A day is a long time in American politics: Kamala Harris has reportedly already secured the votes to become Democrats’ presidential nominee, a pile of campaign cash and the Trump campaign’s attention . For insight into how China treats its startup scene, we count the dwindling number of newly born unicorns (10:03). And why Britain’s twee beach huts are so eye-wateringly expensive (15:40). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Eco...
Jul 23, 2024•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Joe Biden has at last succumbed to the pressure to step aside and has endorsed his vice-president, Kamala Harris. We ask how things should progress from this extraordinary moment. India could be better run if power were devolved from the national government. The solution? Create lots of new states (10:03). And remembering Dr Ruth , who taught America to talk about sex (17:34). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podca...
Jul 22, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast The scars of the covid pandemic are still raw, but now a virus spreading among farm animals could leap to humans. Could bird flu become the next pandemic? White women are sometimes absolved of blame in the crime of slavery in America (9:50). Research suggests they may have been culpable too. And meet the creator of Dateline , the Economist’s history quiz (17:25). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more in...
Jul 19, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast J.D. Vance was largely unknown in American politics until Donald Trump picked him as his running-mate for vice-president. Last night he gave his first speech to the Republican National Convention. Why is trade so sluggish within Latin America (11:34)? And forget management books: literature offers the best lessons in leadership (20:14). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how t...
Jul 18, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast If you don’t have enough food in the first 1,000 days of your life, your brain may never reach its full potential. Our correspondent discusses what better nutrition would mean for the world. Undersea cables are the arteries of our telecommunications system, but that also makes them vulnerable (9:13). And a new powder may help make periods less of a bloody nuisance (17:42). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ F...
Jul 17, 2024•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast After decades of torpor, is Japan recovering its dynamism ? Our correspondent turns to an ancient bento box merchant to test Japan’s economic future. A new study shows how few therapies tested on animals end up being applied to humans (10:02). And if you don’t know a pickle fork from a fish fork, it could be time to take an etiquette class (16:28). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about...
Jul 16, 2024•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast After the shocking attempt to kill former President Donald Trump, how will America respond ? Though leaders have called for calm, the risk is that an already hate-filled campaign could take a darker turn (11:06). Our correspondents consider the consequences for the two candidates, the presidential race and America at large Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist P...
Jul 15, 2024•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast Artificial intelligence is already making a difference in the theatre of war, and more involvement will certainly come. That raises a host of thorny ethical issues. In some cases, scientists just clocked , extinct beasts’ DNA can be extraordinarily well preserved—revealing once-inaccessible biological secrets (10:43). And remembering Pål Enger , who never quite knew why he felt compelled to steal “The Scream” (19:25). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more infor...
Jul 12, 2024•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Democrats’ worried murmurs have become public statements. Polls give Donald Trump a widening lead. Why won’t President Biden make way for a younger successor? Off Colombia’s coast a shipwreck bursting with treasures is about to be plundered, but who owns that loot is hotly contested (10:12). And why Finnish schools are trying to lure in more foreign students (17:43). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, plea...
Jul 11, 2024•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Masoud Pezeshkian rode to victory on a promise of reforms that Iran’s people seem desperately to want . Will the former heart surgeon be permitted to carry them out? Ukraine has been getting a wartime pass on servicing its debts, but its creditors will soon come knocking (10:05). And why thousands of plutocrats are moving to Dubai (17:00). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or wa...
Jul 10, 2024•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast It was formed to unite the world’s strongest countries and preserve peace, but as NATO holds a celebration summit for its 75th anniversary, it faces tricky challenges . Climate change is jeopardising Scottish salmon , one of Britain’s biggest food exports (10:15). And why North Korea is sending hot air balloons over to the South, filled with rubbish and faeces (16:50). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For m...
Jul 09, 2024•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast A tactical ploy to diminish the chances for Marine Le Pen’s hard-right National Rally has worked—a surprise result that puts the left in front, but no party in charge . Despite sporting passions in Africa, continental leagues have fizzled; a passion for basketball may soon change that (9:25). And remembering Ángeles Flórez Peón , the last militiawoman who defended Spain’s Second Republic (17:26). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how...
Jul 08, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Why are two old, unpopular men the main candidates for the world’s most demanding job? It’s the question John Prideaux, The Economist’s US editor, gets asked the most. And the answer lies in the peculiar politics of the baby boomers. The generation born in the 1940s grew up in a land of endless growth and possibility, ruled by a confident, moderate elite. But just as they were embarking on adult life, all that started to come apart. The economy faltered, and the post-war consensus ca...
Jul 07, 2024•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast Britain has elected a Labour government for the first time in 14 years. The party inherits a spattered legacy and a country that is often seen as a laughing stock internationally. We consider Sir Keir Starmer’s long to-do list: growing the economy, mending Britain’s reputation…and moving house within 24 hours . Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcast...
Jul 05, 2024•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast The generation born in the 1940s grew up in a land of endless growth and possibility, ruled by a confident, moderate elite. But just as they were embarking on adult life, all that started to come apart. The economy faltered, and the post-war consensus came under pressure from two sides: from the radical right, who hated government moves on civil rights – and from the ‘New Left’, as boomers rebelled against their parents' generation and its war in Vietnam. To listen to the full series, subs...
Jul 04, 2024•50 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast It has changed our lives and become one of the world’s most valuable companies. As Amazon turns 30 , what comes next? Education is key to social mobility in India , so protests have erupted over widespread cheating in university entrance exams, presenting Modi’s new government with its first scandal (8:52). And why durian, a giant smelly fruit , has become a geopolitical tool (15:53) Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist ...
Jul 04, 2024•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast How did two old, unpopular men end up running for the world's most demanding job? The answer lies in the peculiar politics of the generation born in the era of the bomb. It’s a generation that has enjoyed extraordinary wealth and progress. Yet their last act in politics sees the two main parties accusing each other of wrecking American democracy. As the boomers near the end of their political journey, John Prideaux, The Economist ’s US editor, tries to make sense of their inheritance and their l...
Jul 04, 2024•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast As heatwaves become more frequent and intense, they exacerbate existing inequalities. The poor, sick and elderly are particularly vulnerable. How should governments respond? Universities depend on the high fees international students pay. Now Indian scholars are replacing the diminishing flow of Chinese ones (10:00). And full-body deodorant is all the rage : find out if you should be using it (16:15). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—...
Jul 03, 2024•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast How did two old, unpopular men end up running for the world's most demanding job? It’s the question John Prideaux, The Economist’s US editor, gets asked the most. And the answer lies in the peculiar politics of the baby boomers. Since 1992, every American president bar one has been a white man born in the 1940s. That run looks likely to span 36 years - not far off the age of the median American. This cohort was born with aces in their pockets. Their parents defeated Nazism and won the cold...
Jul 02, 2024•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast The US Supreme Court has granted the former President immunity from prosecution for official acts committed while in office. We ask what that means for future Presidents and the 2024 American election. Humanity is standing by while sea levels rise. Now scientists want to geo-engineer polar ice to stem the flow (10:45). And why a hot sauce beloved by many suddenly disappeared from our shelves (19:45). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and techno...
Jul 02, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast How did two old, unpopular men end up running for the world's most demanding job? It’s the question John Prideaux, The Economist’s US editor, gets asked the most. And the answer lies in the peculiar politics of the baby boomers. Since 1992, every American president bar one has been a white man born in the 1940s. That run looks likely to span 36 years - not far off the age of the median American. This cohort was born with aces in their pockets. Their parents defeated Nazism and won the cold...
Jul 01, 2024•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast Marine Le Pen’s far-right party made great gains in the first round of France’s parliamentary election . The left did too. We ask what this means for France and President Emmanuel Macron. Thailand will soon legalise same-sex marriage , but in other areas, democratic freedoms are being threatened (10:20). And penalty shoot-outs are agony for players, coaches and spectators. Can technology help (16:20)? Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—...
Jul 01, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast On July 4th Britain will have a general election, one in which is widely expected to result in dramatic losses for the ruling Conservative party. If so, it would bring to an end 14 years of Tory rule. It’s been a turbulent period; the twin catastrophes of Brexit and Covid, set to the grinding and gloomy mood music of the 2008 financial crash. The Economist’s Andy Miller travels up and down the country, to the towns and cities shaped by these events, to get a sense of how Britain is feeling. List...
Jun 29, 2024•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast America’s president had one primary task at last night’s debate: to close down speculation about his mental faculties. It went so poorly his whole campaign is now in doubt. Tentative results from a newish instrument give tantalising hints that the leading theory on the universe’s makeup might need reworking entirely (10:20). And bullfighting moves from literal arenas to the political arena (18:40). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to ...
Jun 28, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast After 14 years in opposition, Britain’s Labour Party is on track for a comprehensive win in next week’s general election. We profile Keir Starmer , its leader, asking whether his modus operandi can turn the country around, too. Despite the obvious distractions phones represent, Americans want their children to have them in schools (10:50). And auction houses get into the business of “ art-based lending ” (16:40). Sign up for and contribute questions to our subscriber-only British-election ...
Jun 27, 2024•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Our correspondents were the first media to see the American-built JLOTS pier, intended for aid deliveries into Gaza. Things have not at all gone to plan. After years of slipping, house prices are on the rise again; we ask why (16:51). And a trip to see the Savannah Bananas, a goofy exhibition-baseball team that has serious lessons for the major leagues (22:57). Additional audio courtesy of the Savannah Bananas . Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information...
Jun 26, 2024•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast As Julian Assange is released from prison our correspondent reflects on how the work of Wikileaks changed whistleblowing in the internet era, for good and for ill. Meanwhile Peter Navarro, Donald Trump’s trade hawk, remains behind bars—but is plotting for a second Trump term (09:25). And the social-media trend changing tinned fish from frumpy to foodie fare (18:33). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, pleas...
Jun 25, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast After decades as a scientific also-ran, China is becoming a superpower particularly in the physical sciences. We examine the risks and opportunities that poses for the West. Our correspondent looks into why denizens of the Mediterranean live so long (10.32). And this year’s confluence of two broods makes for a rare preponderance of cicadas (17.53). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs p...
Jun 24, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Since his election last year, President Javier Milei has enjoyed some economic and political wins in Argentina. But his toughest fight is yet to come. On Britain’s general election trail, our correspondent found voters less keen on the prospect of a Labour victory than on punishing the Conservative party at the polls (10:00). And remembering Birubala Rabha , who campaigned against witch-hunting in India (18.35). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and techno...
Jun 21, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast No energy source has ever increased as fast as solar photovoltaics. The technology will transform humanity’s energy consumption–even when the sun doesn’t shine. Many people associate champagne with success but wine collectors often shun it. Now global sales are fizzing (10:51). And many chief executives are early birds , not night owls. Does it really pay to be up with the larks (18:32)? Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Econom...
Jun 20, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
