Economist Podcasts

Sophie Petters, the Paris bureau chief for The Economist, and Matthew Simmons, a defense writer, delve into France's withdrawal from Niger amidst rising anti-French sentiment and shifting geopolitical landscapes. They discuss the implications of President Macron’s decision to pull back military presence and its effects on France's relations in Africa. The conversation also explores the evolving global arms market influenced by recent events, and touches on the clash between traditional boxing and the rise of internet influencers in the sport.

Join Matt Steinglass, Deputy Europe Editor at The Economist, and Tom Wainwright, Media Editor, as they delve into the alarming rise of right-wing populism in Europe, spotlighting Hungary, Poland, and Italy. They analyze the implications of the recent radical right demonstrations and the challenges faced leading into the 2024 European Parliament elections. Plus, discover the impact of Rupert Murdoch's retirement on the media landscape and explore the compelling case for shifting American school start times to enhance teen health and academic success.

Join Arkady Ostrovsky, The Economist's Eastern Europe editor, as he reports from Kyiv, revealing how the resilience of citizens clashes with the war's mental toll. He sheds light on the city's beauty amidst conflict and the internal challenges facing Ukraine. Anne Rowe reflects on Mangosuthu Buthelezi's legacy in South Africa, navigating the complexities of his political impact. Chris Impey dives into the world of ingenious prison escapes, showcasing the creativity of inmates and the challenges they present to law enforcement.

Jeremy Page, Asia diplomatic editor for The Economist, and Tom Easton, South Asia business and finance editor, discuss the mysterious disappearance of China's defense minister and its unsettling implications for military discipline and geopolitical tensions, particularly with the U.S. They also explore Xi Jinping's challenges amid diminishing excitement surrounding the iPhone 15 launch. Additionally, the duo highlights the enduring cultural allure of the Bullet motorcycle in India, revealing its deep emotional connections and impressive sales figures.

Anton LaGuardia, Diplomatic editor for The Economist, dives into the escalating Canada-India tensions sparked by the assassination of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Najjar. Noah Snyder, Tokyo bureau chief, highlights Japan's rigorous earthquake preparedness a century after the Great Kanto quake. Claire McHugh, culture writer, discusses the booming resurgence of country music, particularly among younger audiences, and how contemporary artists are blending traditional styles with modern themes. This lively conversation weaves pressing global issues with cultural evolution.

Nicholas Pelham, Middle East correspondent for The Economist and a former detainee in Iran, discusses the recent U.S.-Iran hostage exchange. He dives into the implications of unfreezing $6 billion in assets, shedding light on the historical use of hostages in negotiations. The conversation also explores the complexities of mortgage decisions in today's economy and highlights how chain restaurants like Olive Garden play a crucial role in promoting cross-class social interactions, emphasizing their importance in bridging socioeconomic divides.

Javier Milei, Argentina's presidential frontrunner, is known for his radical libertarian views and plans to drastically shrink the state. In the conversation, he discusses his controversial proposals like dollarization and school vouchers, reflecting a major political shift in a traditionally left-leaning country. The discussion also connects how Germany’s highway expansions clash with cultural identity, and tackles modern conservation dilemmas, likening them to the story of Noah's Ark amidst climate change challenges.

Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defence editor, shares crucial insights on the Ukraine conflict. He delves into the complexities of Ukraine's military strategies, highlighting the divisions among Western allies on how to proceed. As the wet season approaches, he discusses the intensified urgency for meaningful progress on the battlefield. Additionally, the conversation touches on American consumer sentiment, revealing the disconnect between declining confidence and steady spending patterns, and briefly critiques New Zealand's rugby team's recent struggles as they seek to regain their dominance.

Join Joshua Kuchera, a keen observer of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, as he dives into the pressing humanitarian crisis and the escalating tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Anne Rowe, The Economist's obituaries editor, pays homage to Douglas Lennert, a visionary mathematician advancing AI. Their discussion highlights the dire situation affecting civilians in Nagorno-Karabakh and the philosophical dilemmas around creating intelligent machines, all while introducing exciting new content from The Economist.

Michael Reed, a former Latin American affairs writer at The Economist, shares his insights on the Chilean coup's lasting impact, vividly recounting the tumult of September 11, 1973. Annie Crabel, a news editor for The Economist, discusses a groundbreaking climate lawsuit in Montana aimed at protecting environmental rights. Meanwhile, Catherine Nixey, the Britain correspondent, unpacks the paradoxes of bestsellers—where hits aren't always profitable, and children's books remain timeless. Together, they weave an engaging narrative of history, climate activism, and publishing intrigue.