Economist Podcasts

Join Arkady Ostrovsky, The Economist's expert on Russia and Belarusian politics, as he unpacks the alarming detention of dissident journalist Roman Protasevich. He discusses the international backlash against Belarus's authoritarian regime and its implications for democracy. Meanwhile, Olivia Ackland reports on the chaos following the Mount Nyiragongo eruption in Goma, where residents face ongoing threats from seismic activity. Together, they highlight pressing humanitarian crises and the efforts needed to aid those affected.

Lee Merritt, a civil rights attorney known for advocating police reform and representing families like George Floyd's, joins John Priddo, United States editor for The Economist. They delve into the significant protests following Floyd's murder and the potential for real change in policing practices. Discussion highlights include the ongoing fight against systemic racism, the legislative challenges of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, and shifts in community safety perceptions, alongside the impact of socio-economic disparities on racial justice efforts.

Mariana Palau, a correspondent for The Economist, dives into the ongoing civil unrest in Colombia, sparked by proposed tax reforms and amplified by economic inequality. She shares insights from her conversation with President Iván Duque, who grapples with declining public support and rising protests. The discussion sheds light on the youth's frustration over unemployment and corruption, and the shifting political landscape that hints at a potential leadership change. Additionally, Palau highlights the broader impacts of this unrest on Colombia's future.

Anshul Pfeffer, The Economist's Israel correspondent based in Jerusalem, discusses the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after 11 days of conflict, raising questions about its sustainability and the geopolitical landscape. David Rennie, Beijing bureau chief, reflects on the upcoming centenary of China's Communist Party and its efforts to reshape historical narratives. Lastly, Anne Rowe shares the inspiring life of Asfaw Yemiru, an Ethiopian educator whose impact transformed the lives of over 120,000 children, highlighting the power of education in overcoming adversity.

Noah Snyder, The Economist's Tokyo bureau chief, dives into the mounting public opposition against the Tokyo Olympics amid rising COVID-19 cases. Concerns over safety have many in Japan advocating for cancellation. Benjamin Sutherland discusses the vulnerabilities of satellite navigation systems like GPS and the implications of jamming or spoofing these signals. The intriguing emergence of cicadas after 17 years provides a quirky contrast, revealing how climate change affects their cycles and inspiring citizen science through the Cicada Safari app.

John Hooper, The Economist's Italy and Vatican correspondent, delves into the volatile landscape of Italian politics, exploring how right-wing populists are waiting to seize power as support for Prime Minister Draghi wavers. Sarah Burke, bureau chief for Mexico, highlights the alarming rise of military influence under President López Obrador, raising concerns about democracy and human rights. The discussion also touches on Britain’s cadaver crisis and innovative training methods for medical students, revealing unexpected challenges in the healthcare system.

Rachel Dobbs, a climate change writer for The Economist, and John McDermott, the chief Africa correspondent, discuss the urgent need for global cooperation to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. They highlight a new report from the International Energy Agency outlining a radical shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Additionally, the conversation touches on Somaliland's 30-year journey toward sovereignty, exploring its political challenges and aspirations for international recognition, all while deftly navigating complex economic landscapes.

Alex Trevely, The Economist’s India correspondent, shares his firsthand experiences during India’s COVID-19 crisis. He discusses the stark disparities in vaccine access, revealing that despite over 10 billion doses being produced, many low-income countries are left wanting. The emotional and societal toll of the pandemic is highlighted as he recounts personal stories from the frontline. Additionally, Trevely addresses the financial struggles of British museums navigating post-pandemic challenges, underscoring the need for new funding strategies.

Join Callum Williams, a Senior economics writer at The Economist, as he navigates the complexities of Israel's internal strife amidst the ongoing war with Hamas. He delves into the rising inflation trends in the US, examining supply chain challenges and labor market quirks. The discussion also turns playful as Williams tackles the pineapple on pizza debate, exploring its quirky origins and cultural significance. Can food preferences spark significant conversations? Tune in for insightful and entertaining insights!

James Bennett, a visiting senior editor at The Economist, analyzes Liz Cheney's dramatic fall from grace within the Republican Party, revealing Trump's tight grip on its future. Margaret Kadifa discusses Denmark's controversial policy regarding Syrian refugees, debating the safety of returning to Damascus. The episode also dives into the evolving landscape of typography in branding, highlighting how companies are adopting more expressive fonts in response to changing consumer perceptions. A blend of politics, humanitarian issues, and design trends makes for a thought-provoking discussion.