Economist Podcasts

Kerry and Richmond Jones, Economics correspondents at The Economist, delve into the severe economic impact of the ongoing war in Israel, revealing an $8 billion increase in military costs that strains social services. They also discuss TikTok's precarious position as U.S. legislation threatens its Chinese ownership, raising concerns over data privacy and political influence on youth. Additionally, the talk highlights shifting trends in the Maastricht art fair, where the decline of old masters is evident amidst a growing interest in contemporary art.

Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defence editor, offers insightful analysis on the escalating violence in Kharkiv, highlighting Russia's renewed aggression and its impact on Ukrainian forces facing resource shortages. He discusses the geopolitical importance of rare earth minerals in the context of renewable energy shifts and the ethical dilemmas posed by cobalt processing for electric vehicles. Amid serious topics, there's also room for some light-hearted reflections on popular culture, merging humor with pressing global issues.

Matt Steinglass, Europe correspondent for The Economist, discusses the paradox of Europe’s climate crisis, where tangible impacts like melting glaciers are failing to sway voters toward green parties. He explores public perceptions and political choices in light of extreme weather events. Michael Reid, Writer-at-large, reviews Gabriel García Márquez's controversial posthumous novella, sparking ethical debates around the integrity of publishing unfinished works. This lively dialogue blends climate issues with literary insights and technology trends in the eyewear industry.

Andrew Knox, The Economist's careers correspondent, dives into North Korea's risky rapprochement with Russia, highlighting the escalating tensions with South Korea and the precarious power balance in the region. Meanwhile, Michelle Hennessy, Daily Charts editor, discusses alarming global obesity trends, noting over one billion obese individuals in 2022. She emphasizes the urgent need for preventative measures rather than costly solutions, particularly for low-income communities, as both authors present insights into issues with profound local and global implications.

In this discussion, Max Norman, a culture correspondent, explores the growing prominence of international films at the Oscars, showcasing titles like 'Anatomy of a Fall' and 'Zone of Interest.' Anne Rowe, obituaries editor, pays homage to the influential fashion icon Iris Apfel, celebrating her creative legacy and unique style that transformed the design landscape. They also touch on the political turmoil in Haiti, addressing the crisis of gang violence and the complexities of securing international support for the beleaguered nation.

Tom Sass, Britain’s public policy editor, shares insights into the Labour Party's remarkable surge, highlighting how key demographics are realigning politically. Max Rodenbeck, the Berlin bureau chief, discusses Germany's military blunders and their reputational fallout amidst rising tensions. The conversation also explores innovative childcare initiatives in Japanese towns, revealing how community-driven support can combat declining birth rates and transform societal attitudes towards parenting.

Daniel Glaser, a neuroscientist at the Institute of Philosophy, explores the fascinating intersection of human and artificial intelligence. The discussion reveals how insights from the human brain have driven the development of AI technologies. Topics include the origins of neural networks, the complexities of defining intelligence, and the historical milestones that shaped AI’s evolution. Glaser also dives into brain imaging studies that provide crucial data on cognitive functions and the intricate relationship between brain structure and intelligence.

Adam O'Neill, Washington correspondent for The Economist, shares insights on Donald Trump's stronghold over the Republican Party following predictable wins in the primaries. O'Neill discusses the populist shift within the party and the potential hurdles Trump may face as he prepares for the general election. The conversation also dives into Costco's unique business model, exploring its customer appeal, and examines rental affordability across major European cities, shedding light on stark differences in housing markets.

As Prime Minister Modi prepares for elections, his efforts to gain support in Tamil Nadu reveal crucial cultural dynamics and challenges. The BJP seeks to reframe its Hindu nationalist image to resonate with local voters. Meanwhile, the EU grapples with economic security amidst fragmented policies, contrasting sharply with Japan's unity. Finally, a dive into the impact of live music showcases how it uniquely stirs emotional connections in audiences, revealing deeper insights into our relationship with performance art.

The international push for a ceasefire in Gaza continues, but the tragedies keep coming; in many ways a resolution still seems as distant as it was early in the war. We consider the temptation to go all in on stocks, given just how flaming-hot the markets are (10:55). And a data-led look into which American cities are the most dog-obsessed (16:13).Get a world of insights for 50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.