alarming security vulnerabilities in large language models, including prompt-injection risks. Together, they provide insights into how seemingly innocuous features could lead to major data leaks, emphasizing the balance between utility and security in AI.

Join Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, as he explores the intricate details of the US-brokered Gaza proposal, including immediate and long-term peace strategies. He delves into Hamas's hesitations and the political dynamics between Trump and Netanyahu. Meanwhile, Leo Marani, India correspondent, reveals the rise of urban wildlife in Indian cities, attributing it to rapid urbanization and cultural attitudes towards animals. Discover how these factors contribute to complex wildlife interactions and possible management solutions.

Join Callum Williams, a Senior economics writer at The Economist, and Alice Su, a Senior international correspondent, as they dive into Russia's resilient but slowing economy under sanctions. Callum reveals how fiscal stimulus has masked the economic downturn while exploring whether rising inflation could pressure Putin. Alice shares insights on the creative tactics of protestors in China, highlighting how economic grievances are turning into political action despite severe state crackdowns.

Tom Wainwright, media editor at The Economist, dives into the implications of TikTok's potential divestment from Chinese ownership, revealing national security concerns and the balance of power among U.S. investors. He discusses the complexities of retaining some control for ByteDance and the risks of media consolidation under new ownership. The conversation shifts to the alarming rise of dengue fever, exploring how climate change raises its transmission, especially in urban settings, as well as insights on prevention strategies and the health risks associated with this disease.

Chris Lockwood, Europe editor at The Economist, sheds light on Ukraine's ongoing military stalemate and the dire impact of manpower shortages, highlighting the nation's increasing reliance on drones. He also discusses Ukraine’s strained economy and democratic challenges under martial law. Meanwhile, Shailesh Chitnes, global business writer, analyzes the potential consequences of proposed H-1B visa fee hikes, emphasizing the risk to U.S. tech firms and Indian IT companies, and how they might adapt their hiring strategies in response.

In this discussion, Shashank Joshi, a defense editor with expertise in Pakistan and nuclear strategy, delves into the newly formalized defense partnership between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. He explains the implications of Pakistan’s nuclear umbrella and the historical context of their military cooperation. Joshi also shares insights on how recent regional tensions pushed this agreement into the spotlight, along with the economic and diplomatic motivations for Pakistan. Plus, there’s a glance at how authoritarian regimes handle comedians who mock them.

Anton LaGuardia, Diplomatic editor at The Economist, analyzes the precarious state of the United Nations, discussing funding cuts and potential futures shaped by global politics. Meanwhile, Henry Tricks, U.S. editor (technology) at The Economist, explores the advantages of smaller AI language models over their larger counterparts. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by aspiring London cab drivers due to competition from ride-hailing services and autonomous vehicles, blending diplomacy, technology, and urban transport.

Tim Cross, a senior science writer, dives into the surprising benefits of sunlight and its often misunderstood health effects. The conversation also touches on the recent memorial for Charlie Kirk, highlighting political and religious undertones, as well as Trump’s provocative speech. Additionally, they explore a shift in pop culture, where contemporary female musicians focus less on villainous men and more on their mediocrity, reflecting changing societal narratives.

India is emerging as a major player in the AI landscape, attracting substantial investment from US tech firms due to its vast user base and valuable data. The discussion also dives into Nestlé's recent struggles, examining their leadership changes and plans for recovery. Additionally, there is a heartfelt tribute to Robert Redford, celebrating his impactful career and contributions to both film and activism.