Economist Podcasts

This week features Piotr Zalewski, The Economist's Turkey correspondent, who breaks down Recep Tayyip Erdogan's surprising election victory and the political landscape ahead. Zalewski discusses how nationalism fueled Erdogan's support despite economic turmoil and democratic concerns. The conversation also shifts to South Korea, where rising suicide rates among young women are attributed to societal pressures and the Me Too movement, alongside efforts to improve mental health support. Insights into the connection between dreams and creativity in music add a unique twist.

In this engaging discussion, Shashank Joshi, Defence editor at The Economist, reveals the latest shifts in military tactics influencing the Ukraine conflict, highlighting Russia's advanced artillery and electronic warfare. Arjun Ramani, specialist in AI and economics, dives into the transformative potential of superintelligent AI and its implications for labor. Anne Rowe pays tribute to the late Martin Amis, sharing insights into his creative process and legacy. Together, they explore the intricate relationship between warfare, technology, and literature.

Idris Kaloun, a U.S. politics writer for The Economist, and Simon Wright, the publication’s industry editor, delve into a rocky presidential campaign launch by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, plagued by technical glitches and fierce competition. They discuss DeSantis's challenges within the Republican race and examine the aviation industry's daunting path to net-zero emissions by 2050, highlighting technological strides and government strategies. They also explore the Hollywood writers' strike's ripple effects, providing British studios with both hurdles and new opportunities.

Chris Lockwood, Europe editor for The Economist, analyzes Greece's recent elections, where Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis performed surprisingly well despite lacking a majority. He discusses the implications for Greece's rebound and governance challenges. Vijay Vaitheeswaran, global energy and climate innovation editor, explores the surge in U.S. clean energy lobbying motivated by new investments. The conversation also touches on innovative defense strategies, highlighting how simple nets are being creatively used to protect against drones in modern warfare.

Sarah Burke, the Mexico City Bureau Chief for The Economist, shares insights on the alarming trend of Mexican drug cartels diversifying their activities beyond drug trafficking into sectors like mining. With a focus on local economic impacts, she highlights the complex nature of cartel operations and the violence they inflict on communities. Meanwhile, Gilad Amit, a Science correspondent, delves into the promise of bacteriophages as a groundbreaking alternative to combat antibiotic resistance, urging urgent advancements in this field.

Simon Rabinovich, The Economist's US economics editor, breaks down the urgent negotiations between President Biden and Speaker McCarthy over the daunting $31.4 trillion debt ceiling. He highlights the potential economic fallout from a possible sovereign default and the political challenges that complicate solutions. Meanwhile, John Fassman shares his delightful foraging escapades in the American Northeast, emphasizing the therapeutic joys of reconnecting with nature and the thrill of discovering wild edibles.

Henry Kissinger, a pivotal figure in U.S. foreign policy and a controversial diplomat, shares his insights as he approaches his 100th birthday. He discusses the rising tensions between the U.S. and China, drawing parallels to historical conflicts. Kissinger emphasizes the importance of diplomatic trust and the changing landscape of global power, particularly amid new technologies. He also reflects on America's leadership challenges and the complexities of maintaining peace in a world facing multiple crises.

Jeremy Page, Asia diplomatic editor for The Economist, delves into China's military expansion and its implications for U.S. dominance and Taiwan tensions. Ainsley Johnston, data correspondent, reveals the tragic impact of soaring energy prices on European mortality rates, highlighting 150,000 excess deaths. Anne Rowe pays tribute to Pema Tsieden, the father of Tibetan cinema, showcasing his cultural contributions amid challenges. Together, they explore military identity, energy crises, and the intricacies of modern storytelling in a rapidly changing world.

Greg Karlstrom, a Middle East analyst for The Economist, dives into the intriguing return of Bashar al-Assad to the Arab League amid ongoing conflict in Syria. He discusses the political and economic ramifications of this shift, including concerns over refugee repatriation and Syria's ties with Iran. The conversation also touches on the surprising effectiveness of community banks in supporting local populations, contrasting them with larger financial institutions. Lastly, they explore the often-overlooked Southeast Asian Games and their unique sports dynamics.

James Francham, a data journalist at The Economist, dives into the ongoing implications of crony capitalism, revealing persistent culprits behind the trend. Rosie Blah, an expert on China, shares insights into Lego's strategic maneuvers in navigating the complex Chinese market, highlighting cultural clashes and regulatory challenges. They also discuss the evolving geopolitical landscape, including Henry Kissinger's lasting influence on diplomacy and the potential for China to play a mediator role in global conflicts.