Squabbles over the seas and their tributary waterways are becoming more tense as rivalries deepen and the climate changes. How should the West prepare? An opinion poll with a twist suggests that Xi Jinping is not as popular as he thinks he is (11:29). And, a tribute to the queen of world rallying (17:42). Get a world of insights for 50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full ac...
Feb 12, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast America has launched strikes against Iranian-backed militias in the Middle East , in response to an attack on a base in Jordan where three US troops died. How close are America and Iran to war ? John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon. They’re joined by General Frank McKenzie, former commander of US Central Command, and The Economist ’s Anton La Guardia. Get a world of insights for 50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist...
Feb 10, 2024•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast As had long been telegraphed, Ukraine’s top general Valery Zaluzhny is now out; Oleksandr Syrsky is in. That marks a new phase in the war , and an opportunity for President Volodymyr Zelensky to reframe its terms. American car-insurance costs are skyrocketing—but, perversely, they are probably still too low (9:43). And the bonkers conspiracy theories involving the Super Bowl and Taylor Swift (15:03). Get a world of insights for 50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ If you’re already a subscri...
Feb 09, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Our correspondent is travelling with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is on yet another gruelling tour of the Middle East trying to broker peace . What are the chances of a lasting deal? We examine the problems arising from Latin America’s falling fertility rate (11:06). And TikTok has become a destination for news; we meet some of its self-appointed news anchors (17:16). Get a world of insights for 50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ If you’re already a subscriber to The Econom...
Feb 08, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast In one of this year’s largest votes, Indonesia will elect a new president in one week’s time; this time the sanctity and future of its democracy are at stake . In Germany prominent people—even Jews—who question Israel’s war in Gaza are being cancelled (10:45). And how many books are you likely to read in what is left of your life (17:25)? Get a world of insights for 50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our ...
Feb 07, 2024•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Macky Sall, Senegal’s president, has said he would not stand again. So what to make of the move to delay the election until December? Our correspondent says that many artificial-intelligence researchers think fakes will soon become entirely undetectable (10:11). And as football manager Jürgen Klopp steps down at Liverpool, we ask why being a leader is so very tiring (18:03). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Feb 06, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Dozens of air strikes in Iraq, Syria and Yemen were designed to show American resolve without themselves provoking a deeper conflict. We ask what happens next. Philanthropists are increasingly doing things differently: handing over the cash and getting out of the way (11:01). And cuteness has wriggled into every facet of culture —and along the way became a serious subject of study (18:47). Get a world of insights for 50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ . If you’re already a subscriber to Th...
Feb 05, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Last month, Microsoft briefly overtook the iPhone maker as the world’s most valuable company. As Apple’s core business slows, could the launch of its new augmented reality headset provide much-needed uplift? The Chinese Communist Party loves a slogan , but what does its new one actually mean? Why we may never know (09:17). And a tribute to the double act of Peter Schickele and P.D.Q. Bach (16:05) Get a world of insights for 50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ If you’re already a subs...
Feb 02, 2024•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast The populous South-East Asian country is uniquely well-positioned to benefit from the deepening rift between America and China, so what’s stopping it? How a breakaway party on Germany’s far left is appealing to voters in the east (08:13). And, why VAR is frustrating football fans (16:11). Get a world of insights for 50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more...
Feb 01, 2024•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Campaigning for a coming election in the world’s fourth-most-populous country has been almost entirely policy-free: a good social-media presence is nearly all candidates need. As the Panama Canal dries out, neighbouring countries spy an opportunity—but how much of that trade can they expect to siphon off (09:11)? And, the wild boar hybrids causing havoc on Canada’s prairies (15:56). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll hav...
Jan 31, 2024•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast China’s decades-long economic boom was powered by workers who migrated from the countryside to cities to find jobs. But to do so, many of them had to leave their children behind. Now some cities are vying to attract migrant workers' children . Zhejiang province is piloting an experimental policy which should make it easier for migrants to bring their children with them to cities and send them to school. David Rennie, our Beijing bureau chief, and Alice Su, our senior China correspondent, e...
Jan 30, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast One of the country’s biggest property companies , Evergrande, has been crippled by its debt. What does a new court order mean for prospective homebuyers, and the firm’s creditors? Is there a way for Joe Biden to be replaced by the Democrats’ presidential candidate (09:45)? And the story of the life of a Mossad chief (15:57). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For ...
Jan 30, 2024•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Iran-backed proxies have killed three American soldiers and injured dozens of others in their weekend strike . A response from the Pentagon seems inevitable, but what might it look like? If Britain wants to decarbonise, it is going to need to revamp the grid . The effort will be both pricey and political (10:54). And, making musicals into movies (18:12). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all ou...
Jan 29, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast As life moves progressively online, it is becoming increasingly possible to keep people alive in the digital sense. Tech companies are starting to use AI to simulate the personalities of the dead from the data they’ve left behind. The Economist ’s science correspondent, Abby Bertics, wanted to figure out how close this possible future is and just what it would look like to conjure a digital ghost of her own. Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+ If you’re already a subscriber to The Ec...
Jan 27, 2024•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast For decades, Argentina’s labour unions have seemed like they can’t be touched. But the country’s new radical, libertarian president is daring to try . Ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day, two new films explore the tragedy (09:19). And, how Beyoncé made chrome cool again (16:44). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podc...
Jan 26, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Generative artificial intelligence dominated conversations at Davos this year. How might education and healthcare be transformed as the technology reaches the developing world? The Notre Dame Cathedral is set to reopen this year. Come with us to visit the site in Paris (10:11). And, how lovely is your language (18:05)? Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more i...
Jan 25, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast OpenAI and Microsoft are leaders in generative artificial intelligence (AI). OpenAI has built GPT-4, one of the world’s most sophisticated large language models (LLMs) and Microsoft is injecting those algorithms into its products, from Word to Windows. At the World Economic Forum in Davos last week, Zanny Minton Beddoes, The Economist ’s editor-in-chief, interviewed Sam Altman and Satya Nadella , who run OpenAI and Microsoft respectively. They explained their vision for humanity’s future w...
Jan 24, 2024•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast His decisive victory demonstrates just how much of a hold he still has on the Republican party, but his last remaining competitor is not bowing out just yet. How new sanctions on Russian diamonds could disrupt the supply chain (10:20). And is the Marvel franchise losing its superpower (17:16)? Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to ac...
Jan 24, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party represents a growing anti-immigrant rhetoric in the country, but people are taking to the streets in their thousands to fight back. Why has the debate become so polarised? Japan’s ruling party has been trying to get women back into the labour market, and it's working (09:24). And, why the Brits are dropping pennies (15:26). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our s...
Jan 23, 2024•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast He went from being the most viable challenger to Donald Trump for the Republican nomination, to endorsing him. Our US editor opines on why Ron DeSantis’ campaign fell short, and what it means for the New Hampshire primary. What the opening of a temple says about Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist agenda (09:13). And, why is bad Instapoetry so popular (18:02)? Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows ...
Jan 22, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast The ominous disappearance of Russia’s opposition leader led many to fear the worst. But he has turned up in an Arctic penal colony—his message of resistance unchanged. From Batman-themed restaurants to playing a (non-lethal) version of “Squid Game”, movie studios are trying anything to squeeze more from their intellectual property (9:47). And a new film examines what lies behind losing streaks (17:16). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economi...
Jan 19, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast European firms dominate the global luxury landscape, accounting for two-thirds of sales and nine of the ten most valuable luxury brands. A strong emphasis on heritage and control of the supply chain have helped ensure success. But can Europe hold on to its crown? Hosts: Tom Lee-Devlin, Alice Fulwood and Mike Bird. Guests: Thomai Serdari, a professor of marketing at NYU Stern; and Ermenegildo Zegna, CEO and chairman of Zegna Group, an Italian luxury company. Sign up for a free trial of Economist ...
Jan 18, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Many of America’s business leaders reckon a second Trump term would be worse for them and for the economy than the first was—not that they’re speaking up about it. We examine just how much of Ukraine’s art and cultural heritage has been moved or looted in the course of the war (9:35). And why the price of olive oil is skyrocketing (17:17). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your sub...
Jan 18, 2024•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast A tentative aid deal in Gaza is just a sliver of what is needed ; hunger and disease may well claim more Palestinian lives this year than the military campaign will. New research suggests American places worst-hit by the opioid epidemic are undergoing a rightward political shift (11:45). And why Britain, renowned for its facility with statistics, might end its decadal census (17:19). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have ful...
Jan 17, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast China’s flip-flopping on video-game regulation reveals a messy message: leaders want to encourage “hard tech” such as chips and AI over the consumer kind—without sparking another costly crackdown. We ask Mark Carney , a former central-bank governor, whether he has ambitions to lead Canada (09:16). And why so many social-media types want to share their diaries online (18:19). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full a...
Jan 16, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Taiwan’s election of William Lai Ching-te of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party is sure to annoy leaders in Beijing; we ask what to expect next. Britain’s Post Office scandal simmered for two decades before a television series made it boil over (10:14). And what happens when climate change makes it too hot to work (17:44). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your...
Jan 15, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast America and its allies delivered on a threat to retaliate against Houthi rebels in Yemen who have been targeting Red Sea ships . How far will the escalation go? We visit Iowa ahead of the first event of America’s presidential-primary season and ask if any surprises await (10.16). And remembering Mike Sadler , one of the first recruits to Britain’s SAS special forces (19.17). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access ...
Jan 12, 2024•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast America seems to be in a best-of-worlds scenario: growth is outpacing expectations even as inflation keeps falling —how will the party end? This week’s loss of the Peregrine One Moon lander was disappointing, but our correspondent sees the good news from the launch (9:19). And how Japan’s geishas are modernising their trade in order to keep it alive (17:35). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows ...
Jan 11, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Gabriel Attal, France’s youthful new prime minister , represents President Emmanuel Macron’s renewed push to pass policy reforms and to counter a resurgent far-right. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a landslide re-election of President Félix Tshisekedi has raised eyebrows—and tempers (7:41). And a look at how “ The Wicker Man ” may be the force behind a rise in paganism (15:30). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have...
Jan 10, 2024•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast China is watching Taiwan’s next presidential race closely. The results will influence Xi Jinping’s next steps when it comes to resolving the “Taiwan question”. Ahead of the vote on January 13th, Alice Su, our senior China correspondent, goes to campaign rallies of the 3 parties in the race. We meet voters, young and old, who each have a different idea of who should win and why. Together with David Rennie, our Beijing bureau chief, they ask: is the election of Taiwan’s next President really...
Jan 09, 2024•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
