Economist Podcasts

Join Greg Karlstrom, the Middle East correspondent for The Economist, and Margaret Kadifa, a contributor to 1843 magazine with deep roots in Beirut, as they dive into the aftermath of the catastrophic Beirut port explosion. They discuss how the blast symbolizes Lebanon’s political turmoil rather than being its sole cause. Personal stories highlight the resilience of residents amid ongoing economic despair. Plus, they explore the surprising implications of Lebanon's economic crisis revealed through the Big Mac Index, illustrating soaring inflation and the cost of daily life.

Tamsin Booth, The Economist's Technology and Business editor, shares her insights on NVIDIA's ambitious $40 billion bid for ARM and the regulatory hurdles it faces. Johnny Williams, an American affairs writer, discusses a striking trend of Americans moving away from organized religion, revealing how this 'religiously unaffiliated' group impacts civic engagement and democracy. The conversation also touches on women's empowerment in China through the surfing culture, showcasing a shift in gender roles celebrated by pioneers like Darcy Liu.

Edward McBride, The Economist's deputy foreign editor, and Charlie McCann, Southeast Asia correspondent, dive deep into the Taliban's alarming resurgence in Afghanistan as American forces pull out. They explore the perilous situation of Afghan cities, the impact on civilians, and the risk of oppressive rule returning. Meanwhile, Charlie discusses recent racial tensions in Singapore that starkly contrast the city's long-standing image of harmony, revealing how societal inequalities persist beneath the surface, along with the fading popularity of chewing gum in today's culture.

Alice Fullwood, The Economist's Wall Street correspondent, shares insights into America’s looming housing crisis as pandemic relief measures fade. She discusses the alarming rise in mortgage delinquency, especially among Black and Hispanic families, and the emotional toll of impending foreclosures. Meanwhile, Matt Steinglass, Europe correspondent, highlights a poignant Rijksmuseum exhibition examining the Netherlands' colonial past and slavery. The conversation also touches on Marmite's iconic status and its clever marketing that sparked national dialogue.

Ludwig Stiegler, U.S. technology editor for The Economist, delves into Facebook's booming profits and its ambitious leap into the metaverse and e-commerce. He discusses the implications of this shift amid growing competition and user engagement trends. Meanwhile, Michael Reid, Senior editor for Latin America, analyzes the political landscape in Peru following the inauguration of the inexperienced President Pedro Castillo and the challenges he faces in aligning his leftist agenda with national stability amidst economic turmoil.

Brooke Unger, a migration expert for The Economist, and Sam Colbert, who covers Canada, discuss the increasing inadequacy of the 1951 UN Refugee Convention amidst modern crises. They highlight the global reluctance to uphold asylum obligations while exploring Vancouver's controversial approach to drug decriminalization to combat overdose rates. Additionally, they touch on the urgent efforts to preserve the Mwou 'click language' in Africa, showcasing the rich cultural heritage threatened by colonization.

Roger McShane, The Economist's Middle East editor, unpacks Tunisia's turbulent democracy following the president's dismissal of the prime minister. He discusses citizens' frustrations amid economic woes and political stagnation. John Hooper, Italy and Vatican correspondent, dives into the historic trial of Vatican officials accused of financial crimes, revealing deep corruption and the Pope's role. They also touch on climate change's impact on winemaking, highlighting how producers are adapting to variable weather patterns in Tuscany.

Adrian Wooldridge, a British politics columnist for the Economist, shares his insights into Boris Johnson's controversial tenure as Prime Minister. He discusses the challenges Johnson faced during the pandemic, balancing leadership effectiveness with public criticism. The podcast also examines the rising Scottish nationalism and pro-democracy movements in Hong Kong, emphasizing the impact on academic freedom. Additionally, Wooldridge dives into the surging popularity of alcohol-free beer, highlighting its economic growth amidst changing consumer preferences.

Noah Snyder, The Economist's Tokyo bureau chief, dives into the controversies surrounding the Tokyo 2020 Olympics amid a state of emergency. He discusses the rising COVID-19 cases and public opposition to the games, which raises questions about the event's future. Snyder also addresses challenges athletes face, from altered training environments to issues of doping and inclusion. The conversation extends to the impacts of Northern Ireland's troubled history, exploring the recent amnesty by the British government and its moral implications.

Katrine Bragg, the Environment editor at The Economist, and Tom Gardner, the Addis Ababa correspondent, discuss the stark realities of a world warming by 3°C, highlighting escalating climate crises and urgent needs for policy changes. They also navigate Sudan's tumultuous political landscape as three powerful leaders vie for control amid a struggle for democracy. Additionally, they delve into the controversy surrounding Liverpool’s removal from UNESCO’s World Heritage list, reflecting on the balancing act between urban development and heritage preservation.