Economist Podcasts

Anshul Pfeffer, The Economist's Israel correspondent, shares insights into the recent collapse of Israel's government, unraveling the fragile coalition that once ousted Netanyahu. He discusses the implications for upcoming elections and the evolving political landscape involving the Arab electorate. The conversation briefly touches on innovative cash incentive programs in American cities and highlights the therapeutic power of drumming in enhancing emotional well-being, especially for autistic teenagers.

Sophie Petter, The Economist's Paris bureau chief, breaks down Emmanuel Macron's loss of parliamentary majority and the rise of both far-right and left coalitions, complicating his reform agenda. Meanwhile, Matthew Valencia discusses the evolving landscape of corporate espionage, showcasing how modern tactics go beyond mere recipes to include serious intelligence-gathering threats. They also delve into how well-meaning traffic safety statistics can backfire, leading to unintended increases in road accidents.

Idris Kaloun, The Economist's Washington correspondent, sheds light on the insurrection hearings and the pressure on Mike Pence during the January 6th events, hinting at a lingering threat to democracy. Tim Cross, the technology editor, dives into the fascinating debate about AI sentience and what it truly means. He questions the implications of large language models reflecting human fears and critiques internet shutdowns as ineffective responses to exam cheating, highlighting their costly impact on daily life.

Simon Rabinovich, U.S. economics editor for The Economist, discusses the Federal Reserve's unprecedented 0.75% rate hike aimed at tackling inflation without provoking a recession. He explores the complex interplay of global factors affecting the economy. Shashank Joshi, Defense editor, analyzes the implications of Ukraine’s war on military technology, pondering the future relevance of tanks amidst evolving threats. Together, they highlight the cultural impact of wartime anthems that uplift spirits and resonate with the enduring resilience of the Ukrainian people.

Joel Budd, Social policy editor at The Economist, and Avantika Chukoti, international correspondent, dive deep into Britain's asylum policy and Afghanistan's economy under the Taliban. They discuss how legal challenges have stalled plans to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda. Meanwhile, Chukoti reveals the Taliban's surprising prowess as tax collectors amidst a faltering Afghan economy. They also tackle the global struggle with electric vehicle adoption, emphasizing the urgent need for change to combat climate issues.

Rosemary Ward, a Northeast America correspondent for The Economist, and Alok Jha, the science correspondent, dive into pressing issues around gun control following tragic mass shootings. They discuss a groundbreaking bipartisan framework aimed at enhancing background checks and addressing loopholes. Additionally, they explore shifting perceptions in the search for extraterrestrial life, emphasizing the need for an open-minded approach. The conversation also touches on the impact of work-themed games on mental health during stressful times, highlighting their unexpected benefits.

In this discussion, Callum Williams, The Economist's senior economics correspondent, reveals how the Russian economy is defying expectations under sanctions, buoyed by strong oil and gas revenues. He highlights the psychological effects on the middle class and contrasts Russia's resilience with Western economies. The conversation also touches on Miami's emergence as a major commerce hub for Latin America, reflecting on migration patterns and the local cultural vibrancy. Additionally, the segment introduces innovative eco crossings aimed at protecting wildlife.

Join James Astill, Washington bureau chief for The Economist, as he provides insight into the gripping public hearings surrounding the January 6th Capitol attack. Hal Hodson, a science writer, discusses the intriguing dynamics of humans coexisting with wolves, shedding light on communication and conflict resolution. The conversation also touches on the corporate interest in psychedelics for mental health and team-building, revealing a new frontier in workplace wellness. Expect a mix of political drama and wildlife wisdom!

Tom Gardner, The Economist's Horn of Africa correspondent, discusses Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's ambitious plans as Somalia's first re-elected president, focusing on tackling jihadist threats and fostering regional relations. Robert Guest, the foreign editor, delves into how education plays a crucial role in helping communities adapt to climate change, highlighting the challenges faced by those less educated. Additionally, they touch on the burgeoning optimism in the film industry, sparked by recent blockbuster successes, signaling a potential revival of cinema attendance.

Join Lane Green, The Economist's language columnist, as he delves into the fascinating world of familial terminology across cultures. He explores how English's broad family terms contrast with the specificity found in languages like Mandarin, revealing deeper cultural values. The discussion also touches on the political upheaval in Pakistan, highlighting the struggles between economic necessity and public sentiment amid rising inflation and unrest. Green captures the intricate links between language and familial bonds, alongside current global issues in agriculture.