Economist Podcasts

Archie Hall, The Economist's Britain economics correspondent, discusses the murky economic prospects leading up to the UK elections, stressing slow growth and party strategies. Max Norman, the culture correspondent, delves into Venice's controversial new day-tripper fee aimed at managing crammed tourist hotspots. Sophie Petters, Paris bureau chief, reflects on the 80th anniversary of D-Day, honoring veterans and drawing parallels to contemporary conflicts. Their insights weave a narrative on economic challenges and cultural preservation.

Jeremy Page, who covers India's elections for The Economist, and Anjanitra Vedi, the global business correspondent focusing on Africa, dive into the consequences of Modi's unexpected electoral loss. They discuss how this shift challenges Modi's centralized power and the dynamics of coalition governance. The conversation also highlights Africa's evolving economic landscape, where local businesses step in as foreign investment wanes, and innovative fitness solutions for astronauts using circus techniques to combat muscle atrophy in space.

Discover the fascinating duality of Narendra Modi’s leadership as a charismatic yet authoritarian figure. The podcast explores how his rise from a tea-seller’s son to the Prime Minister shows the complexities of India's democracy. It tackles the impact of his policies on minority communities, against the backdrop of India's growing economic prowess. Can Modi successfully balance his nationalistic agenda while striving to make India a superpower? Join the journey to understand what makes this enigmatic leader tick.

Simon Rabinovich, US economics editor at The Economist, discusses America's surge in startup culture, highlighting how the pandemic ignited a new wave of entrepreneurship. The conversation reveals how remote work has allowed diverse innovators to thrive from less conventional locations. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe, Obituaries editor, shares the life story of June Mendoza, a self-taught artist known for her intimate portraiture of both the famous and everyday people, showcasing her impact on capturing individual stories through art.

Join Sarah Burke, The Economist's Mexico bureau chief and expert on the region, as she delves into Claudia Sheinbaum's groundbreaking election as Mexico’s first female president. The discussion reveals the complexities of her leadership amidst rising crime, corruption, and a deeply polarized society. Burke shares insights on the potential for Sheinbaum to govern independently and the pressing challenges she faces, including those posed by an active hurricane season. Tune in for a blend of political analysis and urgent weather forecasts!

Discover the intriguing rise of Narendra Modi, a tea-seller's son turned powerful political figure. This discussion explores his decade-long leadership, showcasing India's economic growth while also addressing the controversial aspects of his Hindu nationalist agenda. Questions arise about balancing these dualities and the future of secularism in India. It's a captivating look into the complexities that define Modi's impact on the world's largest democracy.

Sacha Nauta, an author at The Economist, and Idrees Kahloon, a contributor based in Washington, dive into the heated topic of abortion and its impact on the upcoming elections. They discuss the Supreme Court's 2022 decision that shifted control back to states and the burgeoning grassroots movement for reproductive rights. The duo explores how Democrats are leveraging abortion issues to mobilize voters, the significance of upcoming ballots in various states, and the complex landscape of abortion politics in America. It's an insightful conversation on how these dynamics could shape the future.

Kenneth Werner, a legal expert with insightful analysis on political trials, discusses Donald Trump’s groundbreaking conviction for falsifying business records. He delves into the courtroom atmosphere and potential repercussions for Trump and his supporters. The conversation shifts to South Africa’s ANC party facing significant electoral challenges, exploring possible coalition dynamics in a changing political landscape. Werner also reflects on the broader implications of these events for governance and politics, leaving listeners with much to ponder.

Matthew Holhouse, a British political correspondent, provides keen insights into Rishi Sunak's rocky tenure and what it means for the upcoming election. Catherine Braik, the environment editor, explains the surprising impact of climate change on Earth's rotation, making our days slightly longer. Together, they delve into the UK's political landscape, exploring the Conservative Party's struggles against Labour's disciplined campaign amid a backdrop of escalating gang violence in Latin America, and the need for more effective responses to this crisis.

Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, discusses the grim realities unfolding in Gaza, including the aftermath of airstrikes and Israel's growing international isolation. Erin Braun, a writer on the American West, highlights the increasing electoral power of the Mexican diaspora in the U.S., exploring how their emerging influence could shape Mexico's upcoming elections. Additionally, the duo shares a light-hearted moment, reminiscing about the nuances of lawn bowling and its cultural significance.