Economist Podcasts

Arkady Ostrovsky, The Economist's Russia editor, shares insights on Vladimir Putin's recent charm offensive in Italy and the surprising support he receives in Western Europe. The discussion dives into Putin's manipulation of liberalism to shape his image, revealing a stark divide in Russian society's view of traditional values versus modern ideas. They also touch on the controversial Swedish model of sex work legislation and its grim effects, and how robotics and AI are being designed to safely navigate hazardous environments like nuclear disaster sites.

Henry Kerr, Economics editor for The Economist, and Idris Kalun, U.S. policy correspondent, dive into the record-breaking economic expansion in America and question its sustainability. They discuss the Federal Reserve's challenges amid global uncertainties and explore the narrowing life expectancy gap for Black Americans, attributing this shift to healthcare improvements and social changes. Additionally, they touch on the rising obsession with spoilers in entertainment, highlighting its impact on storytelling.

In this engaging discussion, David Rennie, Beijing bureau chief for The Economist, shares sharp insights on the escalating protests in Hong Kong and the struggle for universal suffrage amid tightening governmental control. He explores the strategic responses from Beijing and the sentiments among local residents torn between political expression and economic stability. Meanwhile, Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent, delves into the dynamic and often opaque nature of Gulf sovereign wealth funds, highlighting their bold investments and contrasting them with ethical guidelines in Norway.

Ted Plafker, China correspondent for The Economist, dives into the dire situation in Sudan where protests continue against military rule, highlighting the dangerous journey toward democracy. He discusses the severe crackdown on demonstrators, the struggle for power between military factions, and the tragic impact on civilians. Additionally, Plafker explores the African swine fever crisis affecting China's pork industry, hinting at possible reforms amidst economic turmoil. Finally, he touches on the complexities surrounding San Francisco's e-cigarette ban and public health debates.

Join Stephen Mazey, a Supreme Court expert from The Economist, as he delves into recent landmark rulings that will significantly impact U.S. voter representation. He discusses the contentious citizenship question for the 2020 census and sheds light on the challenges of gerrymandering. The conversation also touches on escalating U.S.-China tensions following their leaders' G20 summit meeting, raising concerns about potential conflicts. Lastly, explore the trend of surrogacy in Silicon Valley, revealing how cultural shifts are reshaping family planning.

Nicholas Pelham, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, shares his insights into the chaotic landscape of Libya, where a warlord threatens Tripoli amid a struggling government. Matt Steinglass, Deputy Europe editor, discusses Moldova's emergence as a beacon of hope against rampant corruption, following an anti-graft campaign that transformed its political scene. They also touch on the surprising impact of primary debates on voter perception, shedding light on the transformative dynamics of recent elections.

Aya Noguchi, an academic advocating for LGBTQ rights in Japan, and Olivia Ackland, a reporter focusing on political crises, discuss the failed same-sex marriage bill in Japan. They explore the growing divide between politicians and public sentiment while highlighting activism inspired by Taiwan's reforms. They also touch on the dire political situation in Burundi, marked by government oppression and rising refugee crises. The conversation underscores both the progress and challenges faced by marginalized communities in achieving rights and recognition.

David Smith, The Economist's Argentina correspondent, discusses the complexities of Jared Kushner's Israeli-Palestinian peace plan, which boasts a hefty $50 billion investment but lacks political direction. He also tackles Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner's unexpected vice-presidential run, scrutinizing her populist appeal amid Argentina's economic woes. Additionally, Smith highlights the risks travelers face regarding social media scrutiny when entering the U.S., underscoring the increasing monitoring of online activities by immigration officials.

Tom Wainwright, Britain editor for The Economist, delves into the chaos Brexit has inflicted on British society. He discusses the emotional turmoil and stark divisions revealed by the referendum, showcasing personal stories from those impacted. The conversation takes a global turn, highlighting a surprising electoral defeat for Erdogan in Istanbul and the innovative Nairobi startup that optimizes ambulance services with a mobile app, demonstrating how technology can transform emergency responses.

Boris Johnson, the charismatic former mayor of London and Brexit champion, faces off against Jeremy Hunt, the pragmatic Foreign Secretary and his rival in the Conservative Party. The discussion delves into Johnson's controversial rise to power, exploring public perceptions of his charm versus cunning. The podcast also touches on the implications of his leadership for the party amid Brexit complexities, alongside a captivating look at the sensational Klaus von Bülow attempted murder case and the growing divide between the film markets of China and America.