Economist Podcasts

David Rennie, the Beijing bureau chief for The Economist, delves into Europe's contentious vaccine mandates, spotlighting protests and diverging public opinions. He reveals how Austria's strict measures aim to break the cycle of COVID-19 restrictions. The conversation also highlights the precarious situation of Peng Shuai, a Chinese tennis star, balancing public appearances with personal struggles amid international concern. Lastly, they explore the ambitions of the new Guggenheim museum in Abu Dhabi, aiming to elevate the UAE's cultural stature.

The presidential election will now go to a run-off—between candidates of political extremes. We ask how that polarisation will affect promised constitutional reform. Our correspondent visits Mali to witness the largest current Western push against jihadism, finding that governments and peacekeepers in the Sahel are losing the war. And women seek a more level playing field in competitive gaming.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.

Colin Williams, a Senior economics writer at The Economist, teams up with Avantika Chilkoti, the publication's international correspondent. They dive into the relentless growth of government spending, highlighting its historical roots and future challenges. MacKenzie Scott's transformative approach to philanthropy is explored, showcasing her generous $8.6 billion donations without restrictions on recipients, starkly contrasting traditional philanthropy. The discussion also touches on the economic challenges faced by Moroccan hoteliers under strict laws against premarital sex.

Arkady Ostrovsky, the Russia and Eastern Europe editor for The Economist, discusses the escalating protests in Georgia in support of former President Mikheil Saakashvili, who is currently on a hunger strike, raising questions about the country's political future. Hal Hodson, the publication's technology correspondent, delves into the alarming rise of China's state-sponsored industrial espionage and the ineffectiveness of measures to counter it. Their insights shed light on the tense geopolitical dynamics and evolving language intricacies around terms like 'green-light' and 'gaslight'.

David Rennie, Beijing bureau chief for The Economist, and Matt Steinglass, Europe correspondent, dive into the recent Xi-Biden summit, stressing the importance of communication to ease tensions. They discuss the minimal advancements on nuclear safety and strategic stability, reflecting the ongoing rivalry between the U.S. and China. Shifting gears, the conversation touches on Europe’s rail challenges, emphasizing the need for improved infrastructure to meet climate goals. Lastly, they highlight South Korea's intense beauty standards, exploring the cultural impact on youth and mental health.

In this insightful discussion, Greg Karlstrom, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, delves into the muted protests in Cuba and the government's oppressive tactics against its citizens. He contrasts Cuba's struggle for freedom with Saudi Arabia's ambitious tourism initiatives aimed at economic diversification. The conversation highlights the skepticism surrounding these initiatives and the challenges facing the kingdom’s social reforms. Alongside, interesting insights are shared on how probiotics can enhance fruit agriculture, boosting productivity and disease resistance.

In this engaging discussion, Michael Reid, an expert on Latin America, and Georgia Banjo, a foreign affairs writer, dive deep into the recent elections in Argentina, revealing the dramatic fall of the ruling Peronist party amidst economic strife. They explore the implications of these political shifts on the country's future. The conversation also highlights the global debate around assisted dying laws, examining ethical dilemmas and societal changes over the years, before delving into the historical rise and decline of electric vehicles in the automotive market.

The climate summit in Glasgow is in its last official day, but looks sure to overrun as negotiators thrash out an agreement. When the talking’s over, what will count as success? The rise of film franchises and streaming is taking the shine off Hollywood’s top stars. And we hatch a tale of unusual births among North America’s biggest birds.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.

As the economy has deteriorated and the internet has bypassed television, persecution of opponents has become the president’s main tool of political control. Even the pandemic has been harnessed to silence dissent. An Economist film reports on the young women standing up to Vladimir Putin. And in China, there’s a more subdued background to the Singles’ Day online shopping splurge. 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.

Around 2,000 people from the Middle East are at the European Union’s eastern frontier. Alexander Lukashenko, the autocratic Belarusian president, promised them passage to the EU. They are pawns in a long dispute and their plight is bleak. Tension is mounting in north Africa, between Algeria and Morocco. And who said words were cheap? The cost of newsprint is soaring. 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.