Economist Podcasts

Henry Trix, the insightful writer behind the Schumpeter column for The Economist, dives into Germany's economic challenges, where it risks being the only G7 economy to contract this year. He discusses the growing consumer preference for larger electric vehicles and the concerning environmental impact of this trend. Trix also touches on the decline of Mandarin learning, reflecting on cultural shifts and how they affect global perceptions. Finally, he highlights urgent reforms needed in Germany's bureaucracy and digitalization efforts to regain its economic footing.

Noah Snyder, Tokyo Bureau Chief for The Economist, discusses the evolving family structures in East Asia, where traditional norms are being challenged. He highlights the rise of premarital cohabitation, single parenthood, and two-income households across Japan, South Korea, China, and Taiwan. Snyder shares compelling stories, including that of a South Korean lesbian entrepreneur navigating cultural hurdles. The conversation hints at demographic changes and pressing economic pressures shaping these new family dynamics.

John McDermott, Chief Africa correspondent at The Economist, shares insights on the recent BRICS expansion and its geopolitical implications. Holly Berman delves into the rise of child influencers, discussing the regulatory hurdles and marketing impacts of this phenomenon. Anne Rowe honors Bindeshwar Pathak, who revolutionized sanitation in India through innovative toilet designs and empowerment efforts for lower castes. The discussion uncovers the complexities within BRICS and the evolving landscape of social media marketing.

Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor for The Economist, provides keen insights into the alleged assassination of Yevgeny Prigozhin and its implications for Ukraine and Putin's Kremlin. He explores the dramatic rise and fall of the Wagner leader, discussing potential motives behind the crash and the power dynamics shifting within Russian politics. The conversation also touches on Indonesia's quest for moderate Islam and introduces the vibrant new genre of Q-pop, blending indigenous sounds with K-pop influences, showcasing cultural creativity.

Join John McDermott, Chief Africa correspondent for The Economist, as he delves into Zimbabwe’s fraught electoral landscape, where coercive tactics by the ruling party overshadow genuine voter sentiment. His insights highlight the dire economic conditions and the alarming suppression of dissent. Erin Braun, the West Coast correspondent, adds depth by recounting the emotional aftermath of the devastating Lahaina wildfires, including community frustrations and the criticisms of federal response efforts. Together, they paint a compelling picture of political challenges in two vastly different regions.

Don Wineland, The Economist's China business editor, discusses the turmoil in China's housing sector, highlighting the struggles of major players like Country Garden and Evergrande. He explains how these issues impact the broader economy and citizen confidence. Meanwhile, Guy Scriven, US tech editor, takes us on a ride in San Francisco's autonomous taxis, exploring the technology, safety concerns, and public opinions surrounding this innovation. Both guests also touch on the alarming decline of Antarctic sea ice and its implications for climate change.

Su Lin Wong, a Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist known for her coverage of innovative food trends, joins the discussion on critical elections in Ecuador and Guatemala. She highlights Ecuador's turbulent political climate marked by violence, including the assassination of a candidate, contrasting with Guatemala's hopeful mood after a victorious outsider. The conversation shifts to an intriguing medical topic—the resurgence of leprosy in America—and Singapore's pioneering advancements in alternative proteins, showcasing its leadership in lab-grown food innovation.

Kinley Salmon, Africa correspondent for The Economist, dives into Niger's recent coup, discussing the military junta's resilience against international pressure. He highlights the hesitance of ECOWAS to intervene militarily, pointing to regional divisions and growing local dissent. Salmon also touches on the troubling economic situation in Russia, detailing how the plummeting rouble affects both military funding and everyday life, adding a complex layer to global stability. The conversation offers insight into the intertwined fate of nations and their economies.

Ana Lankes, The Economist's Latin America correspondent, delves into the region's lithium-rich landscape. She highlights how lithium, essential for batteries, signals a potential commodities boom, impacting global markets. The conversation touches on the challenges posed by local protests and regulation in key countries like Chile and Brazil. Additionally, the risks facing Germany's auto giants, particularly Volkswagen, amidst shifting demands are explored. Lankes also connects the booming interest in women's football in England to broader societal changes.

Oliver Morton, The Economist's Briefings Editor, provides gripping insights into the devastating wildfires in Maui, discussing the environmental factors and failures in emergency response that contributed to the disaster. Mie Dahl highlights the coca crisis in Colombia, detailing the economic turmoil facing farmers since the 2016 peace deal while criminal groups thrive in the changing market dynamics. The conversation also touches on the urgent need for better preparedness against such catastrophic events in the future.