Economist Podcasts Hitting a Vlad patch: 20 years of Putin
May 7, 2020
Arkady Ostrovsky, the Russia editor for The Economist, delves into Vladimir Putin's two-decade reign, exploring his decline in public support amid crises like COVID-19 and economic instability. Ludwig Sigela, a U.S. technology editor, discusses how tech giants thrive while smaller firms struggle during downturns, alongside the resilience of the music industry in providing escapism. The conversation also highlights how contemporary pop music reflects societal challenges, showcasing shifts in cultural moods amidst economic distress.
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Putin's Rule Under Pressure
- Vladimir Putin's 20-year rule in Russia is marked by increasing authoritarianism and declining public trust.
- The COVID-19 crisis, falling oil prices, and constitutional changes compound his challenges.
Pandemic Layoffs in Silicon Valley
- Mass layoffs are impacting Silicon Valley companies like Lyft and Uber due to the pandemic's economic effects.
- Ride-sharing has been significantly impacted by social distancing and changing consumer behavior.
Big Tech vs. Startups in the Pandemic
- Larger tech companies like Amazon, Alphabet, and Microsoft are generally weathering the pandemic better than smaller startups.
- This trend is driven by their financial stability, ability to attract talent, and shift towards business services and subscriptions.