Economist Podcasts

Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defense editor, discusses Russia's significant military buildup near Ukraine and its implications for international relations, emphasizing that despite posturing, Russia's military capabilities are rapidly improving. Henry Kerr, the economics editor, sheds light on America's troubling inflation numbers, pointing out the mix of statistical anomalies and pandemic-related challenges. They also explore the rise of flying taxis and the innovative transport landscape on the horizon. Buckle up for a fascinating ride through geopolitics and the future of transportation!

Roger McShane, Middle East editor for The Economist, discusses the fallout from a sabotage incident at an Iranian nuclear site, linking it to Israel and the challenges facing America's nuclear diplomacy. Matt Steinglass, Europe correspondent, dives into the growing pressures on European public broadcasters from populist movements aiming to erode media independence. They also explore Latvia's ancient Dainas folk poems, highlighting the cultural significance and translation hurdles. The conversation blends sharp analysis with intriguing cultural insights.

In this intriguing discussion, Tom Nuttall, The Economist's Berlin bureau chief, dives into the tumultuous landscape of German politics as the nation faces the looming challenge of finding Chancellor Merkel's successor amid a spike in COVID-19 cases. Fiametta Rocco, a senior editor, reflects on her poignant meeting with Prince Philip, exploring his loyalty and lifelong service. The episode also touches on Kenya’s vibrant coffee culture as locals transition from tea to specialty brews, showcasing the potential for economic rejuvenation through local consumption.

Sam McBride, a journalist from Belfast covering Northern Ireland for The Economist, discusses the recent surge in violence linked to Unionist factions and rising tempers post-Brexit. He explores the community's frustrations and how historical tensions threaten the fragile peace. Arkady Ostrovsky, the Russia editor, sheds light on Alexei Navalny's deteriorating health in prison and the Kremlin's response. The conversation also touches on the creative outlet of poetry slams in the Democratic Republic of Congo, showcasing resilience amidst adversity.

Slovea Chankova, The Economist’s healthcare correspondent, delves into the AstraZeneca vaccine's connection to rare blood clot incidents, emphasizing that its benefits outweigh the risks. Elliot Morris, a data journalist, reveals how the 1915 film 'The Birth of a Nation' perpetuated racial violence, linking its screenings to a disturbing rise in incidents. They also discuss the film's long-lasting impact on societal attitudes towards race and the necessity for transparent communication to build public trust in vaccination efforts.

Idris Kaloun, a Washington correspondent for The Economist, delves into the alarming spike in America's murder rates, exploring the socioeconomic factors driving this surge amidst the pandemic. Tim Judah, the Balkans correspondent, contrasts this with Serbia's successful COVID-19 vaccination rollout, showcasing how effective public health strategies can prevail despite broader European challenges. They also discuss the impact of the pandemic on work culture, raising questions about work hours and the pursuit of happiness.

Greg Karlstrom, a Middle East correspondent for The Economist, delves into the royal rift in Jordan, focusing on Prince Hamzah's dissent and its resonance with the public. Tom Easton, the bureau chief in Mumbai, explores the rapid rise of India's billionaires and the shifts in the economy that accompany this wealth. They discuss the political implications for the Jordanian monarchy and highlight key figures in India's billionaire landscape, revealing challenges posed by economic disparity.

Gadi Epstein, China affairs editor at The Economist, dives into the turbulent waters of U.S.-China relations under the Biden administration. He contrasts the current tensions with the hopeful days of ping-pong diplomacy in the 1970s. The discussion highlights the stagnation in how economics is taught, calling for fresh approaches to engage students. Additionally, Epstein touches on a unique musical revival from British-Pakistani teens, bringing a nostalgic yet modern blend of cultures back into the spotlight.

Sophie Petter, the Paris bureau chief for The Economist, shares insights on France's evolving military strategies as it prepares for high-intensity conflicts and showcases its capabilities through Exercise Orion. Ryan Avend, author of Free Exchange, discusses the alarming implications of declining birth rates, underscoring the need for innovative solutions in childbirth and childcare to navigate the future. They also address the moral complexities surrounding the restitution of the Benin bronzes, artifacts caught in a historical tug-of-war.

Max Rodenbeck, the South Asia bureau chief, shares alarming insights into India's escalating COVID-19 crisis, with over 12 million infections and significant vaccination challenges. Avantika Chilkoti, an international correspondent, highlights the dire impact of the pandemic on wildlife conservation, as diminished tourism leads to rampant poaching and threats to endangered species. The discussion also touches on innovative technologies aiding in wildlife protection, illustrating how the pandemic has reshaped both health and environmental landscapes.