Economist Podcasts

Join Alexandra Switchbass, senior correspondent at The Economist, and Sam Weston, senior producer of The Intelligence, as they dive into the stormy waters surrounding TikTok's future in the U.S. They discuss rising national security concerns linked to the app’s Chinese ties and bipartisan talks of regulation and potential bans. The conversation shifts to the troubled state of Britain's court system, facing delays and disrepair. Lastly, explore the innovative concept of human composting as a sustainable alternative to traditional burials.

Greg Karlstrom, a Middle East expert for The Economist, discusses the recent diplomatic breakthrough between Iran and Saudi Arabia after seven years of tension. He delves into the implications this deal has for regional stability and the ongoing aggressions of Iran. Erin Braun, the West Coast correspondent, sheds light on the potential of geothermal energy in the U.S., outlining what it would take to harness this renewable resource effectively. They also touch upon the multifaceted challenges of COVID-19 origins and the wildlife trade.

Matt Steinglass, Europe correspondent for The Economist, and Tom Lee-Devlin, Global business correspondent, dive deep into Finland's historic NATO accession and what it means for Russia and European security. They explore the challenges faced by Western multinationals in a volatile geopolitical landscape. Additionally, they discuss an unexpected trend: TikTok's influence on the popularity of romance novels in Britain, revealing how social media reshapes cultural consumption.

In this discussion, Anshul Pfeffer, the Israel correspondent for The Economist, dives into the mounting protests erupting in Israel over Prime Minister Netanyahu's controversial judicial reforms. He highlights how these demonstrations are shaking the foundations of Israeli democracy amidst growing dissent. The conversation also touches on the unusual trend of pregnant Russian women seeking refuge in Argentina to capitalize on birthright citizenship. Together, they explore the implications of these events on society and governance.

Nick Pelham, the Middle East correspondent for The Economist, shares deep insights on Iraq two decades after the U.S. invasion. He highlights Baghdad's bustling marketplaces and the gradual recovery amid still-present challenges. Leo Marani, the Asia correspondent, discusses India's ambitious railway updates and their potential to bolster the economy. They explore the disillusionment among Iraqi youth and the complexities of India's infrastructure growth, delivering a thought-provoking dialogue on recovery, resilience, and the road ahead.

Simon Rabinovich, The Economist's U.S. economics editor, discusses the Federal Reserve's balancing act amid rising inflation and banking instability. He highlights the risks of raising interest rates too quickly versus too slowly. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe reflects on the transformative legacy of Jacqueline Gold, who revolutionized the retail landscape by empowering women in the lingerie and sex toy industry. Their insights reveal the intersection of economic strategies and societal change, offering a thought-provoking look at contemporary challenges.

Join Sophie Petre, Paris bureau chief for The Economist, and John Parker, international correspondent, as they tackle pressing issues in France and Russia. They discuss the explosive pension reform protests in France sparked by Macron's controversial retirement age increase. Petre offers insights into the widening political unrest, while Parker delves into Russia's demographic crisis, worsened by the war in Ukraine. The conversation touches on societal hesitations regarding childbirth and highlights the artistic legacy of the iconic mime, Marcel Marceau.

Silicon Valley Bank. Signature Bank. Credit Suisse. The world’s banks look wobbly, leading to fears of broader economic pain. Our economics editor explains how regulators should stabilise the sector. Russia is running out of tanks; replenishing its supply will not be easy. And America has a new favourite dog breed.For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy Page and Daniel Knowles share insights on Xi Jinping's strategic visit to Moscow, emphasizing China's nuanced balancing act between supporting Russia and its own interests amidst global tensions. They discuss the declining interest in car ownership among youth, with only a quarter of teens getting licenses, hinting at shifting societal attitudes toward transportation. The conversation also dives into the intriguing concept of lunar colonization, exploring how ancient lava tubes could provide safe habitats for future missions.

In this insightful discussion, Robert Guest, Deputy Editor at The Economist, explores the pressing economics of rainforest preservation, highlighting the severe lawlessness threatening these vital ecosystems. Anne Rowe, the magazine's obituaries editor, reflects on Nobel laureate Oe Kenzaburo's powerful storytelling, shaped by the trauma of Hiroshima, and his quest to voice the voiceless. The conversation interweaves the urgency of environmental action with the profound impact of literature and personal narratives on healing and understanding.