Economist Podcasts

Sarah Burke, the Mexico City Bureau Chief for The Economist, shares insights on the alarming trend of Mexican drug cartels diversifying their activities beyond drug trafficking into sectors like mining. With a focus on local economic impacts, she highlights the complex nature of cartel operations and the violence they inflict on communities. Meanwhile, Gilad Amit, a Science correspondent, delves into the promise of bacteriophages as a groundbreaking alternative to combat antibiotic resistance, urging urgent advancements in this field.

Simon Rabinovich, The Economist's US economics editor, breaks down the urgent negotiations between President Biden and Speaker McCarthy over the daunting $31.4 trillion debt ceiling. He highlights the potential economic fallout from a possible sovereign default and the political challenges that complicate solutions. Meanwhile, John Fassman shares his delightful foraging escapades in the American Northeast, emphasizing the therapeutic joys of reconnecting with nature and the thrill of discovering wild edibles.

Henry Kissinger, a pivotal figure in U.S. foreign policy and a controversial diplomat, shares his insights as he approaches his 100th birthday. He discusses the rising tensions between the U.S. and China, drawing parallels to historical conflicts. Kissinger emphasizes the importance of diplomatic trust and the changing landscape of global power, particularly amid new technologies. He also reflects on America's leadership challenges and the complexities of maintaining peace in a world facing multiple crises.

Jeremy Page, Asia diplomatic editor for The Economist, delves into China's military expansion and its implications for U.S. dominance and Taiwan tensions. Ainsley Johnston, data correspondent, reveals the tragic impact of soaring energy prices on European mortality rates, highlighting 150,000 excess deaths. Anne Rowe pays tribute to Pema Tsieden, the father of Tibetan cinema, showcasing his cultural contributions amid challenges. Together, they explore military identity, energy crises, and the intricacies of modern storytelling in a rapidly changing world.

Greg Karlstrom, a Middle East analyst for The Economist, dives into the intriguing return of Bashar al-Assad to the Arab League amid ongoing conflict in Syria. He discusses the political and economic ramifications of this shift, including concerns over refugee repatriation and Syria's ties with Iran. The conversation also touches on the surprising effectiveness of community banks in supporting local populations, contrasting them with larger financial institutions. Lastly, they explore the often-overlooked Southeast Asian Games and their unique sports dynamics.

James Francham, a data journalist at The Economist, dives into the ongoing implications of crony capitalism, revealing persistent culprits behind the trend. Rosie Blah, an expert on China, shares insights into Lego's strategic maneuvers in navigating the complex Chinese market, highlighting cultural clashes and regulatory challenges. They also discuss the evolving geopolitical landscape, including Henry Kissinger's lasting influence on diplomacy and the potential for China to play a mediator role in global conflicts.

Avantika Tilkoti, an International correspondent for The Economist, and Abby Bertics, a Science correspondent, dive into Thailand’s political shift with the reformist Move Forward party gaining traction among young voters. They discuss the hurdles posed by military influence and entrenched interests in democracy's path. On a different note, Bertics sheds light on the Ocean Census initiative, aiming to uncover 100,000 new marine species, tapping into cutting-edge DNA research, and emphasizing the importance of marine biodiversity amidst climate challenges.

Join Piotr Zilevski, The Economist's Turkey correspondent, as he breaks down Turkey's recent elections and the surprising resilience of President Erdogan amid opposition hopes. Daniela Raz, a data journalist, highlights alarming trends in teenage girls' mental health and the suspected role of social media. Meanwhile, Shashank Joshi shares intriguing insights from his recommended reading list on espionage, shedding light on the complexities of intelligence work and the challenges of modern-day spying.

Tom Lee Devlin, The Economist's global business correspondent; Fiametta Rocco, senior editor and culture correspondent; and Tom Wainwright, tech and media editor, tackle the shifting landscape of American consumer behavior. They discuss how inflation pushes middle-class shoppers toward budget brands while luxury markets remain resilient. The trio also dives into the transformative role of AI in journalism, weighing its potential benefits against job displacement concerns, and reflects on the importance of marginalized narratives through historical lens.

Turkey is on the brink of a landmark election, with President Erdogan facing a serious challenger for the first time in years, raising questions about democracy and the economy. In Hollywood, ongoing writers' strikes reflect deeper industry tensions, reminiscent of the 2007 labor disputes, as union members stand firm for fair treatment. The discussion shifts gears to mixology, where listeners get valuable insights on cocktail making, blending art and science for an enjoyable experience.