Economist Podcasts

Robert Guest, Foreign editor at The Economist, delves into the brewing storm of global inflation and its potential to ignite unrest. He highlights dire cases of civil discontent in countries like Sri Lanka and Pakistan, revealing how economic grievances fuel protests. The conversation shifts to Tunisia and Turkey, where rising costs devastate living standards, linking historical data to recent social upheaval. Additionally, he uncovers surprising insights into China's espionage failures and the unique lifeguard recruitment crisis in America.

Shashank Joshi, Defense editor for The Economist, offers insights into NATO's evolving military strategy amid the Ukraine conflict. He discusses how increased defense spending and political dynamics within member states shape their approach to security. Meanwhile, Vinjeru Mkandawire, global property correspondent, highlights the property sector's significant contributions to carbon emissions and its slow transition toward sustainability. The episode also pays tribute to Roman Ratushny, a Ukrainian activist who embodied resilience and environmental advocacy.

Mian Ridge, a U.S. social affairs correspondent for The Economist, and Stephen Mazey, the Supreme Court correspondent, dive into the fallout from the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. They discuss the deepening divide over abortion rights and its devastating effects on women's health. Personal stories, including one woman's life saved by a threatened procedure, highlight the urgency of reproductive rights. The conversation also navigates the disconnect between public opinion and judicial decisions, revealing a complex political landscape.

Steve Mazey shares insights on the Supreme Court's landmark ruling that expands gun rights, reshaping public safety debates in America. Olena Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine, discusses her heartbreaking yet resilient efforts to maintain normalcy for her children amid war. Meanwhile, Gilad Amit dives into new research on the origins of the Black Death, exploring its historical impact and relevance to modern pandemic studies. This intriguing mix of law, personal stories, and science provides a thought-provoking look at current issues.

Alice Su, Senior China correspondent for The Economist, discusses the alarming crackdown on China’s LGBT community amid escalating repression. She explores the duality of celebrating Pride Month while facing increased government scrutiny. The conversation highlights the closure of Shanghai Pride and shares the personal story of a survivor of conversion therapy who achieved a landmark legal victory. This episode sheds light on the grim reality for sexual minorities under Xi Jinping's regime, illustrating significant challenges in a rapidly constricting socio-political landscape.

Shoshan Choshy, Defense editor for The Economist, shares her expertise on the grim military dynamics in the Donbas region, where Ukrainian forces are struggling against Russian advancements despite Western support. Mueka Ida discusses the rising popularity of CBD among Japan's elderly, highlighting cultural shifts in attitudes towards cannabis. The conversation also touches on the innovative use of national prison radio to give incarcerated individuals a voice, showcasing the profound impact of creativity on mental health and rehabilitation.

Anshul Pfeffer, The Economist's Israel correspondent, shares insights into the recent collapse of Israel's government, unraveling the fragile coalition that once ousted Netanyahu. He discusses the implications for upcoming elections and the evolving political landscape involving the Arab electorate. The conversation briefly touches on innovative cash incentive programs in American cities and highlights the therapeutic power of drumming in enhancing emotional well-being, especially for autistic teenagers.

Sophie Petter, The Economist's Paris bureau chief, breaks down Emmanuel Macron's loss of parliamentary majority and the rise of both far-right and left coalitions, complicating his reform agenda. Meanwhile, Matthew Valencia discusses the evolving landscape of corporate espionage, showcasing how modern tactics go beyond mere recipes to include serious intelligence-gathering threats. They also delve into how well-meaning traffic safety statistics can backfire, leading to unintended increases in road accidents.

Idris Kaloun, The Economist's Washington correspondent, sheds light on the insurrection hearings and the pressure on Mike Pence during the January 6th events, hinting at a lingering threat to democracy. Tim Cross, the technology editor, dives into the fascinating debate about AI sentience and what it truly means. He questions the implications of large language models reflecting human fears and critiques internet shutdowns as ineffective responses to exam cheating, highlighting their costly impact on daily life.

Simon Rabinovich, U.S. economics editor for The Economist, discusses the Federal Reserve's unprecedented 0.75% rate hike aimed at tackling inflation without provoking a recession. He explores the complex interplay of global factors affecting the economy. Shashank Joshi, Defense editor, analyzes the implications of Ukraine’s war on military technology, pondering the future relevance of tanks amidst evolving threats. Together, they highlight the cultural impact of wartime anthems that uplift spirits and resonate with the enduring resilience of the Ukrainian people.