Economist Podcasts Like hell out of a bat: SARS-CoV-2’s origin
Feb 10, 2021
Natasha Loader, the health policy editor at The Economist, brings insights into the WHO's investigation into the origins of SARS-CoV-2, suggesting a probable animal intermediary while dismissing lab leak theories. Georgia Banjo, a foreign affairs writer, discusses the rise of transnational repression by authoritarian regimes and the chilling effects on dissidents abroad. They also touch on Algeria's car shortage crisis caused by restrictive policies since 2016, highlighting the economic turmoil and challenges faced by everyday citizens.
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COVID-19 Origins
- The WHO investigation suggests COVID-19 likely jumped to humans via an intermediary animal.
- A lab leak is considered unlikely but not entirely ruled out.
Likely Origin
- The intermediary species theory (e.g., civet cats, pangolins) is the most likely explanation for COVID-19's origin.
- Frozen food from a wild animal could also be a source.
Transnational Repression
- Authoritarian regimes are increasingly cracking down on dissent abroad.
- This includes direct attacks and subtler forms of repression and surveillance.