Checks and Balance from The Economist

A sophisticated, predatory, multi-billion dollar industry is emerging from the shadows. It already rivals the size of the illicit drug trade. And it’s about to get bigger and much more powerful. The Economist’s Sue-Lin Wong follows a trail that starts with the collapse of a bank in rural Kansas to uncover a global, underground scam economy built around human trafficking, corruption and money laundering. Can it be stopped?To listen to the full series subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.

The latest election results take center stage, offering a deep dive into their implications. The hosts share crucial insights and analysis to help listeners understand the broader electoral landscape. They also point to additional resources for those seeking more information. Get ready for an upcoming full discussion that promises to expand on these findings and keep you informed about the evolving political scene.

Chris Deluzio, a Democratic representative for Pennsylvania's 17th congressional district, dives deep into the political dynamics crucial for the 2024 presidential election. He discusses the significance of Pennsylvania as a tipping point state, shedding light on how urban and rural areas exhibit contrasting voter behaviors. Deluzio highlights the challenges Democrats face amid shifting demographics and economic concerns, and he addresses crucial topics like election integrity and the strategy behind grassroots mobilization as both parties ramp up their efforts in this battleground.

Ainslie Johnstone and Sacha Nauta from The Economist, along with Professor Musa al-Gharbi, delve into the decline of wokeness in America. They discuss how societal attitudes towards issues like race and privilege have shifted, marking a significant change from peak wokeness in 2021-22. The conversation analyzes the rise of anti-woke sentiments and their implications for future political dynamics. They also reflect on the historical context of social movements, emphasizing the importance of free speech in today’s polarized climate.

Geoff Duncan, former lieutenant governor of Georgia, and Congressman Jamie Raskin provide a deep dive into election integrity concerns as the 2024 presidential race heats up. They discuss the Republican Party’s preparations to contest outcomes, particularly if Kamala Harris wins. The conversation highlights the fragility of voter trust and the challenges of misinformation, alongside the implications of the Electoral Count Act reforms. They also examine how the January 6 events still haunt American democracy, with potential ramifications for the electoral process.

On Tuesday night in Philadelphia Donald Trump and Kamala Harris took part in what might be the only debate between them in this campaign. The race is extremely close: will the debate make any difference? John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Adam O’Neal. They’re joined by The Economist’s James Bennet, Lane Greene and Owen Winter. This episode draws on audio from CBS and C-Span.  Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcastsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.

Exploring why older white men born in the 1940s dominate American politics, despite inheriting a prosperous society. The podcast delves into how the baby boomer generation's last political acts are now accused of destabilizing American democracy.

Narendra Modi is one of the most popular politicians on the planet. India’s prime minister is eyeing a third term atop the world’s biggest democracy. A tea-seller’s son, Mr Modi began life an outsider and the man behind the political phenomenon remains hard to fathom. India has become an economic powerhouse during his ten years in charge. But he’s also the frontman for a chauvinistic Hindu nationalist dogma. Can Mr Modi continue to balance both parts of his agenda and finish the job of turning India into a superpower? The Economist’s Avantika Chilkoti finds out what makes him tick. Launching June 2024.To listen to the full series, subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

Guests Sacha Nauta and Idrees Kahlo discuss the upcoming elections and the impact of abortion rights. They delve into grassroots movements, activism, strategic considerations, and potential restrictions. The conversation highlights the intersection of abortion politics and women's access to reproductive rights.

For months, a big foreign-aid deal looked like it was going nowhere in the House of Representatives. Now $95bn of support is heading out the door. How did the bill get through? What does it mean for Ukraine and for American leadership in the world?Charlotte Howard hosts with James Bennet and Idrees Kahloon. They’re joined by The Economist’s Adam O’Neal and Anton La Guardia. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.