Economist Podcasts

Patrick Fowles, The Economist's business affairs editor, offers insightful commentary on Amazon's leadership transition with Andy Jassy taking the helm from Jeff Bezos. They discuss the challenges Amazon faces, including regulatory pressures and fierce competition. Fowles also dives into pressing global issues, such as the troubling decline of democracy exacerbated by the pandemic and notable political shifts worldwide. Additionally, he highlights the captivating story of Tse-Chi Lop, a significant figure in Asia's drug trade, and the implications of his recent capture.

Charlie McCann, the Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist, provides a gripping analysis of Myanmar's military coup and its implications for democracy. He discusses public sentiment and the international response to the turmoil. Meanwhile, Sarah Maslin, the South America correspondent, highlights the environmental and social consequences of the wind power boom in Ecuador, particularly the destructive demand for balsa wood that harms local communities. Together, they explore critical issues surrounding political power and renewable energy.

LaVeya Chankova, a Healthcare correspondent for The Economist, discusses the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines and the challenges posed by variants. She highlights the importance of global vaccination strategies, especially in underserved areas. Meanwhile, Greg Karlstrom, the Middle East correspondent, delves into the complex landscape of Palestinian politics, focusing on the potential elections and the stronghold of Mahmoud Abbas. They also touch on the intriguing rise of lab-grown meat, presenting it as a sustainable food future.

Shishang Chou-Zhi, Defense editor at The Economist, and Avantika Chilkoti, International correspondent, explore critical global issues. They discuss the evolving nuclear order and the implications of new treaties amidst rising tensions with nations like North Korea and Iran. The podcast also delves into the alarming double burden of malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting local efforts in Zambia to combat both obesity and undernourishment. Additionally, they examine the geopolitical significance of rare-earth mineral mining in Greenland.

John Hooper, The Economist's Italy correspondent, dives into the political chaos in Italy after Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte's resignation, explaining the implications for Europe's recovery plans. Alice Fullwood, The Economist's Wall Street correspondent, highlights the GameStop phenomenon driven by retail investors rebelling against hedge funds. They discuss the urgent need for stable governance in Italy to access EU recovery funds, alongside reflections on how these stock market shifts are altering the landscape of investing.

The EU's rocky vaccine rollout faced supply issues and fragmented responses, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated leadership. Meanwhile, tensions arise in Australia over a proposed law demanding tech giants pay for news content, challenging internet governance norms. In Egypt, a viral cake incident sparks outrage over decency laws versus personal freedoms, revealing moral policing against women and its implications for societal standards. This clash of cultural values raises questions about leadership and representation in Egyptian politics.

Charlie McCann, Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist, discusses the Vietnam Communist Party Congress, where leaders celebrate pandemic management amid rising public discontent. McCann highlights the challenge of balancing economic success with growing inequality and the impact of social media on protests. The conversation also touches on the empty American schools crisis and its long-term consequences for education. Additionally, insights into Patricia Highsmith reveal how her troubled life informed her complex literary characters.

In this engaging discussion, Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor for The Economist, delves into the fervent protests ignited by the arrest of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, highlighting how it threatens President Putin's legitimacy. He shares insights on the diverse backgrounds of the protesters and the police's heavy-handed response. Daniel Franklin, Diplomatic editor for The Economist, analyzes Britain's search for a new global role post-Brexit, balancing domestic priorities with international ambitions, all while threading the cultural significance of haggis amidst political changes.

Tom Gardner, Addis Ababa correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on the dire humanitarian crisis in Tigray, where government obstruction threatens aid, risking famine for millions. He shares personal accounts that reveal the severity of the situation amidst ongoing conflict. The conversation also transitions to insights from Israel’s vaccine rollout during COVID-19, drawing parallels to global health strategies. Humorously, the dialogue touches on the clever negotiation tactics of Bali’s macaques, highlighting their surprising intelligence in interactions with humans.

Idris Kaloun, a Washington correspondent for The Economist, discusses the challenges President Biden faces in uniting a divided nation during his inaugural address. Hal Hodson, a technology writer, dives into the rise of private messaging apps like WhatsApp and their implications for privacy in today’s society. They also touch on the eye-opening street art in Paris reflecting societal unrest, highlighting how art and communication intertwine in contemporary discourse.