Economist Podcasts

Matyau Favas, Finance correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on the looming global food crisis fueled by the war in Ukraine, leading to skyrocketing prices and mounting hunger. Tom Vatter, Culture writer for The Economist, takes us through the intriguing history of Bangkok's Patpong red-light district, now a cultural landmark. They discuss the ethical implications of advancing genetic screening for newborns, exploring medical possibilities while addressing privacy and ethical concerns. A captivating blend of urgent global issues and cultural reflections!

In this installment, Shashank Joshi, Defense editor for The Economist, provides keen insights into the latest military actions in eastern Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of urban areas and Western support. Alexandra Sewitch-Bass, Senior correspondent, sheds light on America's broken immigration system, discussing recent legal challenges and the emotional landscape at the border. Together, they explore not only the gritty realities of war but also the complexities of immigration policy, highlighting the significant events shaping these pressing issues.

Join Jeremy Page, Asia diplomatic editor for The Economist, and Jacob Judah, a writer focused on Arctic research impacts, as they unravel China's ambitions in the Pacific. They discuss the complexities of China's military expansion and the geopolitical ripples from its agreement with the Solomon Islands. The conversation shifts to the strain on Arctic collaborations due to sanctions, highlighting the vulnerability of crucial climate research. Plus, they take an intriguing detour into punk's cultural legacy and its myths.

POLLS SUGGEST // Polls suggest the country might get its first-ever leftist leader. Whatever the outcome, a fresh outbreak of violent protest may await. Africa’s increasingly crippling fuel shortages can be blamed on more than just higher prices. And reflecting on the life of Lawrence MacEwen, laird of a tiny Scottish island whose austere simplicity he fought to preserve. 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.

Matthew Holhouse, a British political correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on the controversial Partygate report detailing lockdown gatherings under Boris Johnson, revealing a deepening public dissent and its implications for his leadership. Wendelin von Bredow, Senior Germany correspondent, discusses the remarkable success of Switzerland in the business arena despite its modest resources, while also addressing its future challenges. The duo also explores the influence of Russian propaganda on social media, analyzing its surprising success in shaping perceptions globally.

LaVeya Chankova, The Economist's healthcare correspondent, shares her insights on the aftermath of the tragic school shooting in Texas, underscoring the urgent need for meaningful gun law reforms. The discussion reveals the gap between public sentiment and political action. Chankova also addresses the rise of monkeypox, easing concerns by comparing its severity to COVID-19 and discussing effective preventive measures. Additionally, explore the evolving narrative power in video games, featuring the collaboration between renowned creators.

In this discussion, David Rennie, the Beijing bureau chief for The Economist, shares insights into China's zero-COVID policy and the precarious situation in Beijing as officials grapple with rising cases without imposing lockdowns. Simon Rabinovich, the U.S. economics editor, examines the alarming baby formula shortage in America, attributing it to supply chain disruptions and factory shutdowns. Together, they also touch on the unexpected challenges shaping daily life globally, from health crises to market nuances.

Anthony Albanese, Australia's 31st Prime Minister and leader of the Labor Party, reflects on his party's narrow electoral win and its implications for climate action and changing voter sentiments. He discusses the rising trend of surveillance technology in workplaces, raising concerns about privacy and employee morale. Georgia Banjo, Foreign correspondent for The Economist, shares insights into Brazil's intriguing shell-throwing tradition, exploring its cultural significance and resilience amid contemporary challenges.

Noah Snyder, The Economist's Tokyo bureau chief with years of Russian insights, joins foreign editor Robert Guest and obituaries editor Anne Rowe to explore Russia's propaganda machine. They discuss the stark contrast in perceptions of the war in Ukraine due to intensified state censorship and media control. Snyder shares his firsthand experiences navigating Russian media narratives. Additionally, the group touches on Zimbabwe's economic turmoil and the challenges of inflation, revealing the human impact behind the headlines.

North Korea's zero-covid strategy has failed, revealing a dire health crisis exacerbated by tuberculosis and malnutrition. Meanwhile, Turkey is grappling with rising anti-refugee sentiment amid political turmoil, as politicians scapegoat refugees to gain votes. On a different note, the educational landscape in the Arab world shows girls consistently outperforming boys, highlighting significant disparities in motivation and literacy among genders. These discussions reveal complex interactions between health, politics, and education in challenging socio-economic climates.