Economist Podcasts

Su Lin Wong, a Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist known for her coverage of innovative food trends, joins the discussion on critical elections in Ecuador and Guatemala. She highlights Ecuador's turbulent political climate marked by violence, including the assassination of a candidate, contrasting with Guatemala's hopeful mood after a victorious outsider. The conversation shifts to an intriguing medical topic—the resurgence of leprosy in America—and Singapore's pioneering advancements in alternative proteins, showcasing its leadership in lab-grown food innovation.

Kinley Salmon, Africa correspondent for The Economist, dives into Niger's recent coup, discussing the military junta's resilience against international pressure. He highlights the hesitance of ECOWAS to intervene militarily, pointing to regional divisions and growing local dissent. Salmon also touches on the troubling economic situation in Russia, detailing how the plummeting rouble affects both military funding and everyday life, adding a complex layer to global stability. The conversation offers insight into the intertwined fate of nations and their economies.

Ana Lankes, The Economist's Latin America correspondent, delves into the region's lithium-rich landscape. She highlights how lithium, essential for batteries, signals a potential commodities boom, impacting global markets. The conversation touches on the challenges posed by local protests and regulation in key countries like Chile and Brazil. Additionally, the risks facing Germany's auto giants, particularly Volkswagen, amidst shifting demands are explored. Lankes also connects the booming interest in women's football in England to broader societal changes.

Oliver Morton, The Economist's Briefings Editor, provides gripping insights into the devastating wildfires in Maui, discussing the environmental factors and failures in emergency response that contributed to the disaster. Mie Dahl highlights the coca crisis in Colombia, detailing the economic turmoil facing farmers since the 2016 peace deal while criminal groups thrive in the changing market dynamics. The conversation also touches on the urgent need for better preparedness against such catastrophic events in the future.

Join John Prideaux, US editor for The Economist, and technology writer Benjamin Sutherland as they dive into Donald Trump's fourth indictment under racketeering charges. They explore how this unique indictment may influence Trump's 2024 campaign, despite his enduring support. The conversation shifts to Ukraine's remarkable innovation of 'candy bombs' fueled by 3D printing to counter ammunition shortages. They also tackle the rising housing affordability crisis in American cities, utilizing the new Bradshaw Index to highlight these pressing issues.

Piotr Zalewski, The Economist's Turkey correspondent, and Ed Carr, the magazine's deputy editor, dive deep into Turkey's changing global alliances. They discuss President Erdogan's balancing act between the West and Russia, stimulating skepticism about his newfound diplomacy. The conversation also touches on the global survey revealing stagnation in the spread of liberal values. Additionally, there's a fascinating tangent about the discovery of Perisutus colossus, the largest known animal to ever roam the Earth—marveling at the wonders of prehistoric life.

Miranda Mitra, International editor at The Economist, and Ana Lankes, Latin America correspondent, unpack Saudi Arabia's bold investments in global sports aimed at modernizing its image. They discuss how this surge in sports investments intersects with serious human rights criticisms. Shifting gears, Ana highlights Brazil's economic recovery under Lula's reforms, signaling renewed investor confidence. The conversation also touches on the evolution of drone warfare in Ukraine, showcasing how FPV drones are reshaping combat strategies.

Daniel Knowles, The Economist's American Midwest correspondent, sheds light on alarming mortality rates in America, attributing them to factors beyond drugs and guns. He highlights the opioid crisis in places like Hazard, Kentucky, emphasizing the need for policy changes. Oliver Morton, Briefings Editor, discusses the potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, warning of dire consequences. They also share amusing tips on business travel etiquette, showing that even serious discussions can have a lighter side.

Shailesh Chitnis, a business writer at The Economist with a focus on the semiconductor industry, teams up with international reporter Avantika Chilkoti, who analyzes Britain’s foreign aid. They dissect the CHIPS Act, discussing its early successes and the ongoing challenges in U.S. semiconductor production, especially compared to Taiwan. They also tackle the controversial merger of UK's aid departments and its implications on international support. Lastly, they delve into the innovative sound branding of electric vehicles, showcasing the creative side of automotive marketing.

Kinley Salmon, Africa correspondent for The Economist, analyzes the implications of the military coup in Niger and the potential military response from ECOWAS. Rebecca Jackson, Southern correspondent, explores the controversial influence of Moms for Liberty on Republican politics, especially regarding educational policies. Meanwhile, Daniel Franklin, deputy US editor, shares fascinating insights into flag design principles, discussing what elements make flags effective, using both iconic examples and the challenges of redesign.