Economist Podcasts

Erin Braun, The Economist's Mountain West correspondent, shares insights on the alarming water shortage in the Colorado River, affecting 40 million people and necessitating drastic policy changes. Anshul Pfeffer, the Economist's Israel correspondent, discusses the controversial Pegasus spyware scandal, revealing its impact on privacy and global surveillance norms. The podcast also spotlights the rising popularity of iru, a traditional Nigerian seasoning, illustrating how local flavors can become international favorites. A captivating blend of environmental and tech issues!

Sarah Burke, the Economist's bureau chief for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, sheds light on Haiti's current crises, detailing the devastating aftermath of a recent earthquake and the compounding challenges of gang violence and unstable governance. Max Rodenbeck, the South Asia bureau chief, dives into the lasting repercussions of the India-Pakistan partition, showcasing how historical tensions still affect politics and society today. The discussion also briefly touches on Indonesia's passion for badminton, highlighting its importance as a source of national pride.

Shashank Joshi, Defense editor for The Economist, brings his expertise on Afghanistan's recent turmoil, shedding light on the chaotic fall of Kabul and the haunting specter of Taliban rule. Brooke Unger, an international correspondent, discusses the global shift from capital punishment to life sentences, exploring its societal implications and the stories of resilience from within prisons. Together, they also reflect on the unique Russian enclave in Uruguay, where traditions endure amidst change, highlighting the complex interplay of culture and modernity.

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.

Idris Kaloun, Washington correspondent for The Economist, dives into President Biden’s ambitious infrastructure push. He discusses the Senate's passage of a $1 trillion bipartisan package and its implications for U.S. infrastructure. Kaloun contrasts this with a proposed $3.5 trillion budget focusing on social programs and climate change. He also touches on Zambia’s upcoming elections, highlighting the challenges faced by opposition parties amid political tensions, alongside insights into Germany's electoral landscape and advanced prediction models.

Shashank Joshi, The Economist’s defense editor, dives into Turkey’s wildfires and the government’s poor preparedness amidst a climate crisis. He discusses the catastrophic impact on local ecosystems and communities, emphasizing how open-source intelligence can reveal crucial insights about such disasters. The conversation also touches on the dual-edged nature of transparency, highlighting the balance between leveraging public data for societal good and potential risks. Additionally, the episode draws parallels to China’s rapid nuclear expansion, emphasizing global security concerns.

Explore the heated debate around vaccine mandates in the U.S., balancing individual rights with public health needs. Discover the impact of the Delta variant on vaccination rates in southern states. Uncover the automotive industry's battle with semiconductor shortages, prompting manufacturers to rethink production strategies. Additionally, learn about Mumbai's unusual snake sightings, linked to heavy monsoons and habitat changes, and the efforts to navigate the complex relationship between urban wildlife and human populations.

In this discussion, Sarah Maslin, a writer for The Economist focusing on South America, delves into the alarming findings of the latest IPCC report, emphasizing the urgent need for climate action. She explores the interconnectedness of climate change and political instability in Bolivia, particularly following the contentious 2019 elections. Maslin also touches on the emotional weariness of Bolivians seeking real solutions amidst political chaos and debunks the myth surrounding the difficulty of writing a second novel, revealing the surprising reception statistics.

Ebrahim Raisi takes office as the country is blamed for multiple attacks in the region; a more mistrustful, hardline and aggressive regime awaits. Our correspondent meets a woman first trafficked into a sprawling Bangladeshi brothel at age 12 and who is now in charge of it. And the high-tech shoes that may be contributing to tumbling world records in Tokyo.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.

Rosemary Ward, New York correspondent for The Economist, breaks down the fallout from the sexual harassment allegations against New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and explores the political implications of his defiance amid mounting pressure. Meanwhile, Don Wineland dives into LinkedIn's navigation of China's tough censorship landscape, revealing the self-censorship users must practice. The conversation also touches on Chechnya's use of mixed martial arts as a tool for political control, showcasing the interplay between sports and regime loyalty.