Economist Podcasts

Lane Green, The Economist's language columnist, delves into the stalemate in Venezuela under Nicolás Maduro. He highlights the waning momentum of the opposition and the heavy-handed tactics of the regime. Green discusses the significant humanitarian crisis and the dwindling hopes for democratic change. Moreover, he explores the impact of the internet on language, questioning if it truly harms communication or enhances it through tools like emojis that enrich emotional expression.

Jeremy Cliff, an author specializing in European politics, and Andrew Blum, who wrote 'The Weather Machine,' share insights on Ursula von der Leyen's presidency in a fragmented European Parliament. They dive into the challenges she faces in implementing ambitious climate goals. The conversation also highlights advancements in weather forecasting, revealing how collaboration is key amid climate change's impacts. Lastly, they discuss the intriguing rise of bear encounters in Japan, balancing wildlife safety with urban sprawl.

Tensions bubble between Japan and South Korea as trade disputes over industrial chemicals jeopardize the global electronics market. Historical grievances from World War II continue to haunt these nations. Meanwhile, in India, a controversial citizenship law puts Muslims at risk of deportation, heightening sectarian tensions. Also explored are the stark differences in working hours between America and Europe, influenced by cultural attitudes and economic factors. What’s the future of work and trade in these shifting landscapes?

John Priddo, the U.S. editor for The Economist, discusses the promise of immigration raids under Trump and their psychological toll on communities. Adrian Blomfield, reporting from Kenya, highlights the pitfalls of China's infrastructure investments in Africa, revealing costly failures and public discontent. Mariana Palau shares insights into the transformation of Colombia's ancient ayahuasca ceremonies, examining the clash between growing tourism and cultural preservation, shedding light on the commercialization challenges faced by indigenous communities.

David Rennie, Beijing bureau chief and Chaguan columnist, shares insights on Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen's critical U.S. visit amid escalating tensions with China. He discusses Taiwan's complex international standing and internal political strife. In a different segment, author Chloe Hooper delves into the dark motivations behind the devastating Black Saturday bushfires in Australia, examining the interplay of arson and community impact. They also touch on France's unique book pricing regulations and the challenges local bookstores face in a digital world.

Joel Budd, Social policy editor for The Economist, dives into the diplomatic fallout over the UK's ambassador to the US and the implications of his resignation. He discusses the complexities faced in international development, especially when scaling projects like the Bangladesh rice farmers' initiative. The conversation also humorously tackles why most British politicians sound alike despite the country's rich variety of accents, revealing the impact of education on political representation.

Daniel Franklin, the Diplomatic editor for The Economist, discusses Turkey's controversial acquisition of Russian missile defenses, heightening tensions within NATO and reflecting Erdogan's balancing act amid domestic challenges. Meanwhile, Daniel Knowles dives into Colombia's struggles with coca eradication, revealing the difficulties faced by farmers transitioning to legal crops. They also touch on the innovative retirement solutions for elderly LGBT individuals, addressing significant barriers of isolation and discrimination in traditional care settings, and highlighting the emergence of supportive communities.

For years, management at Germany’s largest bank knew the firm was in serious trouble. Why didn’t they do more? The massive cuts announced this week may be too little, too late. We consider Texas and California as political and social laboratories: which one looks like the America of the future? And, a bit of monkey archaeology shows our distant cousins have been honing their tools far longer than previously thought. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Pelham, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, sheds light on the Kurdish resurgence in northeastern Syria, revealing their transition from oppression to autonomy. He discusses the cultural revival amid complex power dynamics with local Arabs. Meanwhile, Wendelin von Bredow dives into the ramifications of the murder of German politician Walter Lübcke, painting a stark picture of rising far-right extremism and its implications for democracy. The podcast also touches on surprising developments in China's education system where students adopt American-style debate techniques.

Jeremy Cliff, author of the Charlemagne column for The Economist, dives into Greece's political landscape as the New Democracy party, led by Kyriakos Mitsotakis, gears up for elections. He discusses Mitsotakis's ambitious campaign promises amid economic challenges and the shifting voter sentiments. Additionally, the podcast touches on the alarming conditions for migrant children at the U.S. southern border, and highlights the rising professionalism and viewership in women's football, emphasizing progress amid ongoing pay disparities.