Economist Podcasts

Dive into the intriguing dynamics of the upcoming French presidential election, focusing on suburban sentiments and statistical forecasts. Discover the staggering global debt crisis and how rising interest rates will impact various demographics. Uncover the surprising surge in marriage rates in Saudi Arabia during the pandemic, contrasting it with declining trends elsewhere. Explore the significant social transformations in the Gulf, particularly in marriage customs and personal freedoms, that are reshaping the region's landscape.

Sergio Mattarella, the President of Italy, unexpectedly re-elected after intense political maneuvering, discusses the evolving landscape in Italian politics. Jens Stoltenberg, NATO's Secretary-General, highlights the alliance's crucial role in de-escalating tensions with Russia amid the Ukraine conflict. The podcast also features a humorous take on two nuns from the Daughters of St. Paul Convent going viral on TikTok, blending humor and evangelism in a modern twist on faith.

Matthew Holhouse, British politics correspondent for The Economist, shares insights into the growing fallout from Boris Johnson's lockdown parties and the potential political repercussions, including public trust and calls for a no-confidence vote. Charlie McCann, Southeast Asia correspondent, discusses Myanmar's ongoing unrest post-coup and the resilience of protestors against a violent regime. The podcast also touches on the emotional journey of immigrants battling language loss while navigating their identities in new cultures.

Join Alexandra Sewage-Bass, a senior correspondent at The Economist, as she delves into Florida's shifting political landscape and Ron DeSantis's rise in the 2024 presidential race. Elise Burr discusses the evolving dynamics of divorce laws in affluent nations, highlighting a trend towards more amicable separations. Matt Kaplan sheds light on the ecological implications of the Sumatran rhino's potential extinction, emphasizing its critical role in the ecosystem and the challenges surrounding conservation efforts.

Join John O'Sullivan, Capital Markets Editor for The Economist, and Susanna Savage, South Asia correspondent, as they dissect the current turmoil in financial markets. They discuss the alarming drops in major indices amid looming interest rate changes and the emotional impact on investors. The conversation also dives into the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance, particularly in South Asia, highlighting urgent health concerns. Plus, they explore how veganism could reshape land use and the environment, revealing surprising benefits of plant-based diets.

Stephen Macy, Supreme Court correspondent for The Economist, offers insights into Justice Breyer's retirement and President Biden's urgent nomination decisions. Kinley Semon, Africa correspondent, discusses the troubling coup in Burkina Faso and its impacts on regional jihadism. The conversation reveals the intricacies of judicial appointments in a politically charged atmosphere and sheds light on how military rule is shaping public perception and governance in West Africa.

Max Rodenbeck, The Economist's South Asia bureau chief, and Sue Lin Wong, a correspondent for The Economist, dive deep into the rising tide of religious bigotry in India, particularly concerning the Hindu nationalist movement. They explore how government complicity worsens violence against religious minorities and impacts India's secular identity. The discussion also shifts to China's evolving propaganda film industry, notably its successful cinematic endeavors that mix entertainment with nationalism, shedding light on cultural trends and their implications.

Shoshan Joshi, The Economist's defense editor, analyzes the troubling buildup of Russian troops near Ukraine and the potential ramifications for U.S.-Russia diplomacy. Sarah Burke, Bureau Chief for Mexico, provides insights into the country's ongoing struggles with the pandemic, including a lack of strict shutdowns and rising infections. They also discuss the challenges of workplace alcohol consumption, balancing social engagement with safety concerns in these turbulent times.

Join John Hooper, The Economist's Italy and Vatican correspondent, and Kenley Salmon, Africa correspondent, as they dissect the delicate political landscape of Italy. They discuss the potential election of Mario Draghi, exploring its implications for Italy's future and the EU's economic recovery funds. Alongside, they unravel the paradox of resource-rich African nations plagued by underdevelopment, detailing the struggles of workers in sectors like diamond mining. It's an insightful talk on politics and economics interwoven with cultural resilience.

This discussion features Simon Cox, a China economics expert from The Economist, and Simon Speakman-Kordahl, who writes about the growing cycling movement in the Arab world. They dive into the challenges of China's zero-COVID policy amid the Omicron variant, revealing its toll on the economy and consumer confidence. Additionally, they explore the unexpected economic benefits of historical gulags in Russia and the rising popularity of cycling in the Arab region, linking it to transport efficiency and political activism.