Economist Podcasts

Join Andrew Knox, The Economist's careers correspondent, and data journalist Marie Seger as they delve into North Korea's tightening grip under the pandemic. They discuss the potential reopening of the isolated nation and its alarming nuclear advancements. Shifting gears, they explore the impact of India's rice export ban on global food security, affecting vulnerable nations. Lastly, hear about innovative cowless cheese produced through precision fermentation, revolutionizing the dairy industry and paving the way for a sustainable future.

Kinley Salmon, The Economist's Africa correspondent, delves into the recent coup in Niger, examining the motivations behind it and its repercussions for Western foreign policy and regional stability. He discusses Niger's precarious position amidst escalating violence and international pressures. The conversation also touches on the UK’s heated debate over expanding the ultra-low emission zone and its electoral impacts, alongside an intriguing exploration of humanity’s geological footprint as we enter the Anthropocene epoch.

In this discussion, Sarah Burke, Economist Bureau Chief for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, delves into El Salvador’s dramatic shift from gang violence to a crackdown by President Bukele. While the streets are safer, democracy faces grave threats. Burke highlights the plight of families affected by mass detentions and the chilling socio-economic impact on communities. The conversation unveils how Bukele's authoritarian tactics might influence neighboring countries, drawing a complex portrait of resilience amid oppression.

Edward Carr, Deputy Editor of The Economist, dives into the fallout from Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea grain deal and its implications for global food security. David Rennie, Beijing Bureau Chief, unravels the mystery behind China's ex-foreign minister and the political secrecy surrounding his abrupt disappearance. Catherine Nixie, a Britain Correspondent, critiques the newly softened approach to literary criticism, revealing how gentle reviews may be failing readers who crave honest critique. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion!

Rosie Bloor, International China correspondent, offers insights on China's military strategies, particularly regarding Taiwan. Sophie Petter, Paris bureau chief, discusses France's shift in NATO and EU dynamics, altering European security. Paul Markilley, Innovation editor, sheds light on the evolving scrapyard industry, highlighting its transformation into efficient disassembly lines. The conversation dives into subtle market signals that may indicate impending conflicts and how geopolitical shifts influence defense policies.

Anshul Pfeffer, a knowledgeable correspondent for The Economist focusing on Israel, delves into a contentious law reform limiting the Supreme Court’s powers, sparking widespread protests. He discusses the implications for democracy amid political turmoil. Additionally, the podcast explores Vietnam's stellar education system, highlighting how it produces top-performing students despite economic challenges. Lastly, it touches on cryptocurrency's rising prominence in the Middle East, examining its compatibility with Islamic principles.

After no party won a majority, forming a government may take weeks—or another election. But predictions that Vox, a far-right party, might enter government failed to materialise. Russia’s navy is repainting its vessels in a bid to frustrate munitions powered by artificial intelligence (10:03). And why the push to invent outlandish ice-cream flavours such as ketchup is deeply misguided (17:59).For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arkady Ostrovsky, the Russia and Eastern Europe editor for The Economist, dives into the aftermath of the Wagner group's attempted mutiny on Moscow, revealing fissures in Putin's authority and Kremlin dynamics. He discusses how these internal tensions could impact the war in Ukraine, particularly with changes in military strategy and morale. The conversation also touches on India's record-breaking monsoon rains and the government's inadequate response, providing an engaging blend of global affairs and cultural commentary.

Alice Forward, co-host of Money Talks, dives into the complex situation of Private Travis King, an American soldier detained in North Korea. She explores his motivations for crossing the border and the intricate diplomatic challenges involved in securing his release. The discussion also highlights how the historical context of American captives impacts negotiations. Additionally, Alice examines the reliability of gold as an investment amid inflation and reveals fascinating insights into mountain erosion dynamics, contrasting glaciers and landslides.

Joining the discussion are Simon Wright, The Economist's industry editor, who provides expert insight into Tesla's evolving role in the electric vehicle market, and Sondra Solstad, a senior data journalist, who brings a unique perspective on estimating Russian military casualties in Ukraine. The conversation dives into Tesla's ambitious growth plans amid fierce competition and explores how innovative strategies and marketing decisions impact its future. Additionally, Sondra shares intriguing data on the complexities of casualty figures amidst the ongoing conflict, making for a thought-provoking dialogue.