Economist Podcasts

Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defence editor, provides sharp insights into Ukraine's intensified counter-offensive and the strategic implications of a destroyed dam in Kherson. Alice Su, the Senior China correspondent, exposes the grim reality of Uyghurs in Xinjiang, detailing the brutal repression and struggles of those in exile. Meanwhile, Andrew Palmer lightens the mood with humorous takes on office annoyances, offering advice to keep sanity intact amidst workplace chaos. A blend of serious global issues and relatable office life makes for an engaging listen!

Anton LaGuardia, Diplomatic editor for The Economist, shares insights on the escalating US-China tensions, particularly in the Taiwan Strait, revealing the precariousness of military communications. Catherine Nixey discusses the evolving perceptions of British boarding schools, questioning their value and examining the psychological impacts on students. Their conversation dives into Brazil's political shifts under President Lula, addressing his challenges in uniting a divided nation and reversing past policies. The dynamic blend of geopolitics and societal issues makes for a thought-provoking discussion.

In this insightful discussion, Vijay Vaitheeswaran, Global energy and climate innovation editor, dives into Bangladesh's political landscape under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He highlights the tension between her impressive development initiatives and the challenges of corruption. Lane Green, author of The Economist's language column, shifts gears to explore the booming Spanish-language music scene, dissecting its cultural impact and the social media dynamics fueling its rise. Together, they uncover the intricate connections between politics, climate innovation, and music trends.

Liam Taylor, The Economist’s correspondent in Uganda, reveals the disturbing rise of anti-LGBT legislation in the country, fueled by foreign conservative influences. Alice Su discusses the geopolitical implications of Starlink satellites in Ukraine, highlighting China's worries over U.S. technological dominance. They also touch on the nostalgic resurgence of pinball, exploring how this vintage game has captivated a new audience in today's digital age. Join for a mix of urgent social issues and quirky cultural phenomena.

John McDermott, The Economist's chief Africa correspondent, shares his insights on the crippling debt crises affecting African nations, spotlighting Ghana's recent IMF loan approval and the urgent need for international cooperation on debt restructuring. Oliver Carroll, the Ukraine correspondent, weaves tales of unexpected love amidst the war, linking personal narratives with broader socio-economic themes. The discussion further explores the intriguing intersection between productivity, ADHD medications, and historical stimulants like sugar and coffee.

The global digital-payments shift is more than just a matter of convenience. We examine the cashlessness push in different economies and potential effects on different currencies. The Golden Mile, a pioneering multi-purpose architectural experiment in Singapore, is crumbling. We discuss efforts to spare it from the wrecking ball. And a reading list to learn about, and from, history’s greatest hoaxes.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.

This week features Piotr Zalewski, The Economist's Turkey correspondent, who breaks down Recep Tayyip Erdogan's surprising election victory and the political landscape ahead. Zalewski discusses how nationalism fueled Erdogan's support despite economic turmoil and democratic concerns. The conversation also shifts to South Korea, where rising suicide rates among young women are attributed to societal pressures and the Me Too movement, alongside efforts to improve mental health support. Insights into the connection between dreams and creativity in music add a unique twist.

In this engaging discussion, Shashank Joshi, Defence editor at The Economist, reveals the latest shifts in military tactics influencing the Ukraine conflict, highlighting Russia's advanced artillery and electronic warfare. Arjun Ramani, specialist in AI and economics, dives into the transformative potential of superintelligent AI and its implications for labor. Anne Rowe pays tribute to the late Martin Amis, sharing insights into his creative process and legacy. Together, they explore the intricate relationship between warfare, technology, and literature.

Idris Kaloun, a U.S. politics writer for The Economist, and Simon Wright, the publication’s industry editor, delve into a rocky presidential campaign launch by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, plagued by technical glitches and fierce competition. They discuss DeSantis's challenges within the Republican race and examine the aviation industry's daunting path to net-zero emissions by 2050, highlighting technological strides and government strategies. They also explore the Hollywood writers' strike's ripple effects, providing British studios with both hurdles and new opportunities.

Chris Lockwood, Europe editor for The Economist, analyzes Greece's recent elections, where Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis performed surprisingly well despite lacking a majority. He discusses the implications for Greece's rebound and governance challenges. Vijay Vaitheeswaran, global energy and climate innovation editor, explores the surge in U.S. clean energy lobbying motivated by new investments. The conversation also touches on innovative defense strategies, highlighting how simple nets are being creatively used to protect against drones in modern warfare.