Economist Podcasts

Javier Milei, Argentina's presidential frontrunner, is known for his radical libertarian views and plans to drastically shrink the state. In the conversation, he discusses his controversial proposals like dollarization and school vouchers, reflecting a major political shift in a traditionally left-leaning country. The discussion also connects how Germany’s highway expansions clash with cultural identity, and tackles modern conservation dilemmas, likening them to the story of Noah's Ark amidst climate change challenges.

Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defence editor, shares crucial insights on the Ukraine conflict. He delves into the complexities of Ukraine's military strategies, highlighting the divisions among Western allies on how to proceed. As the wet season approaches, he discusses the intensified urgency for meaningful progress on the battlefield. Additionally, the conversation touches on American consumer sentiment, revealing the disconnect between declining confidence and steady spending patterns, and briefly critiques New Zealand's rugby team's recent struggles as they seek to regain their dominance.

Join Joshua Kuchera, a keen observer of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, as he dives into the pressing humanitarian crisis and the escalating tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Anne Rowe, The Economist's obituaries editor, pays homage to Douglas Lennert, a visionary mathematician advancing AI. Their discussion highlights the dire situation affecting civilians in Nagorno-Karabakh and the philosophical dilemmas around creating intelligent machines, all while introducing exciting new content from The Economist.

Michael Reed, a former Latin American affairs writer at The Economist, shares his insights on the Chilean coup's lasting impact, vividly recounting the tumult of September 11, 1973. Annie Crabel, a news editor for The Economist, discusses a groundbreaking climate lawsuit in Montana aimed at protecting environmental rights. Meanwhile, Catherine Nixey, the Britain correspondent, unpacks the paradoxes of bestsellers—where hits aren't always profitable, and children's books remain timeless. Together, they weave an engaging narrative of history, climate activism, and publishing intrigue.

Andrew Knox, The Economist's Korea correspondent, dissects Kim Jong-un's unprecedented meeting with Vladimir Putin, analyzing the potential arms deal and its implications for global security. Meanwhile, Daniel Knowles sheds light on the troubling rise of Kia and Hyundai car thefts in America, driven by social media trends that expose vulnerabilities in vehicle security. Their insights reveal concerning geopolitical dynamics and a pressing issue affecting communities, blending international relations and domestic crime.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, shares insights on the ongoing war against Russia and the pressing need for resilience as it evolves into a long-term conflict. He discusses military readiness and international diplomacy, emphasizing the challenges in securing Western support. The conversation digs into the importance of balancing military strategy with preserving life, public morale, and navigating complex political dynamics, highlighting the urgency for European allies to act as the situation grows increasingly dire.

Simon Rabinovich, U.S. economics editor for The Economist, shares insights on the surprising resilience of the American housing market amid rising interest rates. He explores how unique aspects of the mortgage market defy expectations of falling prices, complicating homeownership for many. Additionally, Anne Rowe honors Isabel Crook, a Canadian anthropologist who embraced China's communist changes, reflecting on her unique journey and the cultural shifts she witnessed. The conversation also touches on the complexities of elective egg freezing and its real-life success rates for women.

Ore Ogunbiyi, a correspondent from Lagos, shares insights on Nigeria's economic challenges following President Bola Tinubu's controversial fuel subsidy cuts. He discusses the rising inflation and its toll on ordinary citizens while contrasting this with cautious optimism from investors. Leo Marani, reporting from Mumbai, highlights how India's cities could thrive with more autonomous governance, using Bhubaneshwar as a shining example of urban innovation. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of video games, shifting towards kinder themes to cater to a diverse audience.

Join Tom Wainwright, Technology and Media Editor at The Economist, as he dives into Amazon's high-stakes streaming strategy and the mixed reviews it garners. Duncan Weldon, Britain’s Economics Correspondent, reveals that nearly 2% of GDP was overlooked in British data, offering hope for the economy's recovery. Keith Houston, author of 'Empire of the Sum', takes us on a nostalgic journey through the history of pocket calculators, showcasing their pivotal role in ushering in the digital age.

Anton LaGuardia, The Economist's diplomatic editor, discusses the precarious state of nuclear arms control amid China’s expanding arsenal, emphasizing the need for communication to prevent an arms race. Shailesh Chitnes, a global business correspondent, explores the rise of rickshaw apps in Bangalore, showcasing how tech is reshaping Indian urban transport. They also touch on alarming absenteeism rates in U.S. schools post-pandemic, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by students and the systemic issues that contribute to this crisis.