Economist Podcasts

Roger McShane, The Economist's Middle East editor, dives deep into the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, sparked by provocative military actions and the looming nuclear threat. He also discusses the complexities surrounding facial recognition technology, highlighting privacy concerns and its slow adoption due to societal backlash. Additionally, McShane touches on the evolving landscape of advertising in Britain, where new regulations aim to challenge harmful gender stereotypes, reflecting a shift towards modern equality.

Robert Guest, Foreign Editor for The Economist, and Natasha Loader, Health Policy Editor, dive into pressing humanitarian issues. They discuss the alarming rise in global displacement driven by conflicts in Syria, Ethiopia, and Venezuela, and Colombia's compassionate treatment of Venezuelan refugees. Loader sheds light on the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the DRC, questioning why it hasn't been termed an international emergency. The conversation also touches on Thailand's innovative steps into the medical marijuana industry, underscoring evolving drug policies.

John Priddo, the U.S. editor for The Economist, delivers insights on Trump’s re-election campaign and the significance of Florida as a battleground state. Roger McShane, the Middle East editor, reflects on the complex legacy of Mohamed Morsi, Egypt's first democratically elected president, following his recent death. The conversation also touches on the heightened interest in the Women's World Cup, the evolving landscape of sports sponsorship, and the strides made towards recognizing women's football as an important entity.

David Rennie, Beijing bureau chief for The Economist, provides keen insights into the escalating calls for Carrie Lam's resignation and the public's fierce resistance to legislation in Hong Kong. He discusses the implications of a political U-turn on the territory's future. Lane Green, the Johnson columnist, reflects on the emotional burdens faced by gifted children and examines the evolution of Latin, connecting its past to modern languages while pondering its future amid contemporary changes.

In this discussion, Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defense editor, delves into the precarious geopolitical situation following attacks in the Gulf of Oman, highlighting Iran's risky maneuvers. Sarah Maslin, the Brazil correspondent, addresses the violent grip of militias in Rio de Janeiro and critiques President Bolsonaro's law enforcement policies. The conversation also touches on the racial dynamics in country music, examining the controversial 'Old Town Road' and its implications for representation in the genre.

Arkady Ostrovsky, The Economist's Russia editor, and Idris Kahloon, the U.S. policy correspondent, delve into the intricate case of journalist Ivan Golunov, exploring its profound implications for press freedom in Russia amid rising protests. They also dissect the ambitious yet challenging policy proposals from Democratic presidential hopefuls and the complexities of Senate dynamics. Additionally, they highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the DRC, where malaria thrives despite the region’s significant quinine production.

Leo Marani, a reporter specializing in the digital transition of the developing world, discusses the online habits of a connected humanity. He highlights that as half of the world logs on, they're engaging in familiar activities like chatting and sharing cat videos. They dive into America’s changing racial dynamics, noting a decline in overt racism against a backdrop of growing political divisions. Additionally, Marani explores the significance of screams in media, revealing their deep emotional resonance across culture.

Caroline Carter, Deputy Asia news editor for The Economist, delves into the ongoing protests in Hong Kong against proposed judicial changes that threaten its autonomy. She discusses the government's pressure to suppress dissent and the complexities of public fear surrounding legal freedoms. Adam Roberts, Midwest correspondent, shares profound insights from a death row inmate enduring over two decades of solitary confinement in Texas, unraveling the harrowing emotional impact of isolation and the ethical dilemmas of such practices.

President Trump’s tariff threat successfully pushed Mexico to tighten immigration controls, raising questions about future trade relations. Meanwhile, China's ambitious Great Green Wall project to combat desertification faces criticism for its mixed results and environmental challenges. The narrative also dives into the lives of Filipino seafarers, showcasing their vital role in global shipping and the emotional toll of their work, which profoundly impacts their families back home.

Adrian Wooldridge, a political columnist for The Economist, and Emma Duncan, its social policy editor, delve into the fallout from Theresa May's resignation and the chaotic race for Conservative leadership. They unpack the challenges facing potential candidates in navigating Brexit and uniting the party. In a fascinating twist, the discussion also highlights the growing acceptance and potential therapeutic benefits of magic mushrooms, exploring their evolving role in mental health treatment.