Economist Podcasts

Andrew Miller, a special correspondent at The Economist, and Adrian Blomfield, the East Africa correspondent, delve into two pressing issues: the Gaza conflict and King Charles's visit to Kenya. They discuss how technology, demographics, and ideology shape Western perceptions of the Israel-Hamas conflict, reflecting shifting public opinions. Meanwhile, King Charles grapples with historical colonial tensions during his Kenyan visit. The duo also touches on the rise of bedbugs, highlighting public panic and the challenges of eradication efforts. A captivating exploration of cultural and social dynamics!

Kinley Salmon, Africa correspondent for The Economist, shares insights from his interview with Senegal's President Macky Sall, highlighting the country's precarious political landscape as elections approach. Despite being a relative outpost of stability, Sall expresses concerns about democracy in a region plagued by unrest. Nicholas Pelham delves into the shadowy figure of 'The Phantom,' a key Hamas commander, exploring his rise and the implications of his actions. The discussion also touches on the evolving cultural and political narratives surrounding meat consumption in France.

Piotr Zalepski, The Economist's Turkey correspondent, delves into the enduring legacy of Kemal Ataturk and how President Erdogan is reshaping Turkish identity amidst economic challenges. He discusses the shift from secularism to a more Islamic public life, highlighting nationalistic sentiments. Kevin Gainers reflects on the nostalgia surrounding Canada's Long Dash, a once-unifying time signal, now silenced—evoking emotional connections that transcended generations. The conversation intertwines modern conflicts with reflections on cultural traditions.

Kevin Roberts, President of the Heritage Foundation, delves into the Republican Party's ideological journey from internationalism to isolationism. Edward Carr, Deputy Editor at The Economist, emphasizes how current skepticism towards foreign alliances shapes U.S. foreign policy. They discuss the implications of recent political dynamics, military aid debates, and America's evolving role globally. The conversation also touches on historical influences, including Eisenhower's moderate stance and the challenges posed by a divided political landscape.

Nicholas Pelham, the Middle East correspondent for The Economist, dives deep into Iran's intricate geopolitical strategies. He discusses the recent American airstrikes on Iranian-linked Syrian bases, emphasizing Iran's proxy conflicts in the region. Pelham unpacks Iran's delicate balancing act as it maneuvers between tensions with the US and Israel. The conversations offer insights into the extensive implications these dynamics hold for international relations and the risk of a wider conflict.

Changpeng Zhao, known as CZ, is the CEO of Binance, a leading cryptocurrency exchange. In this engaging conversation, he delves into his complex relationship with Sam Bankman-Fried and the FTX collapse, shedding light on how it shifted trust within the crypto landscape. CZ discusses the evolving regulatory environment, emphasizing the need for compliance and transparency to restore faith in the industry. He also explores the future potential of cryptocurrency amidst ongoing scrutiny, urging for operational integrity to navigate forthcoming challenges.

Adam O'Neill, Washington correspondent for The Economist, shares insights on the recent election of House Speaker Mike Johnson and the implications for U.S. legislation amid political turbulence. Don Wineland, the publication's China business and finance editor, discusses concerns over hidden bad loans in China's banking sector, particularly at Jinjo Bank, which faces a staggering 50% non-performing loans. The conversation also touches on the trend of increasingly long films and how they reflect changing audience engagement.

Join the hosts as they delve into the art of storytelling and the weight of legacy. They bring captivating narratives that transcend the ordinary news cycle. Through insightful discussions, they explore themes like inherited guilt and how history shapes our present. This podcast is designed to broaden perspectives and inspire listeners to take a deeper look at the stories that define us.

Join Paul Markillie, Innovation editor at The Economist; Matthieu Favas, finance correspondent; and Anjani Trivedi, global business correspondent, as they tackle the pressing challenge of battery shortages for the green transition. They discuss the urgent need for improved battery technology, the importance of sourcing green metals, and potential alternatives like sodium-ion batteries. The conversation also covers recycling innovations, global supply chain dynamics, and the economic implications of sustainable practices, all crucial for powering a future that relies on renewable energy.

Anshul Pfeffer, Israel correspondent for The Economist based in Jerusalem, dives into the emotional landscape surrounding the hostage crisis, highlighting the frustrations of families and governmental challenges. He discusses how these families have formed a network to advocate for their loved ones, potentially reshaping Israeli politics. The conversation also touches on wildlife conservation, revealing the bear market for rhinos and the innovative yet controversial solutions being proposed. Additionally, a surprising study on the biases in coin tossing captivates listeners with its implications for decision-making.