Economist Podcasts

John Hooper, The Economist's Italy correspondent, and Georgia Banjo, a foreign correspondent specializing in Latin America, delve into Italy's recent far-right government shift under Giorgia Meloni. They discuss the implications for Italy, Europe, and the ongoing Ukraine conflict, exploring the social challenges driving voter sentiment. Additionally, they examine the dire state of Latin American prisons, highlighting overcrowding and policies in countries like El Salvador, while also touching upon a film from China that unveils unresolved societal tensions.

Idris Kaloun, The Economist's Washington Bureau Chief, analyzes the sweeping legal challenges facing Donald Trump, including fraud accusations and election interference. Charlotte McCann offers insights on 'The Joy of Sex,' highlighting its cultural impact on sexual attitudes in the 1970s. Guy Scriven discusses the booming cloud computing industry, focusing on major tech partnerships transforming finance. The episode reveals how legal turmoil can unexpectedly bolster political support while tracing significant changes in societal norms around sexuality.

Simon Rabinovich, U.S. economics editor for The Economist, analyzes the Fed's recent interest rate hikes, weighing their impact on inflation and job markets. He discusses the delicate balance the Fed must strike between controlling inflation and maintaining employment levels. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe shares insights into Frank Drake, a visionary in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, reflecting on his pioneering work and what it means for humanity's quest to discover life beyond Earth.

Shashank Joshi, defense editor at The Economist, delves into Vladimir Putin's recent announcement of troop mobilization in Ukraine, focusing on the implications of his threats and accusations against the West. The conversation highlights the desperation within Russia's military recruitment strategy and the challenges of deploying effective personnel. Additionally, the podcast touches on the shifting political landscape in rural America and an intriguing archaeological find in Borneo that sheds light on ancient surgical practices.

Zan Smiley, Editor-at-large at The Economist, shares insights on the future of the Commonwealth under King Charles III, exploring its diverse membership and significance in modern geopolitics. Nicholas Pelham, the Middle East correspondent, discusses the rapid transformation of Jeddah, raising concerns about cultural heritage as the city faces demolition in the name of progress. The conversation also touches on the economic rivalry between China and the U.S., analyzing China's current struggles and its prospects in the global economy.

Two years in the making, the country’s new foundational document was summarily swatted down in a referendum. We ask how it went so wrong, and what comes next. Data show a long-held view on fertility and prosperity is not as straightforward as thought; we examine the policy implications. And learning about HARM—the missiles causing so much harm to Russian forces.For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie McCann, Southeast Asia correspondent for the Economist, shares insights into the ongoing struggles of the Rohingya people, five years after their expulsion from Myanmar. He highlights the dire living conditions and systemic discrimination faced by refugees. Jeremy Page, Asia diplomatic editor, discusses new railway routes in Central Asia, emphasizing their potential to shift trade dynamics away from Russia and boost economies in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The conversation underscores urgent calls for international attention on both crises.

David Rennie, the Beijing bureau chief for The Economist, and defense editor Shashank Joshi delve into the intricate relationship between China and Russia amidst the Ukraine crisis. They discuss the implications of Putin's military setbacks for Xi and explore the nuances of their 'no-limits friendship'. Additionally, they shed light on the growing jihadist threats in Africa post-U.S. operations against terror leaders. The conversation also touches on South Korea's cultural shift, as many young urbanites embrace farming, seeking a reprieve from city life.

In this discussion, Piotr Zalewski, The Economist's Turkey correspondent, and Greg Karlstrom, the Middle East correspondent, tackle the resurgence of tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia, linked to historical conflicts and the shifting influence of Russia. They explore how Azerbaijan's ambitions are bolstered by rising oil prices and what this means for the region. The conversation also touches on the new economic dynamics in Gulf countries, questioning whether they will invest responsibly or indulge in lavish spending.

In this insightful discussion, Matt Steinglass, Deputy Europe Editor for The Economist, and Avantika Chilkoti, International Correspondent, dive into the geopolitics of energy amid the Ukraine conflict. They address Vladimir Putin's strategy of weaponizing gas supplies to pressure Europe and the measures taken by nations to secure energy stability. The conversation also touches on the disruption of Ukraine's surrogacy industry, highlighting personal stories of resilience. Their analysis reveals the interconnectedness of energy policy and humanitarian crises.