The Econoclasts
UnHerd
The Econoclasts is a new podcast from UnHerd hosted by economist Yanis Varoufakis and journalist Wolfgang Munchau. While they don't always agree politically, they are united in one conviction: the consensus is rotten. Mainstream economics has consistently failed to predict the events that shape our world, yet this broken orthodoxy still dominates policy and media. Each week, they choose two pillars of the established orthodoxy — the "settled facts" — and shatter them, cutting through the spin to connect the dots between money, geopolitics, and the real forces shaping our future.Don't forget to rate, like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 6, 2024 • 1h 1min
These Times - Biden Resumes America’s Forever War in Iraq
Podcast discusses recent US/UK led bombings in Iraq and Syria, the fragility of the US position in the Middle East, historical context of US involvement in the region, the decision to invade Iraq in 2003, challenges of imposing order in the Middle East, geopolitical significance of Bahrain, and the blurred line between reasserting deterrence and escalation in the region.
Jan 30, 2024 • 59min
These Times - Trump, the Borderlands, and a Global Crisis
In this podcast, the hosts discuss the border crisis in Texas and its potential impact on the upcoming elections. They explore Trump's political resurgence, Biden's changing political stance, and the Republican Party's divisions on Ukraine and border control. They also touch upon the complex relationship between Mexico, the United States, and China, and the impact of the fentanyl crisis on American voters.
Jan 23, 2024 • 1h 3min
These Times - Iran Lashes Out, with Ali Ansari
Ali Ansari, Director of Iranian Studies at St Andrews University, discusses the multifaceted nature of Iranian power, including recent attacks, the Iran-US relationship, and factions within Iran. The podcast also explores the ideology and ambitions of Iran as a political player, the evolving relationship between Iran, Russia, and China, and Iran's recent event in Pakistan.
13 snips
Jan 16, 2024 • 57min
These Times - The War for Taiwan
Exploring key hotspots and political dynamics in the Western Pacific; significance of Taiwan in the global competition between China and the United States; China's reliance on the Strait of Malacca for oil and gas imports; historical dominance of the United States in the Western Pacific; impact of the Korean War on American commitment to Taiwan; recent Taiwan election and its implications for Taiwan-China relationship; ambiguity surrounding Taiwanese election results and US-Taiwan relations
Jan 9, 2024 • 53min
These Times - The War for the Red Sea
Explore the history of the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, including conflicts and power dynamics. Learn about changing dynamics in the region, China's rise, and America's energy independence. Discover the shifting relationships in the Middle East and the dilemma for American presidents. Uncover the United States' pivot to Asia and its impact on the Middle East. Discuss the potential consequences of military action and the European powers' role.
Jan 3, 2024 • 1h 5min
These Times - New Year, New World
Tom McTague and HelenH Helen Thompson look back at the major events that took place in 2023, from Ukraine's stalled counter-offensive and the Israel Hamas War, and ask what they mean for the year ahead... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 26, 2023 • 51min
These Times - Europe’s Lost World: The Radetzky March and The Leopard
For this Christmas Special, Tom and Helen discuss two of their all time favourite novels that share the same themes of empire, nationalism and loss - Joseph Roth's The Radetzky March (1932) and Giuseppe Tommasi, The Lampedusa's The Leopard (1958). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8 snips
Dec 19, 2023 • 37min
These Times - Europe’s Civilisational Turn?
The podcast explores the rise of populism in European politics, the convergence between center-right and far right, the trajectory of a political party in Germany, and European parties' views on Islam and Ukraine. It also discusses the shifting dynamics in European politics influenced by geopolitical forces and historical events.
Dec 12, 2023 • 51min
These Times - Ukraine's Dark Winter Ahead
Discover why supporting Ukraine is politically difficult in Western countries and the consequences for EU, NATO, and Middle East conflicts. Explore the impact of border questions on politics, Ukraine's place in Europe, and the future scenarios for the war.
Dec 5, 2023 • 48min
These Times - Europe's Bet on Net Zero
Europe's ambition to be carbon dioxide free continent, Europe's goals and divisions at COP conference, China's leadership in the energy transition, wind turbine production challenges in Europe, technology's potential in decarbonization, competition between US, China, and Europe in carbon neutrality, geopolitical implications of regulatory models, exploring European industrial choices and Russia's role in nuclear power
