Economist Podcasts

Maria Aismund, a Russian defense lawyer defending victims of Putin’s war, shares an eye-opening perspective on the current climate in Russia. She reflects on the tragic death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, revealing the enduring hope for a free Russia. The podcast touches on powerful themes of resilience amid oppression and the compassion found in wartime. Personal stories highlight the emotional toll of political repression, showing how bonds of friendship and humanity can persist even in times of darkness.

Erin Braun, The Economist's West Coast correspondent, sheds light on the fentanyl crisis at the US-Mexico border, sharing insights into the complexities of drug trafficking and the relentless efforts to curb it. Catherine Nixie, the Britain correspondent, reflects on the significant legacy of Robert Badinter, a key figure in abolishing the death penalty in France. The discussion also explores Argentina's economic challenges under President Javier Milei and contrasts them with Peru's successful stabilization strategies, presenting a gripping look at justice and economic reform.

Juan Zarate, a former US counterterrorism official and sanctions expert, joins Nicholas Mulder, a Cornell professor and author of 'The Economic Weapon.' They dive deep into the resilience of the Russian economy despite significant sanctions amid the Ukraine conflict. The duo explores how nations evade sanctions, the moral complexities of enforcement, and the evolution of sanctions as diplomatic tools. They also discuss potential strategies for utilizing frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine and the dynamic nature of financial warfare.

Shoshan Choshi, The Economist's defense editor, delves into the resilience of Russian intelligence and a daring CIA initiative to recruit double agents amidst heightened tensions. Duncan Weldon discusses the moral quandaries of Saudi investment in Newcastle United and its impact on local sports culture. They explore the potential for a commodities super cycle, spurred by the green energy transition, while examining how evolving market demands are reshaping commodity dynamics. Intriguing insights blend geopolitics with the world of sports.

Rachel Dobbs, News Editor at The Economist, discusses the pivotal developments in endometriosis research, highlighting a groundbreaking new drug that promises to transform treatment options. She also sheds light on the contrasting perceptions of U.S. leaders Trump and Biden among Chinese citizens and the complex implications for U.S.-China relations. Additionally, the conversation touches on the evolution of podcasting as an intimate medium, reflecting on its cultural impact and the growing affection for audio storytelling.

Charlize Chitness, a Business correspondent for The Economist, discusses the alarming decline of unicorns in the tech industry, attributing it to economic pressures and a shift towards sustainable growth. Holly Berman, Social media editor at The Economist, provides insights into the return of Parler, touching on its rocky history with political extremism and the changing dynamics of social media platforms. The conversation also highlights the urgent housing crisis in sub-Saharan Africa and innovative solutions to secure affordable housing.

Idris Kalun, Washington bureau chief, and Tamara Jolkspor, U.S. public policy correspondent, dive into Nikki Haley's fierce campaign for the Republican presidential nomination despite recent setbacks. They discuss the vibrant atmosphere at her watch party, showcasing her resilience and support. The conversation shifts to Ukraine's strategic gas storage amid conflict and the complexities of cousin marriage laws in America versus more accepting cultures. The discussion highlights the intersection of political ambition, energy independence, and evolving social norms.

In this enlightening discussion, guests include Shashank Joshi, a defense expert; Edward Carr, a global economics analyst; Arkady Ostrovsky, a specialist in Russian politics; and Sarah Larniuk, who reports directly from Ukraine. They delve into the stagnation in the Ukraine war and the growing use of surveillance and drones. The harsh realities faced by soldiers and civilians are explored, highlighting deeper morale issues. The conversation emphasizes the complex interplay of international support, Ukrainian resilience, and the human cost of ongoing conflict.

Simon Rabinovich, U.S. economics editor for The Economist, dives into the tightening American labor market, revealing that the long-standing wage gaps between Black and white workers are narrowing. He discusses the post-COVID economic recovery and its impact on racial disparities, highlighting significant gains for Black Americans in both blue-collar and white-collar sectors. Additionally, the podcast touches on the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza's healthcare and the creative journey behind new typefaces for The Economist, showcasing how typography can shape emotional connections.

In this enlightening discussion, Don Lincoln, a senior scientist at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, and Jodi Cooley, executive director of SNOLAB, dive into the elusive world of dark matter. They explore its crucial role in cosmic structure and the innovative detection techniques being developed. The duo highlights groundbreaking research presented at a recent scientific conference, assessing the ongoing challenges and advances in uncovering dark matter's secrets. Will new technologies finally unveil what has long remained hidden?