Economist Podcasts

Stephen Mazey, chief correspondent for The Economist covering the Supreme Court, shares insights on Chief Justice John Roberts' balancing act between progressive rulings and conservative challenges. Alex Trevely, India correspondent based in Delhi, discusses the ramifications of India's ban on TikTok amidst rising geopolitical tensions and its emotional impact on users. The conversation also touches on the significant drop in Bordeaux wine prices, tied to climate change and the pandemic, revealing a shifting landscape for wine producers.

In this discussion, Greg Karlstrom, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, analyzes the shifted perspective on Israel's plans for West Bank annexation and the lukewarm international support. Tim Judah, the Balkans correspondent, shares insights into Kosovo's president Hashim Thaci's war crimes indictment, complicating the fragile negotiations with Serbia. They explore the broader implications for regional stability and peace initiatives, showing how global and local politics interact in these critical scenarios.

Dominic Ziegler, an expert on Asian affairs based in Hong Kong, and John McDermott, The Economist's chief Africa correspondent, dive into pressing political issues. They discuss how Hong Kong's new national-security law threatens civil liberties and dissent, raising concerns for activists and businesses alike. Meanwhile, McDermott highlights Malawi's election as a beacon of hope for democracy, showcasing the power of civic activism and judicial integrity in overcoming strongman tactics. The conversation wraps up by examining the sales trends of tell-all books in America's polarized landscape.

Oliver Morton, a briefings editor, shares his insights on global risks, while Alok Jha, The Economist's science correspondent, delves into pandemic preparedness. Hal Hodson, focusing on technology in Asia, highlights long-term existential threats. The conversation explores the unpredictable nature of global crises, emphasizing proactive measures against future pandemics and catastrophic events. The guests discuss the critical need for collaboration and investment in health security, as well as the role of AI in navigating these challenges.

John Parker, The Economist's international correspondent, shares his insights on America's COVID-19 surge. He discusses how states that quickly lifted lockdowns are facing severe case increases. There's an urgent look at the environmental impact of the pandemic, specifically the rise in plastic waste. Parker also dives into the challenges facing South Korea's bullfighting tradition amid evolving animal rights discourse. This conversation weaves together public health, environmental concerns, and cultural heritage in a time of crisis.

Daniel Franklin, The Economist's diplomatic editor, discusses the UN's 75-year journey, emphasizing the urgent need for reform amid rising nationalism. Kenneth Werner explores the impact of policing portrayal on television, critiquing how shows distort perceptions of law enforcement. Henry Tricks highlights the pandemic's assault on the live music industry, focusing on the canceled Glastonbury Festival and the shift to virtual experiences. Together, they paint a vivid picture of the challenges facing global governance, media, and live entertainment.

Richard Enzer, The Economist's Mexico City Bureau Chief, illustrates Latin America's struggles during the pandemic, spotlighting soaring infection rates and inconsistent lockdowns. Adam Roberts, the Midwest correspondent, discusses the intersection of Trump's immigration policies with tech industry demands and the humanitarian crises at the U.S. southern border. The conversation also touches on the dire impact of tourism loss in Southern France, revealing how local economies are grappling with the absence of visitors.

Ben Farmer, a keen observer of Afghanistan's evolving landscape, speaks with Wendelin von Bredow, The Economist's European finance expert. They dive into the budding peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban, revealing the challenges of a potential prisoner swap and the looming fears over rights erosion. Transitioning to Europe, the duo uncovers the shocking Wirecard scandal, detailing the complexities of fraud in the financial sector. They also explore how African football triumphs can unify nations amid conflict, revealing sport's power in societal healing.

Tamsin Booth, technology and business editor at The Economist, shares insights on Amazon's challenges and evolving strategies in a post-pandemic world. Shishang Joshi, defense editor, discusses how COVID-19 has exacerbated conflicts globally. They delve into Amazon's struggles with local competition, shifting consumer behavior, and Jeff Bezos's changing leadership role. The conversation further explores historical parallels between pandemics and warfare, particularly in Colombia, and emphasizes the potential for increased global tensions and crises as a legacy of the pandemic.

The podcast delves into the harsh impacts of COVID-19 on Britain's multi-ethnic society, revealing the government's slow reaction amidst public frustration. Native American communities are particularly hard-hit, facing health crises and the cultural loss of elders. It also highlights the NHS's efforts contrasted with governmental missteps. Additionally, the discussion examines China's corporate power dynamics through CHOPs, shedding light on their potential for exploitation in modern business.