

Simon Rabinovich
Beijing bureau chief and Chaguan columnist for The Economist, providing analysis of China’s rare-earth export controls and its shifting leverage in the trade war with the United States.
Top 10 podcasts with Simon Rabinovich
Ranked by the Snipd community

173 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 23min
The great brawl: China is winning the trade war
Simon Rabinovich, Beijing bureau chief at The Economist, discusses how China's rare-earth export controls have shifted the trade war's dynamics in its favor. He explains China's strategic investments in semiconductors and dominance in processing rare-earth elements, affecting global supply chains. Meanwhile, Tom Wainwright highlights the rising screen time among seniors, weighing the risks against potential social and cognitive benefits. Lastly, Henrietta McFarlane dives into the cultural significance and modern revival of the waltz, showcasing its lasting appeal in Vienna.

81 snips
Mar 10, 2026 • 23min
Oil rise: Trump gets the jitters
Avantika Chilkoti, a retail and consumer trends reporter, traces Erewhon’s rise from hippie co-op to luxury wellness supermarket. Simon Rabinovitch, Beijing bureau chief, explains China’s cautious, pragmatic stance in the Middle East. Edward Carr, deputy editor and markets analyst, breaks down why soaring oil prices rattled markets and constrained political options.

33 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 23min
The great brawl: China is winning the trade war
In this discussion, Simon Rabinovich, Beijing bureau chief for The Economist, delves into China's strategic leverage in the trade arena, highlighting its rare-earth export controls and their impact on global markets. He reveals how China's manufacturing dominance translates into geopolitical power. Tom Wainwright, Media editor at The Economist, explores the unexpected screen habits of older adults, showcasing how their screen time often surpasses that of the young, while discussing both the benefits and health concerns linked to digital engagement in later life.

16 snips
Mar 10, 2026 • 23min
Oil rise: Trump gets the jitters
Avantika Chilkoti, Global business correspondent who tracks retail trends, on how Erewhon morphed into a luxury supermarket. Simon Rabinovitch, Beijing bureau chief and China analyst, on why Beijing has stayed muted over Iran. Edward Carr, deputy editor and markets analyst, on the oil price spike and its fallout. Short, sharp conversations about oil shocks, China’s calculus and high-end grocery culture.

May 12, 2021 • 22min
Baby bust: China’s census
Simon Rabinovich, Asia economics editor for The Economist, dives into China's groundbreaking census data, revealing a stagnating population and the economic challenges of an aging demographic. Alice Fullwood, the Wall Street correspondent, discusses the rise of central bank digital currencies, or 'govcoins,' and their potential to reshape monetary policy and access to banking. The episode also touches on fascinating wildlife research from Ecuador that uses roadkill to track elusive species, showcasing the unexpected ecological insights gleaned from this method.

Aug 13, 2021 • 23min
Thicket and boarding pass: travel’s tangle of rules
Avantika Chilkoti, an international correspondent for The Economist, and Simon Rabinovich, Asia economics editor, discuss the tangled layers of travel restrictions during the pandemic. They delve into the opaque and often oppressive travel rules across nations, questioning their effectiveness. Chilkoti reveals the grim realities in Xinjiang, highlighting the region’s economic challenges amid Uyghur repression. The conversation also touches on evolving workplace norms and a farewell to a columnist critical of corporate inefficiencies.

Aug 13, 2021 • 23min
Thicket and boarding pass: travel’s tangle of rules
Avantika Chilkoti, an International correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on the confusing landscape of travel restrictions during the pandemic. She discusses the socioeconomic impact these rules have on low-income countries. Simon Rabinovich, Asia economics editor, dives into Xinjiang's troubled economy, illustrating how repressive tactics against the Uyghurs are unlikely to achieve growth. The conversation also touches upon changing management practices and reflects humorously on workplace culture evolution.

May 12, 2021 • 22min
Baby bust: China’s census
Simon Rabinovich, Asia economics editor for The Economist, and Alice Fullwood, Wall Street correspondent, delve into China's latest census revealing a looming baby bust. They discuss the impending economic challenges of an aging population and declining birth rates. Rabinovich highlights how migration patterns affect workforce dynamics, while Fullwood explores the rise of central bank digital currencies, or 'govcoins,' and their potential to reshape monetary policy and access to banking, alongside the risks they pose to the private banking sector.

Mar 30, 2021 • 23min
High threat-count: boycotts in China
Simon Rabinovich, Asia economics editor for The Economist, and Georgia Banjo, a keen observer of the intersection between brain injuries and crime, dive into the effects of consumer boycotts against Western fashion brands in China. They explore the complex balance brands must strike amid rising tensions over human rights. Additionally, they discuss the alarming connection between traumatic brain injuries and criminal behavior, shedding light on neglected societal issues. Finally, the podcast touches on the rise and challenges of the audio app Clubhouse in the Arab world.

Mar 30, 2021 • 23min
High threat-count: boycotts in China
Simon Rabinovich, Asia economics editor based in Shanghai, and Georgia Banjo, a writer for The Economist, delve into the rising consumer boycotts of Western brands in China amidst political tensions over human rights issues. They explore how these boycotts impact trade and ethical business practices. Additionally, Georgia highlights the overlooked connection between traumatic brain injuries and criminal behavior, examining how this affects individuals in the justice system. The duo also touches on the rise of Clubhouse in the Arab world as a space for free expression amid strict media controls.


