Economist Podcasts

Alice Fulwood, Wall Street correspondent for The Economist, discusses the dramatic collapse of FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange that faced an $8 billion crisis and severe liquidity issues. Dominic Ziegler, Senior Asia correspondent, sheds light on the stateless Sama-Bajau people, exploring their struggles with identity, access to services, and marginalization. The conversation reveals the broader implications of these crises—from the blockchain world to the lives of nomadic communities in Southeast Asia, drawing connections between financial chaos and social issues.

Shashank Joshi, Defense editor for The Economist, discusses the cautious optimism surrounding Russia's withdrawal from Kherson and its potential implications for the war in Ukraine. Mian Ridge, the Britain correspondent, dives into the largest wave of industrial action in the UK, highlighting the NHS workers' struggles amidst inflation and dissatisfaction. Anne Rowe shares the inspiring life story of Shyam Saran Negi, India's first voter, illustrating the enduring power of civic engagement throughout his 97 years.

America’s midterm elections have finished. While the full results may not be known for some time, Democrats appear to have outperformed expectations: Republicans will probably narrowly win the House, while the Senate remains too close to call. Argentina’s slum policy is a rare bright spot in the country’s politics. And why the war in Ukraine may put paid to ground-attack aircraft. 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.

Avantika Chilkoti, an international correspondent for The Economist focused on global hunger and conflict, dives deep into pressing issues. She discusses the alarming rise in threats to election officials amid growing political tensions in the U.S. The conversation transitions to the global hunger crisis, emphasizing how Russia's actions have worsened food insecurity. Chilkoti highlights the devastating long-term effects of hunger on children in conflict zones, linking malnutrition to stunted development and instability.

Dive into the fascinating world of modern China, where party politics and cultural shifts are redefining its global influence. Discover how technology and business intersect in this rapidly changing society. The hosts share insights from their on-the-ground experiences, bringing to life the stories that shape everyday life in China. Tune in for engaging discussions that illuminate the profound transformations occurring in this vast nation and their ripple effects across the globe.

Kathleen Bragg, Environment editor for The Economist, brings her insights on the flaws of the 1.5C climate target as COP27 unfolds. Meanwhile, Hamza Jelani, Foreign affairs writer, discusses the troubling decline of global rule of law, while noting surprising improvements in nations close to Russia. The conversation highlights the urgent need for adaptation in climate strategies and how authoritarianism affects citizens’ rights. They also touch on the psychology behind the teams everyone loves to hate in the sports world.

Jason Palmer, a Correspondent for The Economist, dives into the high-stakes world of America's midterm elections. He discusses shifting political alliances, particularly how both parties are vying for diverse voters, including Hispanics and rural communities. Palmer highlights Donald Trump's powerful influence on GOP candidates and addresses economic pressures faced by voters, such as rising inflation. The episode also covers the crucial role of women's rights in shaping electoral choices and the implications of a potential partisan stalemate in Congress.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Georgia Banjo, Britain correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on the surprising aftermath of Ethiopia's civil war, where a newfound peace agreement raises cautious hopes for humanitarian relief in Tigray. She also dives into the pressing issue of older workers exiting the British labor market, revealing personal stories and the emotional challenges behind this trend. Additionally, Banjo shares insights from an unexpected 'crypto rave', showcasing the evolving culture within the cryptocurrency community.

Idris Kaloun, The Economist's Washington bureau chief, shares insights on the impending midterm elections and the potential for a Republican-controlled Congress. Shashank Joshi highlights the alarming vulnerabilities of undersea infrastructure following the Nord Stream pipeline breaches. Meanwhile, Moeka Iida unpacks the Japanese concept of ikigai, emphasizing its cultural importance and the misconceptions surrounding it in Western contexts. Together, they navigate the intersections of politics, infrastructure security, and personal fulfillment.

Anshul Pfeffer, The Economist's Israel correspondent, and Tom Wainwright, tech and media editor, dive into the chaos of Israel's elections, focusing on Binyamin Netanyahu's controversial return to power. They discuss the hurdles he faces in coalition-building amid deep public divisions. Shifting gears, Wainwright analyzes Apple's bold strategy to reduce dependency on China, driven by rising costs and geopolitical tensions. The conversation also touches on the paleo diet, unraveling misconceptions about ancient eating habits that defy modern interpretations.