Economist Podcasts

Dylan Barry, a science writer for The Economist, and Ashley Mears, a Boston University sociologist, delve into stark realities of climate change, revealing alarming trends in heatwaves and hurricanes. Yet, they also highlight glimmers of hope through positive renewable energy shifts. Mears provides insights into the elite nightlife, discussing the complex dynamics and hidden struggles of models and promoters, contrasted by the pandemic's impact on American sports, especially baseball, and its safety challenges.

John Fasman, The Economist's Washington correspondent, dives into Kamala Harris's groundbreaking role as the first Black woman on a major party ticket. He examines how her vice-presidential candidacy may reshape the Democratic party and attract moderate voters. The conversation also touches on the legal challenges faced by transgender individuals in China, showcasing a landmark court ruling that highlights ongoing discrimination. Additionally, Japan's innovative push for autonomous shipping technology is explored, addressing both its potential and the challenges that lie ahead.

David Rennie, The Economist's China affairs columnist based in Beijing, discusses the arrest of pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai, illustrating the harsh realities created by Beijing's national security law. He delves into the implications for civil liberties in Hong Kong. Tom Gardner, the Addis Ababa correspondent, provides insights on Ethiopia's Grand Renaissance Dam, explaining its significance for energy production and the escalating tensions with Egypt. The conversation highlights critical geopolitical dynamics and the struggle for water rights in the region.

This discussion tackles the complexities of funding and distributing COVID-19 vaccine candidates during clinical trials. It highlights the global struggle for equitable vaccine access amid rising vaccine nationalism. The conversation then shifts to Scotland's pandemic response, revealing how it has sparked fervent independence sentiments. Lastly, it explores the journey of a traveler along dangerous migration routes, reflecting on how vlogs influence perceptions of illegal migration and the challenges authorities face in this digital age.

Tamsin Booth, Technology and Business Editor at The Economist, dives into the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Chinese tech giants like TikTok and WeChat. She highlights national security concerns fueling the bans and discusses what cutting ties could mean for consumer data and market dynamics. Additionally, Booth explores the paradox of automation amid pandemic uncertainty, arguing that many sectors still rely heavily on human labor, which may delay the shift to a fully automated workforce.

Noah Snyder, The Economist's Tokyo bureau chief, discusses the urgent need to preserve the stories of Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivors, highlighting personal accounts and their mission to prevent future tragedies. Wendelin von Bredow, the roving Europe correspondent, analyzes the political landscape in Belarus as President Lukashenko faces challenges from a fresh opposition, signaling potential shifts in governance. The conversation touches on the implications of these narratives within a global context, blending history with contemporary politics.

Greg Karlstrom, The Economist’s Middle East correspondent, shares harrowing insights into the aftermath of Beirut's catastrophic explosion, highlighting government negligence and an escalating humanitarian crisis. Data journalist James Tozer unveils the importance of the excess death tracker, shedding light on the true impact of COVID-19 and the complications in accurately measuring mortality. The discussion also addresses shifting workplace dynamics and the delicate balance between in-person collaboration and remote work.

Alex Trevely, The Economist's India correspondent, and Simon Long, deputy digital editor, dive into India's contentious political landscape. They discuss Prime Minister Modi's temple inauguration in Ayodhya, its implications for secularism, and rising Hindu nationalism. The conversation shifts to the pandemic's harsh impact on dementia patients, highlighting innovative research for early detection. On a lighter note, they explore the booming e-bike market and its transformation of transportation post-pandemic.

Nicholas Pelham, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, discusses Turkey's resurgence as a regional power following the Arab Spring, detailing its military interventions and historical ambitions. Kenley Salmon, Africa correspondent, provides a critical analysis of Tanzania's newly awarded middle-income status, questioning the validity of its economic data amid persistent poverty. The conversation also touches on the controversy surrounding the Cocoa Mat Hotel in Athens, where modern design clashes with historical preservation, sparking local outrage.

Dominic Ziegler, the author of Banyan and an expert on Asian affairs, delves into the political turmoil in Hong Kong following the postponement of elections and the crackdown on activists. He discusses the chilling climate for dissent and the potential for a shift towards covert opposition. The conversation also touches on the global impacts of racial protests, emphasizing how they resonate in Middle Eastern contexts, particularly regarding the treatment of minority populations. Ziegler's insights paint a vivid picture of the challenges facing democracy in a rapidly changing world.