Economist Podcasts

Duncan Weldon, Britain’s economics editor for The Economist, and Guy Scriven, the climate risk correspondent, delve into some pressing issues facing the UK. They discuss Chancellor Rishi Sunak's strategy for navigating Britain's financial recovery post-pandemic. The conversation shifts to cost-effective climate solutions, emphasizing the importance of selecting policies that maximize benefits while minimizing costs. They also explore the fascinating ownership system of coconut trees in Zanzibar, highlighting its economic and cultural implications.

Tom Gardner, an Addis Ababa correspondent, sheds light on the troubling humanitarian crisis in Tigray, where war crimes seem increasingly evident, and international intervention remains elusive. Meanwhile, Simon Rabinovich, an Asia economics editor, discusses the rising anti-capitalist sentiment among China's overworked youth, who express a longing for a return to Maoist ideals as they struggle with inequity in the tech industry. The dialogue reveals stark contrasts in global responses to economic and humanitarian crises.

Charlie McCann, Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist, offers an incisive look at Myanmar's tumultuous landscape post-coup. He discusses the brutal military crackdowns on protests and the urgent calls for international support. The conversation highlights the struggle for democracy amid rising violence and the dangers of misinformation laws that threaten press freedom. Additionally, the evolving role of British dependencies in the medical marijuana market takes a surprising turn as they pivot away from tourism to cannabis.

In this engaging discussion, Daniel Franklin, the Diplomatic Editor for The Economist, and Max Rodenbeck, the South Asia Bureau Chief, unravel the complex alliance between Putin and Erdogan, revealing the challenges and benefits of their partnership amid geopolitical tensions. They also tackle India's economic rebound, spotlighting the striking gender gap in workforce participation, exacerbated by the pandemic. Additionally, a protest anthem from Cuba inspires resistance against the regime, showcasing the power of music in social movements.

Matthew Valencia, The Economist's Deputy Business Affairs Editor and cryptocurrency market expert, delves into the controversial stablecoin Tether and its regulatory challenges, exploring its impact on Bitcoin volatility. The discussion also sheds light on the financial struggles faced by Ugandan parliamentarians as they strive to meet public service needs, alongside a fascinating examination of China's push for better physical education in schools in response to rising youth obesity and cultural perceptions of masculinity.

Noah Snyder, Tokyo bureau chief for The Economist, discusses the mounting unease in Japan about the Tokyo Olympics amidst a pandemic. He highlights the contrasts between hosting the Games as a beacon of hope and the health risks involved. Hal Hodson, Tech correspondent, dives into Britain's rapid decarbonization and the significant hurdles that remain on the path to net-zero emissions by 2050. They also touch on South Korea's noise complaints in high rises, emphasizing how the pandemic has intensified these issues.

John Priddo, the U.S. editor and presenter of Checks and Balance, dives into the contentious Senate confirmation hearings for President Biden's cabinet picks. He discusses the impact of diverse nominations on governance and the challenges nominees like Neera Tanden face amidst political opposition. The conversation shifts to political strife in the Democratic Republic of Congo, exploring President Tshisekedi's struggles with governance. Finally, the rise of grime and drill music highlights London's cultural influence, celebrating the global embrace of its unique slang.

Sarah Burke, Mexico bureau chief for The Economist, shares her expertise alongside Ryan Avend, author of Free Exchange. They unpack the enigma of President López Obrador's continued popularity despite policy failures and a rising health crisis. The discussion touches on the intersection of governance and corruption and the urgent need to integrate biodiversity into economic models. They also explore the challenges in conversational AI, highlighting the pursuit of human-like interactions as technology continues to evolve.

Tom Wainwright, Media editor at The Economist, shares insights on Facebook's decision to block news links in Australia, igniting a fierce debate over digital media regulation. Nick Pelham, the Middle East correspondent, sheds light on the haunting issue of honor killings in the Arab world, discussing cultural norms and legal shortcomings. The conversation also touches on the struggle for activism in a deeply patriarchal society, alongside a tribute to jazz fusion legend Chick Corea, showcasing the intersection of music and social change.

Join Alexandra Sewage Bass, a Dallas-based correspondent, as she unpacks Texas's energy crisis, revealing how issues like forecasting errors and equipment failures, not just renewable sources, contributed to massive blackouts. Alec Jha, a science correspondent, discusses the latest Mars rover missions, which are pushing the boundaries in the search for extraterrestrial life. Together, they explore the implications of Texas's energy failures for future policies while tapping into the excitement surrounding new discoveries beyond our planet.