Economist Podcasts

Mike Reed, The Economist's Bello columnist, unpacks the downfall of Peru’s President Pedro Castillo, revealing how his coup attempt spiraled into rapid political chaos. Tamara Gilkes-Boer, U.S. policy correspondent, tackles the tricky landscape of e-cigarette regulation, discussing the delicate balance between youth protection and adult safety. The conversation also highlights Kenya's motorbike-taxi drivers, their cultural significance, and the unique funerals that illustrate their impact on society. Tune in for insightful analysis on politics and health!

Wendelin von Bredoff, Senior Germany correspondent at The Economist, dives into a shocking coup plot in Germany by far-right extremists aiming to restore a monarchy. He details the government's decisive response to this threat to democracy. Daniel Knowles, Midwest correspondent, discusses the alarming rise of spontaneous violence in Chicago linked to street racing and the fragmentation of gang structures, highlighting the unintended consequences of organized crime crackdowns. They also touch on Indonesia's religious leaders taking action on climate issues.

John Prideaux, United States editor for The Economist, and Zan Smiley, Editor at The Economist, dive into pivotal political shifts with Prideaux analyzing Reverend Raphael Warnock's impactful win for Democrats in the Georgia Senate runoff. They discuss the implications for national politics and the Republican Party's evolving landscape. Smiley highlights Algeria's oppressive social climate and the frustrations of its youth, while also reflecting on the political ramifications of an AI's success in the game Diplomacy, connecting technology's growth with societal unrest.

Nicholas Pelham, Middle East correspondent, illuminates the evolving situation with Iran's morality police amidst ongoing protests. David Rennie discusses China's changing narrative on public dissent and the tension between state media and citizens' experiences. Meanwhile, Johnny Williams highlights the unexpected surge of women entering the funeral services industry in America, showcasing their impact in transforming a traditionally male-dominated field. Together, they explore themes of resistance, media representation, and shifting societal roles.

Rachana Shanbog, Deputy Business Affairs Editor, and Kinley Salmon, Africa Correspondent, dive into the new $60-per-barrel price cap on Russian oil and its potential to reshape global markets. Rachana highlights the complexities of implementing this cap amidst ongoing sanctions and Russia's strong export earnings. Kinley shifts focus to Senegal's football scene, showcasing the Generacion Fut academy's role in nurturing future stars, even as the nation misses out on the World Cup. Together, they unravel intriguing global economic and cultural currents.

John McDermott, Chief Africa correspondent, dissects the scandal surrounding South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and the potential fallout from an investigation into cash hidden in a sofa. Shaquille Hashim explores Britain's ambitious hydrogen economy plans, discussing the balance between blue and green hydrogen production. Lastly, Anne Rowe honors Jay Pasachoff, a beloved astronomy professor known for witnessing 75 solar eclipses, who inspired many with his passion for celestial events and science.

James Miles, a China writer at large for The Economist, and Anna Nichols, managing editor at the Economist Intelligence Unit, delve into Jiang Zemin’s controversial legacy. They discuss the stark contrast between Jiang's vibrant leadership style and Xi Jinping's more reserved approach. With ongoing protests in China, they explore political repression alongside economic reforms. The duo also highlights promising advances in Alzheimer’s treatment and examines global rising costs of living, including insights into the world's most expensive cities.

The Horn of Africa’s resurgent jihadists of al-Shabab pose the biggest problem to Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. He tells us his plans—political, economic and principally ideological—to calm tensions. Western pilots have been training their Chinese counterparts, to widespread consternation. And looking back on the best footballers never to have appeared in a World Cup.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.

Sophie Petters, the Paris bureau chief for The Economist and an expert on French politics, joins Ainsley Johnstone, a data journalist specializing in data analysis, to delve into the intricate Franco-American relations. They discuss the complexities of the Ukraine conflict and its implications for energy prices, revealing a worrying forecast for winter mortality in Europe. The conversation also touches on a Ghanaian brewery owner's struggle to succeed amidst business challenges, highlighting the tough entrepreneurial climate in sub-Saharan Africa.

Gabriel Crossley, a China correspondent for The Economist, delves into the bold protests sweeping China, fueled by public outrage over strict zero-COVID policies. As major cities erupt in dissent, the Communist Party faces increasing scrutiny. Meanwhile, Katrine Breich, an Environment Editor for The Economist, sheds light on California's wildfires, detailing how these devastating fires undermine the state's green initiatives and exacerbate climate change. Together, they highlight the urgent need for effective management in the face of growing unrest and environmental crises.