Economist Podcasts

After no party won a majority, forming a government may take weeks—or another election. But predictions that Vox, a far-right party, might enter government failed to materialise. Russia’s navy is repainting its vessels in a bid to frustrate munitions powered by artificial intelligence (10:03). And why the push to invent outlandish ice-cream flavours such as ketchup is deeply misguided (17:59).For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arkady Ostrovsky, the Russia and Eastern Europe editor for The Economist, dives into the aftermath of the Wagner group's attempted mutiny on Moscow, revealing fissures in Putin's authority and Kremlin dynamics. He discusses how these internal tensions could impact the war in Ukraine, particularly with changes in military strategy and morale. The conversation also touches on India's record-breaking monsoon rains and the government's inadequate response, providing an engaging blend of global affairs and cultural commentary.

Alice Forward, co-host of Money Talks, dives into the complex situation of Private Travis King, an American soldier detained in North Korea. She explores his motivations for crossing the border and the intricate diplomatic challenges involved in securing his release. The discussion also highlights how the historical context of American captives impacts negotiations. Additionally, Alice examines the reliability of gold as an investment amid inflation and reveals fascinating insights into mountain erosion dynamics, contrasting glaciers and landslides.

Joining the discussion are Simon Wright, The Economist's industry editor, who provides expert insight into Tesla's evolving role in the electric vehicle market, and Sondra Solstad, a senior data journalist, who brings a unique perspective on estimating Russian military casualties in Ukraine. The conversation dives into Tesla's ambitious growth plans amid fierce competition and explores how innovative strategies and marketing decisions impact its future. Additionally, Sondra shares intriguing data on the complexities of casualty figures amidst the ongoing conflict, making for a thought-provoking dialogue.

This discussion features Greg Karlstrom, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, who unpacks the intricate dance of diplomacy as the US seeks to foster ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel, revealing the heavy demands of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Su Lin Wong, Southeast Asia correspondent, analyzes Cambodia's political landscape, detailing Hun Sen's grip on power and his succession plans. The conversation also hints at the challenges both nations face amid shifting political dynamics and the lingering effects of historical governance.

Rachel Dobbs, a climate journalist for The Economist, discusses alarming global heatwaves and their severe health impacts. Finance correspondent Josh Roberts explores the surprising resilience of risky assets despite economic challenges, while Stanley Pinal reflects on the cultural shift away from small cars in Europe. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for action on climate change and addresses how evolving consumer preferences are reshaping the auto industry.

Tom Gardner, The Economist's East Africa correspondent, dives into the Tigray conflict's ongoing crisis, revealing evidence of war crimes and the government's possible cover-up. Simon Rabinovich discusses new research showing that remote work may actually hinder productivity, sparking a debate on hybrid work models. Anne Rowe honors Victoria Amelina, a Ukrainian civil-rights campaigner, highlighting her efforts to bring attention to wartime atrocities and the cultural scars inflicted by conflict.

Join John Priddo, a seasoned US editor, and Dominic Ziegler, an incisive analyst of Asia-Pacific geopolitics, as they dissect Trump's latest policy plans for 2024. They delve into the shifting political dynamics and how the America First Policy might reshape foreign relations. The conversation also navigates the critical minerals landscape, examining Australia’s emerging role as a player to counter China's dominance. Plus, don't miss the lively discussion around a unique reality show blending urban youth with the gritty realities of rural farming.

Arjun Ramani, Global business and economics correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on the alarming predictions surrounding AI, including the potential for existential threats to humanity. He explores different perspectives on managing AI risks and emphasizes the critical role of regulations. The discussion also highlights a transformative education program at Sing Sing prison that significantly reduces recidivism. Additionally, Ramani delves into the revival of working men's clubs in the UK, revealing their unexpected cultural impact.

Matt Steinglass, Europe correspondent for The Economist, and Shoshan Joshi, the defense editor, dive into the resignation of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte after 13 years in office. They explore how migration policy led to his political downfall and the instability within his coalition government. The conversation shifts to NATO's new defense strategies in Europe, emphasizing the urgency of addressing geopolitical tensions. Finally, they touch on the changing landscape of Britain's lighthouses as traditional technology gives way to modern solutions.