In a polarised world, the opportunities to disagree are plentiful – and frequently destructive. In one of our favourite episodes of 2022, host Anne McElvoy asks Adam Grant, an organisational psychologist and the author of “Think Again”, why he thinks the key to arguing well is to be open-minded. They discuss whether social media erode reasoned argument, and the new breed of powerful political communicators. Plus, how does the psychology of resilience help those who are “languishing”?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The pursuit of happiness continues to puzzle everyone from philosophers to politicians. But how can science help the search? Host Anne McElvoy asks Tal Ben-Shahar, an expert in positive psychology and the author of “Happier: No Matter What”, how evidence-based research can improve well-being. Plus, what’s the best way to make new year’s resolutions stick? Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Anne McElvoy asks the historian and writer Simon Sebag Montefiore why he believes the story of human history has been shaped by the family unit. The author of "The World: A Family History" considers what all dynasties have in common and what the future holds for monarchies in Britain and beyond. Plus, do men and women hold onto power differently?We’re constantly thinking about how we can make better podcasts for our listeners. To help us do that, please fill out this short questionnaire: economist.com/economistaskssurveyPlease subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After her brother died fighting in Luhansk in 2017, the historian and author Olesya Khromeychuk channelled her grief by writing “The Death of a Soldier Told by His Sister”. Host Anne McElvoy asks her how war and resistance has shaped the identity of Ukraine and Ukrainians and what the country could look like once the conflict ends.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastofferWe’re constantly thinking about how we can make better podcasts for our listeners. To help us do that, please fill out this short questionnaire: economist.com/economistaskssurvey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Days after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, announced a radical shift in the country’s foreign and security policy. Host Anne McElvoy asks Christoph Heusgen, a former advisor to Angela Merkel, whether the Zeitenwende (“turning point”) will be delivered or derailed. The veteran diplomat, who now chairs the Munich Security Conference, also assesses Germany’s China policy and how to mend fences with European allies.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastofferWe're constantly thinking about how we can make better podcasts for our listeners. To help us do that, please fill out this short questionnaire: economist.com/economistaskssurvey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Hodges, a former commanding general of US Army Europe, believes that Ukraine has achieved “an irreversible momentum” since the liberation of Kherson. He predicts the country could declare victory against Russia by the summer. Host Anne McElvoy asks him how Ukraine could pull it off. He assesses whether Western countries will hold their nerve as the conflict drags on and what could happen if Vladimir Putin loses on the battlefield.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the end of COP27 nears, US energy secretary Jennifer Granholm talks to Anne McElvoy from the climate summit in Egypt. They discuss the impact the global energy crisis is having on Joe Biden’s green agenda, whether the hype around hydrogen will endure and if the president is willing to put aside a tussle with China for the sake of climate cooperation. Plus, Vijay Vaitheesawaran, The Economist’s global energy and climate innovation editor, measures the ambitions declared at COP27 against what is achievable.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Binyamin Netanyahu is set to return to power in Israel, after winning a majority in last week’s general election. His coalition is likely to include Religious Zionism, a far-right bloc. Host Anne McElvoy asks Anshel Pfeffer, The Economist’s Israel correspondent and a biographer of Mr Netanyahu, what the partnership could mean for Israel’s democracy. And David Makovsky of the Washington Institute assesses how the change in government could affect Israel’s alliance with America and burgeoning relationships in the Middle East.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eric Adams, the mayor of New York, grew up on the verge of homelessness. Now he’s in charge of fixing the city’s housing crisis. Host Anne McElvoy asks him how he plans to do it. They discuss how an influx of 20,000 migrants, many from the southern border, adds to the problem. Mr Adams, a former police captain, defends his record tackling violence and relays his concerns about the Democrats’ pitch ahead of the midterms.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Tuesday, Rishi Sunak became Britain’s new prime minister–its third in two months. Host Anne McElvoy speaks to Matthew Holehouse, The Economist’s British political correspondent, about the new leader’s first few days in office and the shape his premiership could take. Mr Sunak inherits a fractured Conservative Party that’s taken a pummelling in the polls. Anne asks Matt Goodwin, a pollster and professor of politics at the University of Kent, if the Tories can restore their image in time for the next general election.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Supreme Court could be on the verge of gutting the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Eric Holder, a former attorney-general, was in office the first time the court hollowed out the VRA. Host Anne McElvoy asks him what’s at stake as the midterm elections approach. Mr Holder, who now leads the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, explains why he believes American democracy is in decline. And, they explore whether a bipartisan effort is likely to bear fruit.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During his decade-long reign in China, Xi Jinping has amassed more power and wielded it more ruthlessly than any leader since Mao Zedong. At the upcoming Chinese Communist Party congress, Xi is expected to secure an unprecedented third term as leader. Host Anne McElvoy asks Kevin Rudd, president of the Asia Society Policy Institute and a former prime minister of Australia, what to expect from the next era of Xi’s rule and the implications that could have for China and the world. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The covid-19 pandemic starved young brains. Estimates suggest that globally schoolchildren may be eight months behind where they’d normally be. Host Anne McElvoy asks Jaime Saavedra, global director of education at the World Bank, how kids can catch up after “the worst educational crisis for a century”. They discuss the education policies that could make a difference, and why political will is the key to implementing them.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The World Trade Organisation was set up in 1995 to enable the multilateral trading system. But in the past decade, it’s come under pressure. Now, the global economy looks set to enter an unstable new phase. Host Anne McElvoy and Henry Curr, The Economist’s economics editor, travel to the WTO’s headquarters in Geneva to ask Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the director-general, how trade can mitigate the pain. They discuss how supply chains need to change and assess the trade-off between efficiency and equality. Dr Okonjo-Iweala examines the rift between China and America and how the WTO needs to reform. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The covid-19 pandemic played havoc with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Progress to achieve gender equality by 2030 has not only stalled, it’s reversed. Host Anne McElvoy asks Melinda French Gates, a philanthropist, if the target still makes sense. The co-chair of the Gates Foundation also discusses the overturning of Roe v Wade in America. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ukraine has made a remarkable turnaround. In a few days, its army liberated 6,000 square kilometres of territory–more than Russia had seized in the previous five months. Host Anne McElvoy asks Wesley Clark, a retired four-star US general, if Ukraine’s surprise counter-offensive marks a new phase in the war and what to expect if Russia retaliates. And Alexander Gabuev, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, analyses whether the cracks in Vladimir Putin’s aura of invincibility will damage his standing at home. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new leader of the Conservative Party, Liz Truss, faces an enormous task. Britain is contending with soaring energy bills, double-digit inflation and the unresolved backwash of Brexit. Host Anne McElvoy asks Lord Razzall and former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith about her path to power. And, The Economist’s Soumaya Keynes and Matthew Holehouse analyse her chances of success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During the 13 years Thomas Insel led America’s National Institute of Mental Health, medicines and treatments for those with serious mental health disorders improved, but outcomes did not. Host Anne McElvoy asks him what has gone wrong–and how it might be fixed. The psychiatrist and author of “Healing” also discusses how technology might help.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Six months into Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine, host Jon Fasman asks historian Orlando Figes how Russian history can help make sense of the conflict. The bestselling author explains how past myths and ideologies continue to shape Russia’s attitude to its neighbours and the West–and what could happen when the Putin era is over. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Supreme Court is changing America. In its last term, it eliminated the constitutional right to abortion, loosened gun laws and eroded the separation of church and state. Host Jon Fasman asks Eric Segall, professor of law at Georgia State University, what will happen in the upcoming term and whether the court could be reformed. They also discuss the role of “originalism”, the judicial philosophy that interprets the constitution precisely as it was written by its authors. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the prospect of a long war in Ukraine looms, host Anne McElvoy asks national security expert Philip Bobbitt how to define victory in 21st-century warfare. They assess the war on terror, as the one-year anniversary of America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan approaches. And, the author of “The Shield of Achilles” shares memories of his uncle, President Lyndon Johnson, and describes what it's like to be inside Washington’s war rooms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a polarised world opportunities to disagree are plentiful – and frequently destructive. Host Anne McElvoy asks Adam Grant, an organisational psychologist and author of “Think Again”, why he thinks the key to arguing well is to be open-minded. They discuss whether social media erode reasoned argument, and the new breed of powerful political communicators. Plus, how does the psychology of resilience help those who are “languishing”?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Biden and Xi Jinping bonded on basketball courts when they were vice-presidents. Today their relationship has turned tense as they tussle over Taiwan and trade. But the war in Ukraine is also consuming much of President Biden’s attention. Host Anne McElvoy asks Wendy Sherman, America’s deputy secretary of state, how the administration is balancing its two biggest foreign-policy challenges as well as its renewed focus on the Indo-Pacific. And the steely negotiator discusses the frustrating reality of high-stakes talks.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The deaths of 53 migrants in San Antonio, Texas are a reminder of the risks taken to enter America illicitly. Border crossings are at record levels. President Joe Biden promised to fix immigration, but his critics say his policies stoke disorder. Host Anne McElvoy asks Ted Cruz, a Republican senator from Texas, how he would solve the problem. Plus, Alexandra Suich Bass, The Economist’s senior US correspondent, explains why Congress has failed to tackle immigration.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Ukraine conflict grinds into its fifth month, host Anne McElvoy and Shashank Joshi, The Economist’s defence editor, ask Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Britain’s chief of the defence staff, how Ukraine can win as Russia wages a long war of attrition. The head of the UK’s armed forces assesses the strengths of the Russian army and how western militaries are meeting that challenge.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After days of mounting pressure–sparked by a scandal involving his deputy chief whip–Britain’s prime minister quit as Conservative Party leader. The scandal is one of many that plagued his leadership, but the problems facing the Tories run far deeper. Host Anne McElvoy asks The Economist’s Andrew Palmer and Soumaya Keynes what brought the curtain down on Mr Johnson and what problems await his successor. Plus, Charles Powell, Margaret Thatcher’s closest adviser, assesses the similarities between the denouement of the two charismatic and controversial leaders.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twenty-five years ago, Britain returned Hong Kong to China. The handover was based on a promise the city would retain its high degree of autonomy. That pledge now lies in tatters.  Host Anne McElvoy asks Chris Patten, the last colonial governor, why Hong Kong’s nascent democracy was thwarted. Sue-Lin Wong, The Economist’s China correspondent, tells Anne how China tightened its grip on Hong Kong. And, exiled activist Nathan Law ponders the future of the pro-democracy movement. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Consumer prices across the rich world are rising by more than 9% year on year, the highest rate since the 1980s. Paul Krugman, the Nobel prize-winning economist, talks to host Anne McElvoy and Henry Curr, The Economist’s economics editor, about how governments and central banks should respond. We also ask if a recession can be avoided, and whether the era of big government spending is over.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US Senate has reached a bipartisan gun-reform agreement that, if passed into law, could be the most significant in 30 years. Guest host Jon Fasman speaks to Chris Murphy, the Connecticut senator who led the negotiations for the Democrats, about the significance of the deal and why a compromise has been so elusive in the past. The senator, who has spent ten years trying to enact a change in gun laws, explains why he thinks even modest reforms will make America safer. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When chef Alice Waters opened her restaurant Chez Panisse, she sparked a food revolution in America. She talks to guest host Jon Fasman about leading the Slow Food movement and fighting against fast-food culture. In her latest book, “We Are What We Eat”, she argues for a fairer and more sustainable food system. But how can that be achieved in practice? And, would she ever put lab-grown fish on her menu?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since reunification, Germany has sought stable relations with Russia. That changed with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. But is this Zeitenwende (“turning point”) really a new era for Europe’s powerhouse? Anne McElvoy asks John Lough, former NATO strategist, why risk-averse chancellors turned a blind eye to the Kremlin. Anne visits the mothballed Nord Stream 2 pipeline with Alexander Drost, from the University of Greifswald. And Anna Luhrmann, Germany’s Europe and climate minister, discusses how the country can wean itself off Russian energy and the significance of the shift in foreign and security policy.  Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week the global elite gathered in Davos for the World Economic Forum against a backdrop of rising commodity prices, soaring inflation and conflict in Europe. Host Anne McElvoy assesses the economic fallout with Patrick Foulis, The Economist’s business affairs editor, and our finance and economics editor, Rachana Shanbhogue. Anne also talks to Adena Friedman, CEO of the Nasdaq stock exchange, to gauge the outlook for the markets. Plus, historian Adam Tooze on the changing economic world order. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The war in Ukraine has put the organisation’s founding principles and its authority on the line. Anne McElvoy asks Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the United States ambassador to the UN, how the Security Council can function in a time of division. Is the sharing of military intelligence by America an act of war? Plus, the ambassador discusses her solutions to the looming food security crisis. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For 50 years, women in America have had a constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy. Now, a leaked draft opinion suggests that the Supreme Court will overturn Roe v Wade. Anne McElvoy asks Mary Ziegler, a legal historian, about the origins of the landmark legislation and what would happen if Roe is cast aside. Plus, does the Supreme Court need reforming?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In ten weeks of conflict Vladimir Putin has not been afraid to rattle the nuclear sabre. Western leaders have responded by tempering their own rhetoric – but the risk of nuclear war is greater than it has been for more than half a century. Anne McElvoy asks Rose Gottemoeller, a former deputy secretary-general at NATO, whether Russia will launch nuclear weapons and, if it did, what the West should do. And, has NATO proved its worth?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Evidence of Russian war crimes litters the landscape of Ukraine. But it’s a long trudge from the battlefields to the courtroom. Anne McElvoy asks Oona Hathaway, an expert on law and warfare and a professor at Yale University, whether the perpetrators will be held accountable. Could Vladimir Putin and others be prosecuted by a Nuremberg-style tribunal? Plus, should America join the International Criminal Court?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The war in Ukraine has driven Finland and Sweden to rethink their long-held position on neutrality. Anne McElvoy asks the former Swedish prime minister whether the two countries will join Nato. Will membership bring stability and security to Europe and how should the Nordic neighbours manage their relations with Russia? Plus, he relives the history lesson he received from the former German chancellor Helmut Kohl. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Joe Biden began his presidency wanting “stable and predictable” relations with Russia. As war in Ukraine rages on, Anne McElvoy asks Senator Bob Menendez how it will test US foreign policy. The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee discusses the potency of sanctions and measures anti-Nato sentiment in Congress. Plus, how should President Biden handle the bond between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Anne McElvoy asks the prime minister of Lithuania if today’s Russia threatens the Baltic states – and how does she assess the strengths and weaknesses of Nato’s defence? Her country took the step to ban Russian gas, but will the rest of the European Union follow suit? Plus, why does she think it’s “delusional” to assume diplomacy works with Vladimir Putin?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At his headquarters in Kyiv, Ukraine’s president tells Zanny Minton Beddoes, The Economist’s editor-in-chief, and Russia editor Arkady Ostrovsky why his country must defeat Vladimir Putin. He explains how people power is the secret to Ukrainian resistance and urges international partners to send in more military equipment. Plus, what does a Ukrainian victory look like?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the war in Ukraine enters its second month, Nato and European leaders have pledged to send in more weapons and to ramp up sanctions against Russia. But is it enough? Anne McElvoy assesses the strength of those promises with Marie Yovanovitch, a former US ambassador to Ukraine. Plus, Edward Carr, The Economist’s deputy editor, discusses which diplomatic strains are yet to test Western unity.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Anne McElvoy asks the former Russian foreign minister how war in Ukraine will change Vladimir Putin’s standing at home and abroad. They discuss the remarkable acts of dissent happening around Russia and what methods Western leaders should use to negotiate with Mr Putin. Plus, what are the chances for democracy returning to Russia? Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amid the war in Ukraine and a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, the Nobel peace-prize laureate urges more progress in equal access to education. She tells The Economist’s editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes how keeping girls in school can benefit economies and societies. And, how has the pandemic affected the gender gap?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the war in Ukraine enters a bloodier phase, Anne McElvoy assesses what moves the Russian president will make. She asks General Sir Nick Carter, the former chief of Britain’s defence staff, how urban warfare could shape the conflict and how Nato’s strategy might evolve. Plus, leading Russia expert Fiona Hill provides insight into the psyche of the Kremlin strongman and what would persuade him to call a ceasefire. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russian tanks have poured into Ukraine in what is all-out war. Host Anne McElvoy asks The Economist's editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes, defence editor Shashank Joshi and business affairs editor Patrick Foulis whether Ukraine's defensive capabilities can withstand Russian forces, and we assess Vladimir Putin's endgame. Also, we analyse the financial fallout of war and the effectiveness of Western-imposed sanctions.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Democratic congressman for Silicon Valley represents a district home to tech industry titans. Anne McElvoy asks him how their power can be checked. Can Capitol Hill regulate online hate speech without impinging on free speech? Plus, how does the deputy whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus see his wing’s relationship with the rest of the party? Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Republican Party prepares for crucial mid-term elections in November, host Anne McElvoy asks Senator Tim Scott what the GOP now stands for as it deals with the fallout from the 2020 election. The party’s only African-American senator discusses racial discrimination, police reform and Donald Trump’s chances. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Anne McElvoy assesses Moscow’s readiness for conflict and Kyiv’s defensive capabilities with Oleksander Danylyuk, Ukraine’s former national security chief. And Anne asks Shashank Joshi, the Economist’s defence editor, and Arkady Ostrovsky, our Russia editor,  what war would mean for the world and if diplomacy could end the tensions. Plus, our culture editor Andrew Miller takes a longer view of Ukrainian independence movements. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As awards season gets underway, Anne McElvoy asks the Oscar-nominated actor and filmmaker how streaming platforms will change cinema. The director of “The Lost Daughter” reveals why she chose to adapt Elena Ferrante’s novel and what drew her to the messy mothers at the centre of the story. Plus, has she spoken to the famously enigmatic Italian writer?  Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The veteran reporter was a teenager when he first walked into a newsroom. He tells Anne McElvoy how that moment led him to become one half of the most famous bylines in journalism. They discuss the decline in trust in the media and echoes of Watergate in American politics today. And the author of “Chasing History” reflects on a painful moment from his past being turned into a film. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Broadway legend has entertained audiences for four decades. He tells Anne McElvoy why he combines acting and activism and how he became a late-life TikTok sensation. And the star of “Homeland” reveals the personal story that inspired him to highlight Europe’s refugee crisis. Also, he gives us a burst of song from his days working with the late Stephen Sondheim. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new year presents President Biden with a raft of foreign-policy challenges – from Russian troops on Ukraine’s border, to an aggressive China in the Taiwan Strait. Host Anne McElvoy asks a leading geopolitical thinker how the United States will face the tests to its power in 2022. Plus, the author of “The Revenge of Geography” assesses America’s willingness to go to war and the influence domestic factors will have on diplomacy.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We look back to some of our favourite moments and guests from the past 12 months—featuring conversations about how our work lives are changing and business is transforming. From technological breakthroughs to shifting workplaces, you’ll hear from six guests we wanted to revisit—Kai-Fu Lee, Joanna Coles and Melora Hardin, Whitney Wolfe Herd, Indra Nooyi, and Ray Dalio. Also features a calming gift of meditation for all our listeners. Anne McElvoy hosts. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The designer is rethinking sustainability and style, but can luxury fashion really be green? She talks to Anne McElvoy about making sought-after handbags out of recycled plastic bottles and biodegradable leather and assesses whether renting clothes is the solution to the environmental impact of changing trends. And which political heavyweight – known for handbagging – inspired her to go into business? Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The sculptor is one of the most recognisable figures in contemporary art. Over his four-decade career, how have conversations about representation and appropriation changed? He talks to Anne McElvoy about cancel culture and the risks of tokenism for creative institutions. The Turner prize winner also assesses whether public art needs to be popular and the controversy around his use of the blackest black ever created.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a rare interview, the head of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service spells out his plans to modernise MI6. He tells Anne McElvoy and Shashank Joshi, The Economist’s defence editor, why China is his most pressing priority. The spymaster wants to recruit diverse talent, but how is he encouraging ethnic minorities to join the ranks? And what does “C” make of his big-screen counterpart “M” in the James Bond films?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The former House majority leader and Virginia congressman assesses whether the Republican Party needs Donald Trump to win. The one-time rising star of the GOP talks to Anne McElvoy about the lessons learnt from losing his seat to a Tea-Party challenger. Is bipartisanship broken or can his old frenemy President Joe Biden fix it? Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1956 the Suez Crisis forced the Egyptian-born cookery writer and her Jewish family to flee Cairo for London. She tells Anne McElvoy why she collected the recipes of fellow refugees to keep the flavours of home alive and what food tells us about stories of migration. The octogenarian author of “A Book of Middle Eastern Food” and “Med” spills the secrets of her kitchen – from embracing mistakes to what to cook for the festive season. We would love to hear from you—please take a moment to complete our listener survey at economist.com/economistaskssurveyAnd please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When covid-19 lockdowns shuttered his productions, the renowned satirist vented his frustrations in a new form – a mock-epic poem called “Pandemonium”. He talks to Anne McElvoy about seeking inspiration in the works of John Milton and how to find humour in difficult days. Is any joke out of bounds for the creator of the television shows “The Thick of It” and “Veep” and what’s on his pick-me-up reading list?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Anne McElvoy asks the founder of Multiverse why he thinks apprenticeships are the best route into the workplace and whether the education policies of former British prime minister Tony Blair, his father, mean too many young people go to university. He reflects on growing up in the spotlight and what proximity to power has taught him. And is there the tech entrepreneur’s dress code?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The leading man who made his name playing the baddie talks to Anne McElvoy about what makes the best villains and his recent memoir “Putting the Rabbit in the Hat”. The star of HBO’s “Succession” says why the series struck a chord during the Trump presidency and what links the two powerful patriarchs Logan Roy and Shakespeare’s King Lear. Also, have young actors lost the craft of theatre?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is work-life balance possible at the top? Host Anne McElvoy asks the former chief executive of PepsiCo how she juggled family commitments with leading a Fortune 500 company. She shares her lessons on mixing business with politics – and how should top companies respond to criticism that they pay too little tax? And why did she plump for a corporate career when she could have been a rock star?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This year’s award celebrates two journalists working in countries where the screws are tightening on media freedom. Host Anne McElvoy asks Maria Ressa of the Philippines and Russia’s Dmitry Muratov how they are defending the free press. The editor of Novaya Gazeta explains why he has dedicated his medal to murdered colleagues and the co-founder of Rappler shares how she fights back in the face of online trolling. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fourteen years after “The Sopranos'' ended, the creator of the hit TV series explains why his show is reaching new and younger audiences. Host Anne McElvoy asks whether mobsters have a moral compass and why audiences root for the patriarch Tony Soprano? The Hollywood veteran talks about bringing the story back to life in the prequel movie “The Many Saints of Newark” and why it should be enjoyed in a cinema, not at home.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are Western alliances fraying? Anne McElvoy asks the retired four-star US General about the diplomatic fallout from the AUKUS deal. As Chinese jets menace Taiwan, would the US go to war to defend the island? The former commander of US and coalition troops in Afghanistan ponders whether the Taliban could become America’s counter-terrorism allies. And could you follow the General’s lead and exist on one meal a day? Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As trade tensions flare, Anne McElvoy asks the former chief Brexit negotiator about the state of relations between the European Union and the United Kingdom. Can the two sides end a stand-off about the Northern Ireland protocol? The author of “My Secret Brexit Diary” reveals why he wants to be the next president of France. And, after four years of tussles with Britain, would he still call himself an Anglophile? Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Anne McElvoy reviews the German Chancellor’s 16-year leadership with Wolfgang Nowak, a political veteran who advised Angela Merkel's predecessor, and asks what made her such a phenomenal politician. And as the race to replace Angela Merkel draws to a close, Anne talks to security expert Claudia Major about the domestic and foreign challenges awaiting her successor. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As President Biden pushes to get more Americans fully jabbed, Anne McElvoy asks the former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration whether America’s vaccine mandates will work. The author of “Uncontrolled Spread” discusses the failures in handling the covid-19 pandemic and the efficacy of booster shots. And, what is the best temperature to cook a steak?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should the West engage with the Taliban? As Afghans and the Western alliance adjust to Afghanistan's new reality, Britain's chief of the defence staff talks to Anne McElvoy about the speed of the takeover and the future of Taliban rule. He also reflects on the mistakes of the war and assesses the terror threat as the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approaches.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy asks the Japanese-American writer whether war criminals can be brought to justice. The author of “Intimacies” reveals why she drew inspiration from the international criminal courts as well as the interpreters who work in them, the power of language and the pitfalls of mistranslation. The daughter of immigrants to the US talks about where she feels most at home and the secret to marital bliss.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the most prominent figures in China’s tech sector and author of “AI 2041” tells Anne McElvoy how artificial intelligence will have changed the world in twenty years time. They discuss the impact machine learning will have on jobs and why an algorithm could spot the next pandemic. Plus, can a robot ever replicate human emotion?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The star of “Bach and Sons” tells Anne McElvoy how he brought the great German composer to life on stage. They discuss the impact of theatre closures on actors’ finances and why he reckons it’s now safe to return to the stalls on both sides of the Atlantic. Plus, how far should identity politics influence who plays which roles?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can biography tell the whole truth? Anne McElvoy asks the writer how he balances the friendliness with his subjects and over-familiarity. The author of “The Code Breaker" and “Steve Jobs” reveals whether he regrets anything he has written and if he’s more critical of politicians than scientists. And, of all the historical figures he’s profiled, who would he most like to go for dinner with?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can data make better parents? The author of “The Family Firm” and economics professor at Brown University tells Anne McElvoy why crunching the numbers takes the stress out of raising children. She talks about the backlash to her advocacy of re-opening schools during the Covid-19 pandemic and what damage a year out of the classroom means for pupils. And, what's her top piece of parenting advice?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where is the difference between moderation and censorship on tech platforms? Anne McElvoy asks the author of “Dangerous Ideas" whether social media giants were right to ban Donald Trump and if speech should be free even if it’s offensive? The human-rights lawyer also talks about working with asylum seekers and picks a previously-censored book to take with him to a desert island. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are today’s sporting competitions fair? The four-time Olympic champion sprinter tells Anne McElvoy why he handed back his gold medal after discovering his team-mate's use of performance-enhancing drugs, and why he thinks doping will never be eradicated. Should athletes be allowed to protest on the podium? And, the man with the “golden shoes” on his fantasy sport opponent?With acknowledgments to Team USA.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The actor and director of “The Water Man” tells Anne McElvoy why he thinks Hollywood needs new stories and how grieving for his parents inspired his latest film. The star of “Selma” reveals why he left London for Los Angeles in search of bigger roles. And, does he want to be the next 007? Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are economic sanctions against Russia a good idea? Anne McElvoy asks the Prime Minister of Estonia whether sanctions really punish Vladimir Putin, and why she thinks dialogue with the Kremlin shows weakness. Are all NATO members spending enough on defence? Estonia’s first female PM explains why she looks to Angela Merkel for lessons in leadership and what the golf course taught her about life.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the era of globalisation over? The Economist’s editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes asks the director-general of the World Trade Organisation whether the multilateral trading system still works. Can an organisation rooted in the twentieth century prevent a trade war between the US and China in the twenty-first—and how serious a problem is vaccine protectionism? The WTO’s first African leader talks about being a champion for the continent. And, why poetry is her source of inspiration.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has the #MeToo movement run into trouble? The renowned philosopher and author of “Citadels of Pride: Sexual Abuse, Accountability, and Reconciliation” talks to Anne McElvoy about the moral complexities of mass-sharing experiences of sexual assault and shaming of alleged perpetrators. Also, can rules of consent keep up with behaviour? And, as a music buff, what’s her favourite philosophical opera?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes language offensive? The linguist and author of “Nine Nasty Words” talks to Anne McElvoy and Lane Greene, our language columnist, about the art of swearing. Is language the new cultural battlefield and does the current rhetoric around race help black Americans? And, grammatical bugbears — literally. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The founder of Bumble talks to Anne McElvoy about whether dating apps have killed romance. Is she cashing in on feminism by building a brand around female empowerment? The world’s youngest female self-made billionaire explains why she’s calling for more diversity in the tech industry. And, what’s her mantra for love?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to remember the past in the digital present? The author of “In Memory of Memory” talks to Anne McElvoy about charting her family’s history, her nomination for the International Booker Prize, and what young Russians want from politics. And, what are the challenges of parenting in the age of visual technology?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The billionaire founder of Bridgewater Associates, the world’s largest hedge-fund manager, assesses President Biden's plans to tax the rich. Anne McElvoy asks him whether his firm's distinctive culture is cultish and whether the Redditers were right in their criticism of hedge funds over GameStop. Also, the need to place some chips on China's economic power and the power of meditation.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can the US broker peace between Israel and the Palestinians? With a ceasefire restoring calm in Israel and Gaza, Barack Obama’s former security advisor and author of “After the Fall” talks to Anne McElvoy how President Biden should approach his first diplomatic test and the lessons he learnt in the White House on the art of negotiations. And, the co-host of “Pod Save The World” talks about whether it’s better to debate politics on a podcast or at the dinner table?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How has the pursuit of love changed? Anne McElvoy asks the British actress, screenwriter and director of the TV adaptation of Nancy Mitford’s novel "The Pursuit of Love" about the choice women face between heady freedoms and a more settled life through the generations. Should period dramas be more diverse? And, which Russian classic would she adapt for the screen.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Senator for Minnesota, former Democratic presidential candidate, and author of "Antitrust" talks to Anne McElvoy about whether America's mega-companies should be broken up. Also, will the Apple v Epic Games case increase competition and were Facebook’s Oversight Board right to uphold the suspension of Trump’s account. And are female politicians more likely to be accused of bossiness than men?Subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2004 Tammy Duckworth was shot down by Iraqi insurgents while she was serving in the army and lost both legs in the attack. As America withdraws troops from Afghanistan, Anne McElvoy asks the Illinois senator about the legacy of America's interventions abroad and whether President Biden is making the right decision. The first Thai-American woman in Congress says there is "enough pie for everyone" and minority groups in Congress should work together. Also, what scares her?  Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does the best-known veteran of foreign policy view the great global standoff today? Henry Kissinger is a titan of US politics — as Secretary of State and National Security Advisor in the Nixon and Ford administrations he brokered detente with the Soviet Union and orchestrated a breakthrough presidential visit to China in 1972. Incumbents have sought his insight long after he left the White House. Anne McElvoy asks him about the current threats to world order, how to handle Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, and what he would have done differently when in office. And, following an Economist advert, are plane companions ever too inhibited to talk to him? Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you reinvent a city? The mayor of Miami is on a mission to turn his city into the world’s foremost tech and financial hub. Anne McElvoy explores whether he can tempt entrepreneurs and investors away from Silicon Valley and Wall Street and how he will improve the lives of Miamians. Mayor Suarez talks about his ambitions in the Republican Party and reveals why he did not vote for Donald Trump.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What can a travel writer learn from staying at home? Anne McElvoy asks the prolific travel author Paul Theroux about the virtues of being homebound during the pandemic. The author of "Under the Wave at Waimea" reveals that his friend and one-time foe V.S. Naipaul inspired a character in his new book about big-wave surfing in Hawaii. Also, verbal fencing with his sons Louis and Marcel and his ultimate travel destination. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How important is truth in historical TV drama? Anne McElvoy asks the Oscar-winning screenwriter about the difference between journalistic accuracy and artistic truth, how he uses that tension in his latest film "The Trial of the Chicago 7" and why he loves courtroom dramas. The creator of "The West Wing" also explains why that series still captivates audiences and whether he would write a drama set on a Zoom call. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it time for diversity quotas? Ursula Burns, the first black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company, tells The Economist’s editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes why she thinks businesses will not diversify without quotas. The former CEO of Xerox also argues that business leaders have the edge over presidents when it comes to closing the skills gap and explains why she became an engineer rather than a nun. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Record numbers of women are considering leaving the workforce due to the pressures of the pandemic. How can successful women help their successors through the glass ceiling? Host Anne McElvoy talks to Joanna Coles, CEO of Northern Star Investments and former chief content officer of Hearst magazines, and Melora Hardin, star of “The Bold Type” and “The Office”, about why audiences enjoy portrayals of monstrous women bosses and the best—and worst—career advice they have received. Plus, has the pandemic slain the stiletto? Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During the pandemic, how can we better parent our children? Psychotherapist and writer Philippa Perry talks to Anne McElvoy about the mental-health consequences for the 1.6 billion students kept out of school during the pandemic. Plus, why the idea of quality time is a “cop-out” and feeling sad is part of being human. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What can artificial intelligence reveal about what it means to be human? Host Anne McElvoy asks the Nobel prize-winning author of "The Remains of the Day” about his new book, "Klara and the Sun", in which he argues that people's relationship to machines will eventually change the way they think of themselves as individuals. But does he think only humans are capable of love? And what do he and his author daughter argue about? For full access to print, digital and audio editions subscribe to The Economist at:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How should President Joe Biden deal with President Vladimir Putin? At a point of “acute confrontation” between America and Russia, Fiona Hill, former official at the US National Security Council and expert on Russia, tells Anne McElvoy how post-Trump relations might look. Also, why Russian opposition figurehead Alexei Navalny is like Harry Potter— challenging a ruthless leader. Also, was Hill herself poisoned on a research trip in Russia in 2002?For full access to the print, digital and audio editions of The Economist subscribe at www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When will the electric car rule the road? Herbert Diess, the chief executive of Germany's Volkswagen Group, talks to Anne McElvoy and Simon Wright, The Economist’s Industry editor, about its plans to switch from the internal-combustion engine to electrification. More than a dozen countries have set a date for when they will prohibit sales of fossil-fuelled cars -- but are these plans realistic? He also tells us why his daughter doesn’t own a car and who he thinks will win the electrification race.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What next for the euro area? Christine Lagarde, the president of the European Central Bank and the former head of the IMF tells The Economist's editor-in-chief, Zanny Minton Beddoes, why the continent needs more fiscal support in coming years, why she isn't worried about inflation, and why climate change matters for monetary policy. China is already testing a digital currency -- but a virtual euro may not be too far off. And why women make better leaders. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does American history tell us about politics now? Anne McElvoy asks the professor at Boston College and author of the popular newsletter "Letters from an American". Using the sweep of history since the civil war, she brings a long view to febrile US politics and explains why she thinks the GOP is like a car driven into a deep ditch. Also her personal connection to the sea shanty—the nautical songs taking over social media. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A year ago the Chinese city of 11 million people cut itself off to contain the spread of a deadly virus. Hao Wu, the director of "76 Days" a documentary about the Wuhan lockdown, talks to Anne McElvoy about the first casualties, life under quarantine and the personal impact of covid-19. Why did Hao Wu avoid politics in the film and why has he been trolled for making it?  Also The Economist's Beijing bureau chief, and Chaguan columnist David Rennie, on how Chinese people's view of democracy has been eroded by the virus.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastofferAnd read more of our coronavirus coverage here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can President Biden revive bipartisanship in America? Anne McElvoy asks the widow of Republican Senator John McCain and member of the Biden-Harris transition advisory council if Joe Biden can achieve his hopes of ‘unity’ in a divided America. After the violence at the Senate on the 6th of January, does the GOP still represent Mrs. McCain’s values and is America constitutionally strong? And, is she the next US ambassador to London?  Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Wikipedia turns 20, we ask its founder Jimmy Wales how “the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit” really works. Also, as creator of another tech giant, does he reckon social media is still a force for good? And were some major platforms right to ban President Trump from communicating on them? He also confides his homeschooling tips.  Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the shocking scenes in Washington DC this week, we ask war historian Margaret MacMillan if violence is an inevitable part of civilisation. Professor MacMillan, author of 'War: How conflict shaped us', reflects on whether the invasion of the Capitol qualifies as a coup. And she unravels the mystery of why we fight, from ancient times to the 21st century. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was the first black principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre earlier denied roles because of her skin colour? She tells host, Anne McElvoy, how dance saved her from a difficult childhood and about her first performance in a classic Christmas production. And, which ballets would she remove from the repertoire?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy asks the former German ambassador to the US, Wolfgang Ischinger, if America can still be relied upon as a “protective uncle” and how it should deal with China. And, who will succeed Chancellor Merkel in 2021? Anne talks to German cabinet minister Jens Spahn, one of a proposed 'dream team' of candidates in the upcoming party leadership contest. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How stable is the West? Professor Joseph Henrich, chair of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University, says that even successful societies can implode. He tells Anne McElvoy that the economically dominant Western identity, evolving from the “psychologically peculiar” minds of the population, could look very different in the future. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The actor, best known for playing Aragorn in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, talks about directing his first feature film on caring for his parents who suffered from dementia. Anne McElvoy asks him why he prefers cinema to home-streaming and whether he believes people will return to the big screen after the pandemic. And, how controversy around Hollywood director Woody Allen doesn’t stop Mortensen from enjoying his films.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The British chef, author and host of television show “Cook, Eat, Repeat”, tells Anne McElvoy how to become a better cook. They talk about how our relationship with food is changing in the pandemic. Nigella explains the therapeutic nature of cooking and her culinary relationship with her mother. Also, what would she prepare for the new President Biden and her best Thanksgiving recipes—"apple pie without cheese, is like a kiss without a squeeze".Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The West End and Broadway producer says visiting closed theatres during the lockdown brought her to tears. Now that an effective vaccine is on the horizon, Anne McElvoy asks Friedman what it will take for theatre curtains to rise again. And, after the pandemic how much does it cost to restart a hit show like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child? Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicknamed “the kingmaker”, the South Carolina congressman and civil-rights activist set Joe Biden on his path to the White House. But the narrowness of Mr Biden's victory shook Democratic confidence. Anne McElvoy asks one of the most senior Democrats in Congress whether the president-elect can heal America. Did slogans like “defund the police” cost the party at the polls? And, are politicians getting too old?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Trump is on course to lose his re-election bid albeit with the second-highest number of votes ever recorded. Anne McElvoy asks Jennifer Horn, founder of the Lincoln Project, a conservative coalition that campaigned against the president, why Trumpism proved so attractive to swathes of America. Beyond the presidency, which forces are the winners and losers of this election? And, The Economist's deputy editor Edward Carr on what record turnout but contested results say about American democracy.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whether Trump wins or loses the election, what next for the Republicans? The President’s former national security adviser lays out his vision of a Reagan-style future party, where Donald Trump is “a crazy uncle tweeting from the basement”. Also, what advice would Mr Bolton give a newly elected Joe Biden, who he calls “a man of character”.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Texan research professor, podcaster and adviser to CEOs explains how to preserve mental health in the covid-19 era. Anne McElvoy asks what her study of isolation shows about the effects of pandemic restrictions. Brown explains the effects of fear during lockdowns and how our neurobiology makes us seek a sense of control. She argues the benefits of executives showing their vulnerable side and cautions against the comforting certainties offered by politicians. And, is this a podcast, pausecast or squeezecast?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The British novelist tells host Anne McElvoy how anyone can become “an expert on words”. She asks Amis, who first became famous when he published "The Rachel Papers" in 1973 in his mid-twenties, why he never reads young authors and new books now. As he enters his seventies and after writing 14 novels, could "Inside Story" be his last? Also, what does the Statue of Liberty mean to him today? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Which countries passed and failed "the great covid test"? CNN’s Fareed Zakaria and John Micklethwait, the editor-in-chief of Bloomberg, have both written books assessing countries' responses to covid-19 and how governments should adapt to the post-pandemic world. Is the global centre of gravity shifting from West to East? Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden's first televised presidential debate resulted in a shout show, Anne McElvoy asks how candidates can win or lose a debate. Philippe Reines was Hilary Clinton’s long term adviser who prepared her for the 2016 debates by studying Mr Trump’s style and played Trump in rehearsals. Did Trump's bullish technique work and how should Biden react as he walks "into the chainsaw"?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy asks two-time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank whether the new rules intended to encourage diversity in film will work. The actress argues for change in the Oscars but worries that new diversity standards could limit which stories are told. Why does she enjoy breaking stereotypes, what it’s like filming in the covid-era—and the Hollywood star gives her pitch to play the next James Bond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A former British prime minister is optimistic there will be a post-Brexit trade deal. Anne McElvoy asks him if ill-tempered trade negotiations have damaged Britain's global reputation—and what he really makes of Boris Johnson. Also, what could he have done differently when intervening in Afghanistan and did he, as alleged, run a "government of chums"?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Netflix has had a blockbuster year as lockdowns supercharged subscriptions. But competition is intensifying and the American streaming market is close to saturation. Anne McElvoy asks the company’s co-founder and co-CEO how much more Netflix can still grow. How does he respond to the charge that its data-driven entertainment is creating a monoculture? And, why he envies the BBC but fears Disney.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the face of electoral upsets and viral black swans, Anne McElvoy asks the cofounder of the Good Judgement “superforecaster” project whether today’s future-gazers should still rely on historical precedent. As pollsters compete to predict who will win the US presidential election, what lessons have yet to be learned from 2016? And, where to spot the next black swan—or at least a dark grey one.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The world’s universities face a new academic year like no other. Anne McElvoy asks Janet Napolitano, until recently president of the sprawling University of California system, whether higher education can pass the test of covid-19. Can universities survive without legions of high-paying international students, and convince increasingly sceptical young people that their degrees are worth the investment?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes asks the philanthropist and co-founder of Microsoft what it will take to defeat the coronavirus. They talk about why a Biden presidency might not transform America’s prospects of defeating the pandemic. And, as rich countries scramble to be front of the queue for vaccines, should it be down to charitable billionaires to fund vaccinating the world's poorest?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adapting “A Suitable Boy”, Vikram Seth’s epic novel about marriage, politics and social upheaval in newly independent India, for the small screen was a labour of love for its director. Mira Nair talks to Anne McElvoy about why she worked with a white writer on this Indian classic, the eternal fascination of the matchmaker and the yoga pose that gets her in the right frame of mind.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The coronavirus pandemic has widened inequality in America but has also supercharged charitable giving. Host Anne McElvoy asks Darren Walker, the president of the Ford Foundation, whether philanthropy can help save the American Dream. Will companies that proclaim the new era of "stakeholder capitalism" actually sideline their shareholders? And as the number of empty plinths grows, which forgotten heroes deserve to fill them? Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you become a world-class athlete? Edwin Moses was undefeated in the 400m hurdles for 9 years, 9 months and 9 days and held the world record on four separate occasions. Anne McElvoy asks Moses, the chair of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, if state-sponsored doping can be eradicated, how the pandemic is affecting the Olympic Games and what does protest in sport achieve. Also, how should intersex and trans women compete in sports?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With a sweeping new national-security law, has China won the battle for Hong Kong? Anne McElvoy interviews Regina Ip, a pro-Beijing member of Hong Kong’s cabinet, and Nathan Law, a prominent pro-democracy activist who has fled to the UK. Mrs Ip claims the democratic movement has been hijacked by secessionists and that activists like Mr Law are too young to understand. Mr Law counters that Hong Kong democrats will not give up easily.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

America is experiencing a secondary surge of covid-19 infections unlike anywhere else in the world. Host Anne McElvoy, and The Economist's US editor John Prideaux, ask the director of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention how the country can regain control of its epidemic. When one in five Americans report they would refuse to get vaccinated, how big a threat do anti-vaxxers pose to public health? And, when will it be safe to reopen schools?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The creator and star of “I May Destroy You” talks to Anne McElvoy about turning her experience of assault into a new drama probing the grey areas around sexual consent. Coel also opens up about the racist slurs she endured at the prestigious London Guildhall drama school. And, should good TV make people uncomfortable and the secret to the perfect yoga "crow".Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Economist Asks: David MalpassThe president of the World Bank talks to host Anne McElvoy and Henry Curr, our economics editor, about how to stop covid-19 undoing decades of progress on global poverty. A veteran of the Trump and Reagan administrations, David Malpass argues that the private sector needs to step up. And what role should China play, as the biggest lender to most of the world’s poorest countries—is it guilty of “debt-trap diplomacy”?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seventy-five years after the foundation of the United Nations, host Anne McElvoy and Daniel Franklin, The Economist’s diplomatic editor, ask Secretary-General Guterres whether the organisation still works. The dysfunctional relationship between its three dominant powers, America, China and Russia, has dangerous consequences—does the UN need to reinvent itself to work with them? And could the WHO’s relationship with China have undermined its efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can business be braver on race? Anne McElvoy asks Mellody Hobson, co-CEO of Ariel Investments, whether investors should divest from companies that don’t do enough to address racial inequality. Hobson also explains the challenges of managing diverse views, in particular when it comes to investing in the tobacco industry. And, what does she learn from Lenin?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The seismic shock of the coronavirus pandemic has revealed the fragility of an interconnected world. Anne McElvoy and economist Jeffrey Sachs debate whether globalisation is still worth the risks—and whether liberal economists should bear some of the blame. And could the end of American leadership on the world stage help President Donald Trump’s re-election effort?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Valerie Jarrett was President Obama's longest serving senior adviser, with responsibility for criminal justice and police reform. In the wake of the killing of George Floyd and protests across the country, Anne McElvoy asks whether this moment could be a turning point on racial equality in America and which changes to policing would have the most effect. Also, how does the outcry affect President Trump’s chances of reelection—and how does she assess Joe Biden's record on race? Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

America’s independent restaurants face a future in which half their tables stand empty. Anne McElvoy asks award-winning chef and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson how restaurants can reinvent their business models to survive. They talk about converting chic eateries into community kitchens in the covid-19 crisis and why he thinks Joe Biden deserves a chance. Also, what does Mr Samuelsson make of racial tensions following the fatal police brutality case in Minnesota? And he takes Anne McElvoy on a culinary tour from chicken stew in his native Ethiopia via Swedish lingonberry vodka to red-velvet cake in Harlem.For more on the pandemic, see The Economist's coronavirus hub.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The writer of “The Wire” and “The Deuce” takes a break from the dark side of real life to explore an alternative history in which Franklin D Roosevelt lost the 1940 presidential election to an anti-Semitic isolationist—on a platform to lead America towards fascism. As the country prepares for a very different election, Anne McElvoy asks David Simon about the roots of anti-immigrant feeling in America and whether individuals can change the course of history. Plus, when does a storyteller need to learn to let go? And they swap lockdown binge-watching favourites from the streaming archives.For more on the pandemic, see The Economist's coronavirus hub.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liberty is curtailed around the world during the global pandemic. With the costs of lockdown mounting, Americans are divided over how far and how fast to reopen. Anne McElvoy asks Dan Crenshaw, a rising star in the Republican ranks in Congress, whether the coronavirus is forcing conservatives to embrace a new era of big government. As his own state of Texas eases restrictions, the congressman argues Americans are ready to accept the risks. Plus, is a post-oil future possible for the Lone-Star State? And why, though born in Scotland, he could still have the White House in his sights. For more on the pandemic, see The Economist's coronavirus hub.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seventy-five years after the end of the second world war in Europe, armed forces around the world have been mobilised to fight a new common enemy. Anne McElvoy asks General Sir Nick Carter, Britain's chief of the defence staff, what lessons past wars hold for conquering the coronavirus. He explains the work of the secretive 77 Brigade in fighting disinformation and his view on rumours about the origins of the coronavirus. Plus, why neither NATO nor Russia is "taking its foot off the gas” during the pandemic. And, how he will be commemorating VE Day virtually.For more on the pandemic, see The Economist's coronavirus hub.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a year of plagues, power struggles and star-crossed lovers divided by lockdown, Anne McElvoy asks James Shapiro, author of “Shakespeare in a Divided America”, what the bard would make of it all. Shakespeare is claimed by Americans of all political stripes. But how can a lad from 16th-century Stratford-upon-Avon illuminate the past and future of the republic now? Plus, what the president might teach the professor about Shakespeare’s work. And, Shapiro prescribes a verse for the trials and tribulations of 2020.For more on the pandemic, see The Economist's coronavirus hub.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As billions of people remain in lockdown to stem the coronavirus, Anne McElvoy asks the Chilean author whether imagination is the cure for isolation. Allende, who lives in California, talks about why she loves her adopted home and her hopes for the political future of Latin America. Plus, long lunches, hard truths with Pablo Neruda, and the urgent beauty of falling in love and getting married again in her seventies.For more on the pandemic, see The Economist's coronavirus hub.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A global contagion requires global solutions. The big technology platforms that have been targets of politicians and regulators are now at the centre of efforts to fight the coronavirus. Anne McElvoy asks Margrethe Vestager, EU competition commissioner, whether the pandemic has killed the techlash. The “giant-slayer” in charge of the EU’s digital strategy weighs trade-offs between personal privacy and public health. As parts of Europe contemplate reopening, can Brussels coordinate the exit strategy or is it every country for itself? And, Vestager reveals why we won't find her shopping at Amazon.For more on the pandemic, see The Economist's coronavirus hub.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As governments around the world see their finances savaged by the pandemic, emerging economies are crying out for cash. More countries are turning to the International Monetary Fund for support than at any point in its history. In an exclusive podcast interview ahead of its Spring Meetings, host Anne McElvoy and Zanny Minton Beddoes, The Economist’s editor-in-chief, ask IMF head Kristalina Georgieva how it intends to bail out the global economy. Could issuing “paper gold” provide the answer or does the IMF need new tools for the job? Plus, how jeans and pyjamas made it into the boardroom.The Economist is making some of its most important coverage of the covid-19 pandemic freely available to readers of The Economist Today, our daily newsletter. To receive it, register here. For more coverage, see our coronavirus hub.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The global total of confirmed coronavirus cases has exceeded one million; a quarter of them are in America. The new epicentre of this pandemic is the New York tri-state area. As politicians argue over how to save lives and the economy, Anne McElvoy asks Cory Booker, a senator from New Jersey, whether America can unite to fight the virus. They talk about tussles over vital equipment between states and the federal government. Also, does he agree with the mayor of LA on recommending masks to lessen the risk of contracting covid-19? Plus, the former Democratic presidential hopeful shares his “dad joke” for a moment of cheer.The Economist is making some of its most important coverage of the covid-19 pandemic freely available to readers of The Economist Today, our daily newsletter. To receive it, register here. For more coverage, see our coronavirus hub. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For decades Sir David Attenborough has brought the natural world into people’s homes. But his upcoming film, “A Life On Our Planet”, offers a stark message about human impact on the environment. Anne McElvoy asks the godfather of natural history television where he draws the line between wonder and warning. Does his work have the power to change hearts and minds or is he preaching to the choir? They talk about whether the climate could be the only winner from the global covid-19 pandemic and why he has stopped trying to get through to President Trump. Plus, a knock at the door and an unexpected question.“David Attenborough: A Life on our Planet” will be released in cinemas and on Netflix later this year. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is America divided? Anne McElvoy asks the editor-at-large of Vox Media and podcast host about whether the coronavirus pandemic will bring Americans together or further apart, if Donald Trump is a symptom or cause of polarization in America and why podcasts are the platform to find common ground. Also, when did Klein last change his mind?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/radioofferRead The Economist’s full coverage of the coronavirus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The covid-19 pandemic is spreading fast, bringing immense uncertainty to individuals, governments and the global economy. Lord Mervyn King, who led the Bank of England through the depths of the global financial crisis, faced turbulent times. Anne McElvoy asks the former governor whether forecasters can keep up in the era of coronavirus. Also, how panic-buying is like a run on a bank and the radical uncertainty of marriage.  Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The French designer’s red-soled shoes have won devotees from Aretha Franklin to Cardi B. But when what it means to be feminine, sexy and fashionable is being redefined, where does the stiletto stand? In Paris, Anne McElvoy asks Christian Louboutin where the line lies between fashion and fetishism. Is veganism a fad and how is he preparing the business for a coronavirus pandemic? And, which nationality can match the English for prudishness—and kink.Subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

America is enjoying its longest ever economic growth spurt. How much longer can it last? The spread of the new coronavirus is threatening global growth, the link between lower unemployment and higher inflation seems to have gone missing, and central banks are facing politically motivated attacks. Janet Yellen, the first woman to chair the Federal Reserve, talks to Anne McElvoy and Henry Curr, our economics editor, about what it’s like to manage the world’s biggest economy and whether central banks and governments still have the right tools for the job. Also, how to ace a job interview with President Trump. Subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Technology has transformed the way extremist groups recruit and mobilise their members. Julia Ebner, author of “Going Dark”, spent two years undercover inside radical organisations of all political hues. This week, in the wake of a far-right terrorist attack in the German town of Hanau, Anne McElvoy asks her what drives perpetrators to commit mass violence. They talk about how Julia won the trust of neo-Nazis and militant Islamists, how gamification is used to radicalise—and why she believes counter-terrorism experts need to understand their subjects better__________________________Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/radiooffer__________________________ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The idea that inequality is rising is being used to explain everything from tribalism to low voter turnout. But how much is known about the gap between the haves and the have-nots, is it growing and why does it matter? Economist Thomas Piketty, dubbed “the modern Marx” for his theories on how wealth concentrates, talks to Anne McElvoy and Henry Curr, The Economist’s economics editor, about his new book, “Capital and Ideology”. They debate how unfair societies can learn from their mistakes and whether inequality is ever in the public interest. Also, why Piketty would like to pay more tax on his bestsellers, and what life with three daughters has taught him about equality in the homePlease subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After being acquitted in the Senate, Donald Trump will be the first president to run for reelection having been impeached. Anne McElvoy asks Benjamin Wittes and Susan Hennessey, the authors of “Unmaking the presidency”, about whether the verdict strengthens Mr Trump’s electoral hand. Will the way Mr Trump is reshaping the presidency outlast him and could he be changing the office for the better?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In July 2019 Nicolas Pelham, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, received a rare journalist’s visa to visit Iran. But on the day he was due to fly home he was detained by intelligence officials from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, one of the country’s most powerful institutions. He was questioned repeatedly and forced to stay in the country for seven more weeks. Although unable to leave, he was later allowed to roam the city without a minder and found a paradoxical liberation in captivity. He gained a rare insight into life in Tehran, recording the sounds of the city as he explored. In this podcast, he tells Anne McElvoy his extraordinary story.Nicolas Pelham’s account, “Trapped in Iran”, is on the cover of 1843 magazine. Subscribe at www.economist.com/1843offer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the World Economic Forum, which celebrates its 50th anniversary, The Economist’s editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes, Anne McElvoy and Patrick Foulis debate the future of the annual alpine gathering. How did a young academic’s pet project come to be seen as the ultimate A-list bash for global CEOs, political leaders and celebrities alike? Anne McElvoy speaks to the CEO of Youtube, Susan Wojcicki, actress and activist Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Natalia Vodianova, a supermodel and philanthropist, about what they achieve at Davos and the mission behind the glamour. Is it a forum for effective decision-making—or just a week in the snow for the global elite? And finally, snowboots or stilettos?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 20th century has become known as the “age of dictatorship”, for the horrors perpetrated by Hitler, Stalin, Mao and other despots from Chile to Cambodia. Anne McElvoy asks Frank Dikötter, a historian and professor at the university of Hong Kong, how these men rose to power and why some survived while others were brought down. They debate the limits of authoritarian power today, including China’s ability to act in Hong Kong. And what makes a true dictator—or is there something a bit dictatorial in everyone?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As America announces new sanctions and Iran threatens further revenge attacks, Anne McElvoy interviews Ambassador Ryan Crocker about what the killing of Qassem Suleimani means. The former US chief diplomat to Iraq, Syria, Kuwait and Lebanon explains why his reaction to the news was one of satisfaction and how the loss of its top general will reshape Tehran's influence in the region. They explore whether America can stop Iran from becoming a nuclear power. Or will the conflict become President Trump’s own endless war? Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What can Britain today learn from Walter Bagehot? He was The Economist’s greatest editor who mixed with the cream of British society in the 19th century. The Economist’s current Bagehot columnist, Adrian Wooldridge, talks to James Grant, financial journalist and biographer of Bagehot, about Bagehot’s prose, politics and lasting influencePlease subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2019 Anne McElvoy challenged the people making the news. From presidential candidates and CEOs to fashion icons and even a relationship therapist. Among her guests were Democratic hopeful Pete Buttigieg, editor-in-chief of Vogue, Anna Wintour and author Anand Giridharadas. Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:https://www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every generation has its own “Little Women”. Anne McElvoy asks Greta Gerwig, the Oscar-nominated writer and director of “Lady Bird”, about how she reinvented the classic story of Jo, Amy, Meg and Beth March for a new audience. They talk about her move to behind the camera, rescuing her characters from stereotypes and the economics of being a woman artist then and now. Also, how does Barbie, the subject of her next film, fare in the age of #MeToo? Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has redrawn the political map in Britain after the Conservative party won the general election by a landslide. Outside the Houses of Parliament, Anne McElvoy asks Richard Burgon, a prominent pro-Corbyn frontbencher, whether Brexit or the Labour leader caused the party's crushing defeat. Did pollsters predict the blue rinse? And, Lord Falconer and Sir Michael Fallon, former cabinet ministers on either side of the political divide, debate how the Tories broke Labour’s “red wall” in the north-east, and where this leaves the Brexit processPlease subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The historian Jung Chang, a survivor of the Cultural Revolution and the author of “Wild Swans”, talks to Anne McElvoy about her latest book, “Big Sister, Little Sister, Red Sister”. It follows three remarkable women from China’s brief period of democracy in the 1920s to positions of influence that shaped their country’s history. They talk about how Beijing views the challenge to its authority from the ongoing pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and what the rest of the world misunderstands about ChinaPlease subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of the 2020 American presidential election, John Prideaux, The Economist's US editor, talks to Bill Weld, a former governor of Massachusetts, Joe Walsh, a talk radio host and former Illinois congressman, and Mark Sanford, a former governor of South Carolina. While Donald Trump enjoys near 90% approval ratings among his party, can anyone challenge him for the Republican presidential nomination? And how has he changed what it means to be a Republican? Anne McElvoy hosts____________________For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, go to www.economist.com/radiooffer____________________ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The secretary general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, Jens Stoltenberg, reacts to Emmanuel Macron’s stark warnings about the future of the alliance. Daniel Franklin, The Economist’s diplomatic editor, asks Mr Stoltenberg how NATO’s members can overcome their differences—should Europe have its own defence force and is Turkey at risk of drifting away from the alliance? Also, how should Article 5 be enforced in space?For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe ateconomist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the secret to a great working relationship? The psychotherapist, author and podcaster opens up about the key ingredients to collegiality in the office, millenials’ expectations of managers and the cult of the founder. Esther Perel also offers Anne McElvoy advice on managing her team.Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On November 9th 1989, Anne McElvoy and Conny Günther were in East Berlin watching the impossible—the fall of the Berlin Wall. Thirty years later they retrace their steps to find out how decades of division transformed and still shape German lives. They talk to those who risked their lives tunnelling under the wall to help people escape, delve into the surveillance files kept on them by the Stasi, and hear from a new generation about the future of post-Wall Germany Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Brexit deadline has been delayed and Britain is now heading for a snap general election. Anne McElvoy asks José Manuel Barroso, former president of the European Commission, whether Boris Johnson can win on December 12th and “get Brexit done”. Also, will Britain’s exit from the EU threaten workers’ rights? And, as an opera devotee, which work does he think would best serve as a guide—or a warning—to the unfolding political drama?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Georgia Democrat Stacey Abrams was the first African-American woman to win a major-party nomination for governor in 2018, narrowly losing to the incumbent she accused of suppressing non-white votes. Anne McElvoy asks what the fraught Georgia race taught her, whether identity politics is a benefit or drawback to her party -  and whether she would serve as Joe Biden’s vice-president. Also, who would Abrams, as spy novelist, like to see in the role of James Bond?Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

America’s withdrawal from northern Syria and the subsequent Turkish invasion have overturned the power balance in the region, displacing tens of thousands of America’s former allies, the Kurds. Ash Carter helped build that alliance as US secretary of defence. John Prideaux, The Economist’s US editor, asks him how America’s actions in Syria will affect its ability to deal with future threats. Also, why Secretary Carter believes some American companies are too quick to abandon American values. And, how to run the biggest organisation in the world Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In his trilogy of documentaries the filmmaker Asif Kapadia rejected the traditional tools of the trade. Instead, he painstakingly reconstructed the lives of Formula One champion Ayrton Senna, acclaimed singer Amy Winehouse and legendary footballer Diego Maradona almost entirely from archival footage. Anne McElvoy asks Kapadia whether this forensic approach reaches closer to the real person behind the myth. They talk about the difficulty of interviewing a champion of deceit and whether it matters if the hero of the story is sometimes a villain. Also, what does it take to be the greatest footballer of all time? And at what cost? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain’s relationship with Europe dominated the last years of Margaret Thatcher’s premiership. Anne McElvoy asks Charles Moore, a Conservative columnist and her authorised biographer, whether the roots of Brexit can be traced back to the Iron Lady’s fierce tussles over British sovereignty. They talk about the machinations of her inner circle during her final years in power and her pioneering climate advocacy. Also, the “nightmare” of managing Boris Johnson, and what really happened at those louche Spectator lunches Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The link between capitalism and progress is being questioned. Should big business step into the breach where politics is gridlocked? In a New York buzzing with world leaders and talk of impeachment, Anne McElvoy interviews Michael Bloomberg, the businessman, philanthropist and former mayor of the city, at the Bloomberg Global Business Forum. She asks him if CEOs are the new politicians and whether he thinks Joe Biden or Elizabeth Warren has the edge in the White House race. Also, why even billionaires yearn to stop and smell the roses Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In his palatial headquarters, Ren Zhengfei, founder and CEO of the Chinese telecommunications giant, explains how the American boycott has hurt Huawei and how he will fight back. He outlines plans to sell Huawei’s 5G technology to Western companies, allowing them to compete on a level playing field. David Rennie, The Economist’s Beijing bureau chief, and Patrick Foulis, our business affairs editor, also ask Mr Ren about the US-China trade war, unfettered access to the internet in China and the protests in Hong Kong. And, does he plan to retire any time soon? Anne McElvoy hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The author of “The Testaments” and “The Handmaid’s tale” debates whether her novels are speculative fiction and how women's rights have evolved since she began writing in the early 1960s. Anne McElvoy asks Margaret Atwood whether she benefitted from a “Trump bump”, if #MeToo is an invincible weapon and what makes a “bad” feminist? Also, does she admire the Queen?http://economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The prolific author and podcaster explains why people so often misunderstand strangers and the consequences when they do, from police injustice to Ponzi schemes. Anne McElvoy asks Malcolm Gladwell why humans are so bad at distinguishing lies from the truth, whether judges should be replaced with AI, and if true strangers still exist in the age of social media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At glitzy gatherings across the world, former heads of state, corporate bosses and celebrities champion the power of philanthropy to change the world. Anand Giridharadas, author of “Winners take all”, argues this is a charade and the 1% have little interest in changing the system. Anne McElvoy challenges him on the nature of the problem with elite do-gooding. Should billionaires give their money to different causes, or pay more tax and let governments choose how to spend it? And would governments necessarily use the money any better? This event was organised by Intelligence Squared. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over iced coffee and crullers at Union Square Cafe in New York, Anne McElvoy asks restaurateur Danny Meyer about his recipe for restaurant success—from Michelin-starred 11 Madison Park to the fast-food chain Shake Shack. They talk about how #MeToo has changed the politics of the kitchen and why he would rather diners left smaller tips. And, when any dish can be delivered at the tap of an app, is there still magic in eating out? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Chief Secretary of the territory, Anson Chan, has called on leader Carrie Lam to withdraw a controversial law which sparked a wave of protests. Anne McElvoy asks her whether Hong Kong’s special status is under threat and, 30 years after the Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing, if history might repeat itself? Anne also speaks with our Asia columnist, Dominic Ziegler, who has been reporting on the story since it began Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eric Garcetti, the mayor of Los Angeles, argues America’s second largest city benefits from being a melting pot. Anne McElvoy asks him how he is faring in tackling the city’s housing crisis and why he is not running for the Democratic nomination in 2020. They address allegations of racism in the White House and, in the wake of two mass shootings, how to curb gun violence in America. Also, could smooth jazz prevent traffic jams? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wendell Pierce, best known for his roles in the television dramas “The Wire”, “Suits” and “Jack Ryan”, plays Willy Loman in a new production of “Death of a Salesman”, moving to London’s West End in the autumn. Anne McElvoy caught up with him backstage in July and asked him about whether casting an all-black Loman family changes the nature of the play, his thoughts on America's troubled racial history, and how that history shapes his views of the current president of the United States Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck hoped never to make a film about the Third Reich. Anne McElvoy asks the Oscar-winning director of “The Lives of Others” what changed his mind. His new film, “Never Look Away”, was inspired by the life of the artist Gerhard Richter, who unwittingly married the daughter of an SS doctor responsible for the death of his aunt. Von Donnersmarck responds to criticisms of the film from Richter, and from those who say he stylises violence. And, how does his nation's relationship with the past shape European politics today? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For more than 30 years as editor-in-chief of Vogue, Anna Wintour has been the gatekeeper of high style. Anne McElvoy asks if the fashion business can genuinely deliver sustainability and shift catwalk stereotypes. They discuss why Wintour personally avoids social media and the consequences of Donald Trump’s tweets about non-white congresswomen. Also, she addresses why Melania Trump has not been asked to appear on Vogue's cover since becoming first lady Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author, George Will, and Adrian Wooldridge, The Economist’s political editor, debate whether the conservatism movement is reorienting into one that chooses populism over prudence and they dissect the challenges that conservatism faces around the world. Anne McElvoy asks them whether the next generation of conservative leaders will be made in the image of Donald Trump. And, can a baseball nation and a cricket nation unite over conservatism? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Governor of the Bank of England explains how central banks are preparing for a riskier world. Mark Carney, who is due to step down next year, singles out climate change as a significant emerging risk for insurance companies and markets. But what can central bankers do about it? He also responds to critics who say he's overstepping the bounds of his role and discusses why he feels that his Brexit warnings have been vindicated. And, was he a fan of Stormzy's Glastonbury performance? Anne McElvoy hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While British headlines are dominated by the race to become the next Conservative prime minister, the opposition Labour party is divided over how to resolve the Brexit stalemate. Anne McElvoy interviews John McDonnell MP, the shadow chancellor, who is one of the strongest voices calling for a second referendum in which he wants Labour to campaign to remain in the EU. Anne asks him about revoking Article 50, if he would push for a vote of no confidence to force a general election, whether he has ambitions to become Labour leader and what the party is doing to root out anti-Semitism Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy and John Prideaux, The Economist’s US editor, interview two distinctive hopefuls in the race to replace Donald Trump. Pete Buttigieg, the 37-year-old mayor of South Bend, Indiana, assesses America's role in the world and sets out his plan to redress racial inequality. He also reflects on what he has learned both from Mr Trump and from Leslie Knope, a character in the TV comedy, “Parks and Recreation”. And Andrew Yang, an entrepreneur, champions universal basic income as a way to restore the elusive American Dream Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy asks the creator of “Tales of the city” about what drew him back to 28 Barbary Lane and a new batch of tales of queer America. Fifty years on from the Stonewall riots that sparked the LGBT civil rights movement, Armistead Maupin talks about how far there is still to go, what young gay men can never understand about his generation and why he has finally decided to abandon his beloved San Francisco Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy speaks to two candidates in the race to succeed Theresa May as Conservative leader and Britain's prime minister. She catches up with Rory Stewart, the international development secretary, who proposes a “citizens’ assembly” to solve Brexit. And she asks the foreign secretary, Jeremy Hunt, how he would avoid a no-deal Brexit and about explaining the National Health Service to President Donald Trump Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy asks Ursula Burns about how she became the first black woman to run a Fortune 500 company. She explains why she now champions gender quotas, having vehemently opposed them. And, as AI threatens more traditional jobs, how CEOs should balance protecting profits with protecting their employees Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Theresa May on her way out of 10 Downing Street and Britain no closer to achieving the Brexit she promised, Anne McElvoy takes the long view. She asks Jacob Rees-Mogg, a Conservative MP, and Tristram Hunt, director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, to debate how the titans of the 19th century shaped modern Britain. What would Queen Victoria do? And who in the Conservative party do they tip to take over the leadership? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy asks Cass Sunstein, a former advisor to Barack Obama and co-author of "Nudge", how far the state should define our quest for personal freedom. They discuss how we might need a GPS to navigate through life, the limits of nudging and why left-wing Democrats might be their own worst enemy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy asks Melinda Gates whether gender equality starts in the kitchen. The American philanthropist explains why the tech world risks entrenching bias into the future, but defends the Gates Foundation’s decision to halve its paid family leave. And Anne and Melinda swap top tips for getting teenagers to do the washing up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy asks author and iconoclast Bret Easton Ellis about why he has decided to take on the social mores of millennials. From the #metoo movement and freedom of expression to anger on social media, he discusses the dangers of a growing generational disconnect. And he apologises for claiming millennials don’t care about literature Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy asks Man Booker prize-winning novelist Ian McEwan what distinguishes humans and robots in the age of AI. They discuss his new novel "Machines Like Me", a Promethean story which argues that engineers are the mythic gods of today. They also talk about why young writers should switch off their smartphones Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy goes backstage at New York’s newest arts centre, The Shed, to talk to the Grammy and Polar music prize-winning soprano. They discuss bending the rules of genre and gender opposite Ben Whishaw in “Norma Jeane Baker of Troy”. Also, why opera isn’t in trouble and how to reclaim the title of “diva” for the 21st century Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy asks the former United States attorney for the powerful Southern District of New York whether the law can still do justice in America. He explains the failure to prosecute any Wall St executives after the financial crisis and his concern about how politicised the Mueller report has become. And, Mr Bharara reveals what crime he would be tempted to commit and why he loves mafia movies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy asks the former president of Colombia whether the country can sustain a lasting peace with the left-wing FARC guerrilla group. They discuss the best way to tackle the global drug trade and why Venezuela’s dictator, Nicolás Maduro, needs a “golden bridge” to give up power peacefully Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy asks the former prime minister of Italy what lessons the European Union should take from the turmoil of Brexit. They discuss where the power lies in the union today, why Europe needs to make friends with China and why Westminster is looking rather Italian. This interview was recorded at the Global Education and Skills Forum in Dubai. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy asks the controversial podcast host, and author of “The Right Side of History”, why he thinks the West needs a revival of old-fashioned values. In the wake of the mass shootings in New Zealand, they debate whether individuals, platforms or governments are responsible for controlling extreme content online. Also, does Ben Shapiro ever regret having gone too far and which presidential hopeful gets his bet for 2020 and beyond?Music by Chris Zabriskie, “Divider” (CC by 4.0 UK) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy asks the award-winning stand-up comedian and creator of "The Office" whether there are any taboos left in comedy and if it matters when people are offended. They discuss seeing the funny side of illness, addiction, death and grief in his new comedy, “After Life”, and whether dogs might save the world Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meghan Markle (the Duchess of Sussex), Annie Lennox, Adwoa Aboah, Julia Gillard and other guests discuss feminism with Anne McElvoy on International Women’s Day. They debate how to end period poverty, what men and boys can do and does the Duchess get irked by charges of supporting "trendy" causes? The event was organised by the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The head of the International Monetary Fund tells Anne McElvoy what it is like to be the “firefighter” of the global financial system. They debate how realistic it is to push for multilateralism against a backdrop of tariff wars, whether Brexit will be delayed and how the IMF can help Venezuela. Ms Lagarde also reflects on the loneliness of being a woman at the top and how women need to stick together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Ivan Rogers, Britain’s former Ambassador to the EU, says Brexit will happen in 2019. Anne McElvoy also asks him whether Theresa May, Britain’s Prime Minister, is right to take a no-deal exit off the table, what was his advice and how much did she listen. Also, what will the EU’s relationship with Britain be after the divorce and could Britain rejoin the EU? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After earning an Oscar nomination for "12 Years a Slave" and his super-villain stripes in "Doctor Strange", Chiwetel Ejiofor has turned his hand to directing. Anne McElvoy asks him what it will take for Hollywood to start casting black actors as the romantic lead. They discuss why there is still so little diversity behind the camera and how much power directors have to change the status quo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former White House Staffer Cliff Sims, author of “Team of Vipers”, tells Anne McElvoy why he’s suing Donald Trump. They unpick the paradox of how a man who stirs such fierce loyalty in his supporters inspires so little inside his administration. Also, why the president is great in a crisis and the true meaning of “executive time” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rutger Bregman, author of "Utopia for Realists", told Davos that more tax is better than corporate good works. Our economics editor, Henry Curr, challenges him on whether governments should soak the rich. And is income, wealth or inheritance the best target? Anne McElvoy hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The prime minister of New Zealand explains why her country is a laboratory for progressive politics. The Economist’s Anne McElvoy and Zanny Minton Beddoes ask her about the economics of well-being and whether she really is “the anti-Trump”. Also, why New Zealand has had enough of being left off the map Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Anne McElvoy asks our editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes and Patrick Foulis, author of the cover story, why globalisation has run out of steam and what will future economic growth look like? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Deborah Lipstadt made headlines for facing down a libel charge from the English author David Irving after she accused him of Holocaust denial. Anne McElvoy asks her about the return of “the oldest hatred”. They discuss how the Pittsburgh massacre changed what it is to be Jewish in America. And, from Larry David to “The Marvelous Mrs Maisel”, when is it ok to joke about Jewishness? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Childhood is not what it used to be, according to The Economist's special report this week. The race to set children on the path to professional and personal success now begins before preschool. But competitive parenting is increasing inequality. Are there any alternatives to the “rug-rat race”? Anne McElvoy hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy looks back over a year in interviews. Among her guests were several casualties of the Trump administration, from James Comey to Steve Bannon. Tina Tchen, lead lawyer on the Time’s Up campaign, and clinical psychologist Jordan Peterson disagree over the promise of #MeToo. And David Sedaris finds comedy in the most excruciating circumstances. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our Johnson columnist, Lane Greene, decodes the language of 2018 with Lynne Murphy, author of “The Prodigal Tongue” and Anton La Guardia, keeper of The Economist’s style guide. Which words best sum up the closing year? They debate “woke bros” versus “iron snowflakes”, the pros and cons of Americanisms and the key to great writing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy, our senior editor, asks Doris Kearns Goodwin, Pulitzer prize-winning author, what makes a great president and how Donald Trump is changing what it means to hold that office. Doris Kearns Goodwin also says she keeps waiting for Mr Trump to grow in office. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy, our senior editor, takes the temperature in a dramatic week in British politics with John Peet, The Economist’s Brexit editor, and Labour MP Stephen Kinnock, a proponent of a different way to solve the Brexit dilemma. They discuss Theresa May’s next moves, a Norway option and the possibility of a second referendum Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can Steve Hilton, host of Fox News’s “The Next Revolution”, convince Yascha Mounk of Harvard University that populist movements could return power to the people? They debate whether Donald Trump will deliver on radical reforms, whether he poses a threat to a free press and if there should be a second Brexit referendum. Anne McElvoy hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NATO’s former commander tells Anne McElvoy why he modelled some of his own leadership on al-Qaeda. They discuss his regrets over the invasion of Iraq, the potential for ground war in Europe and whether America should still intervene abroad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Hancock MP, Secretary of State for Health in Theresa May's Cabinet, on whether the Prime Minister can get a Brexit deal through Parliament and whether a second referendum might be on the cards. Anne McElvoy, our senior editor, also quizzes him on why the NHS lags behind on technology. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy asks the former White House communications director whether Donald Trump is true to his base. They debate the wisdom of doing battle with the press, if the president’s lies matter and what a Democratic challenger in 2020 should learn from his populist style Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the hoopla of the mid-term elections - blue wave or red comeback - what does this all mean for America? Anne McElvoy talks to our US Editor, John Prideaux, Chip Roy, former advisor to Ted Cruz, Tim Ryan, Democratic Representative from Ohio, Deb Haaland, one of the first native American women elected to Congress, and Democratic Party strategist Celinda Lake. Who won and what does it mean for 2020? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joschka Fischer, former foreign minister and leader of the Green party in Germany, and Anne McElvoy discuss life after Chancellor Merkel’s retreat from power and whether Germany’s dominance in Europe is in jeopardy. Also Merkel's historian, Andreas Roedder, and our Europe Editor, Christopher Lockwood, on who could succeed her. Music: “Sad Marimba Planet” by Lee Rosevere, “What Does Anybody Know About Anything” by Chris Zabriskie (CC x 4.0) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tara Westover was 17 when she first stepped into a classroom, but went on to earn a PhD. She talks to Anne McElvoy about a childhood on the edge of society, why she chose philosophy over coding—and what unorthodox education might teach the mainstream Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alan Greenspan,  former chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, and The Economist’s Adrian Wooldridge discuss  America's rise to global economic prominence and its future outlook. Also, what caused the 2008 financial crash, can another bust be avoided —  and the challenge posed by China. Anne McElvoy hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We ask Andrew Roberts, historian and Churchill biographer, how the most famous British Prime Minister might have responded to today’s global turmoil. What can current politicians learn from his legacy - and are 21st century critics right about his flaws? Anne McElvoy hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christopher Andrew, author of "The Secret World", warns intelligence services of the dangers of historical attention span deficit disorder.  He argues we can only understand Vladimir Putin — and allegations of meddling in foreign elections — in the context of the long history of Russia.  And who was the Edward Snowden of the Victorian era? Anne McElvoy hosts. Music by Chris Zabriskie, “Divider” (CC by 4.0 UK) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first black presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church tells Anne McElvoy about the invitation to speak at the royal wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. Also, his views on the role of religion in a divided America and whether President Donald Trump acts in good faith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As part of the Open Future festival Steve Bannon, former White House chief strategist, discusses how his economic protectionism could result in price rises for US consumers and why he thinks that’s ok. Also, are there any ultra populists in Europe too right-wing for his movement? His advice to Boris Johnson on Brexit — and his disagreements with Ivanka Trump.  Anne McElvoy hosts. Music by Chris Zabriskie, “Divider” (CC by 4.0 UK) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The age of ideological struggle failed to end with the Cold War.  Francis Fukuyama, who coined the phrase “the end of history”, talks to Anne McElvoy about the rise of identity politics, whether there is any force that can rival it, and which party is playing the identity game better in the American midterms.  Music by Chris Zabriskie, “Divider” (CC by 4.0 UK) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy talks to historian Ian Kershaw about the continent’s rollercoaster half-century. They discuss Europe's turbulent friendships with America and Russia and the accusations of anti-Semitism against Britain's Labour party. Also, the EU needs a reboot but is Angela Merkel the person to lead it? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has the late Senator’s final address damaged Donald Trump? What will John McCain’s legacy be? Anne McElvoy, our senior editor, recalls our interview with the political nonconformist and war hero - and talks to Senator John Barrasso about their last visit to Vietnam, Rick Wilson, Republican strategist, and Madeleine Albright, Democrat and former Secretary of State.Audio excerpt courtesy of Simon & Schuster. Audio from “Every Day is Extra” by John Kerry. Copyright © 2018 by John Kerry. Aired with permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc. Music by Chris Zabriskie (CC by 4.0 UK). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christopher Wylie tells Kenneth Cukier why he blew the whistle on Cambridge Analytica. They discuss whether platforms are doing enough to protect users’ privacy and what governments can do to safeguard independent electionsMusic by Chris Zabriskie “Divider” (CC by 4.0 UK) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy investigates the life of the Scottish philosopher now known as the father of modern economics. What does an author who died in 1790 have to teach us about trade wars and crony capitalism in the 21st century? And which American television villain kept a copy of “The Wealth of Nations” on his bookshelf? Music by Chris Zabriskie “Divider” (CC by 4.0 UK) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Masih Alinejad tells Anne McElvoy how she took My Stealthy Freedom, her viral campaign against compulsory hijab in Iran, from social media to the streets – could reform be on the way? Also, the impact of visiting Western female politicians wearing the veil and why she believes Iranian women do not want to be liberated by the West.Music by Chris Zabriskie “Divider” (CC by 4.0 UK) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The humourist talks to Anne McElvoy, our senior editor, about making people laugh, overhearing conversations and when can he look back at sad or embarrassing experiences with humour? Also, why he wanted to feed his tumour to a turtle and is there a funny gene in families? And, he reveals all about his sequin culottes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bjorn Ulvaeus from ABBA tells Anne McElvoy, our senior editor, about the melancholy beneath the exuberant voices and his musical influences.  Would he write the same songs in the #MeToo era and which song has had its lyrics changed for a different feminist time? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The former British prime minister tells Anne McElvoy, our senior editor, why Britain should vote again on whether to leave the European Union. What should the referendum question be? And why he talks to Team Trump on the Middle East. Music by Chris Zabriskie “Divider” (CC by 4.0 UK) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy, our senior editor, went on an outing of top-brass Anglo-German military — to discuss how they are preparing for future risks of urban warfare. She had exclusive access to a mock city in eastern Germany - and visited Nazi bunkers where armies are learning from decisive urban battles in history. And they explore the way ISIS and a renewed threat from Russia is changing conflict scenarios.Music by Chris Zabriskie (CC by 4.0 UK)  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy heads to the Palladium theatre in London to interview Bartlett Sher, Tony award-winning director of “The King & I”. They discuss the challenges of reviving a story written in the 1950s – and set in the 1860s – for an audience in 2018. Also, the ways in which Hamilton is not so revolutionary and the limits of colour-blind casting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

America’s first female secretary of state on how populism can slide into fascism, what Kim Jong Il and Vladimir Putin were like in person, and what Donald Trump could learn from reading her lapel pins.Anne McElvoy hostsMusic by Chris Zabriskie “Divider” (CC by 4.0 UK) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The sacked director of the FBI on the message of Melania Trump's jacket, why Special Counsel Robert Mueller is the straightest person he’s ever known and how Trump might unintentionally be helping America unite.  Anne McElvoy hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Across America, there have been calls on university campuses to limit free speech. Anne McElvoy travels to the University of Chicago to explore the arguments. And a US correspondent, Idrees Kahloon, reflects on his student days at Harvard, when social justice campaigns riled him.Music by Chris Zabriskie “Divider” (CC by 4.0 UK) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the eve of the World Cup in Russia, former American ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul, says the US needs to stand up to Putin — build up resilience in the electoral technology, set targeted sanctions — and he explains how it feels to be the target of Putin’s steely eyes. Anne McElvoy hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kishore Mahbubani, former president of the UN Security Council for Singapore and author of “Has the West lost it?” tells Robert Guest, our foreign editor, about the rise of a new world order – should the West be celebrating? Also, individual freedom in China, and why he thinks Donald Trump is the least of America’s worries.  Music by Chris Zabriskie “Divider” (CC by 4.0 UK) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a special programme to mark The Economist’s 175th anniversary #OpenFuture season, Zanny Minton-Beddoes, our Editor-in-Chief and David Rennie, our Washington bureau chief, join Anne McElvoy to debate remedies to popular discontents and a new world order where the US won’t be top dog forever with Jonathan Cowan, founder of Third Way, David Frum, senior editor at The Atlantic, and John Negroponte, former US Ambassador. Music by Chris Zabriskie “Divider” (CC by 4.0 UK) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We ask the author of '12 Rules for life' what is wrong with modern liberalism.  And he discusses #MeToo, whether people should date their co-workers - and who is the feminist he most admires? Music by Chris Zabriskie “Divider” (CC by 4.0 UK) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah Rafferty talks to Anne McElvoy about her role as the redhead from US TV show “Suits” and her responsibility as ambassador for girls’ rights and education. Also, her best wishes for former co-star Meghan Markle on her wedding. Music by Chris Zabriskie “Divider” (CC by 4.0 UK) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Mamet, award winning playwright and screenwriter, talks to Anne McElvoy about the gender wars and why his new play, inspired by the Harvey Weinstein saga, is best treated as a comedy. And he fires back on the rights and wrongs of owning a gun.  Music by Chris Zabriskie “Divider” (CC by 4.0 UK) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Lewis Gaddis, author of “On Grand Strategy”, assesses whether there is order in Mr Trump’s chaos, the balance of global power and whether the age of liberal interventionism is over. Anne McElvoy hosts. Music by Chris Zabriskie “Divider” (CC by 4.0 UK) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We talk to Imran Khan, star cricketer turned politician bidding to lead Pakistan in the upcoming election. Topics include Donald Trump and the war on terror, why Pakistani media is under pressure and the full-face veil - women's choice or imposition?Hosted by Anne McElvoy and Edward McBride, our Asia Editor. Music by Chris Zabriskie “Divider” (CC by 4.0 UK). Geo denies all claims relating to it by Imran Khan in this interview. Similar claims are part of ongoing litigation against Mr Khan in Pakistan, in which Geo state that Mr Khan has failed, despite repeated opportunities, to produce any evidence to support his claims. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We ask Steven Pinker, author of Enlightenment Now, why he is so optimistic about human progress. We also discuss wars, inequality and should there be more good news on the front pages. Anne McElvoy hosts. Music by Chris Zabriskie “Divider” (CC by 4.0 UK) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tribalism has always existed, but is now playing a far more pivotal role in society: from the rise of gender and ethnic affiliation, to nationalist parties in Europe and even the appeal of Donald Trump. Amy Chua, author of "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother" and "Political Tribes", explains why the politics of sharp-edged identities have become so powerful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We ask Kai-Fu Lee, CEO of Sinovation Ventures, what’s next for big tech in China and beyond. And will an AI simulation present this podcast better than our host Anne McElvoy? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Student survivors from the recent Florida school shooting talk to Anne McElvoy about their campaign to make schools safe.  And Doug Jones, Senator for Alabama, discusses how to find the common ground over gun reform. Andrew Miller hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Oscar-nominated director and his producer Ari Handel tell our host Anne McElvoy about pushing the boundaries in film -  and their new TV series “One Strange Rock”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy, our Senior Editor, asks Sir Francis Richards, former head of GCHQ, and Arkady Ostrovsky, our Russia Editor, if the diplomatic clash sparked by the Skripal case will escalate — and what has changed since the Cold War. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We ask Tina Tchen, one of the lead lawyers working on the biggest legal defence fund against sexual harassment, what #Time’sUp's priorities should be. Also, basic steps to make our workplaces safer. Anne McElvoy hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What risk does Anne McElvoy, our senior editor, take when she talks to Nassim Nicholas Taleb? The author of Skin in the Game discusses whether having more at stake would make the powerful better leaders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hossein Amini, co-creator of the hit tv drama McMafia, shares the secrets of writing 'Game of Thrones with mobs’. Also, what it's like to work with Harvey Weinstein. Anne McElvoy hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our foreign editor, Robert Guest who has reported on other mass shootings in the US, tells Anne McElvoy why Donald Trump should offer more than condolences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

George Papandreou, the former Greek Prime Minister, talks to Anne McElvoy, our senior editor, about whether the spirit of the Olympics can thaw tensions in the Korean peninsula. Also why he implemented a tax on swimming pools and his personal assessment of Angela Merkel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy, our senior editor, explores how democracies die with Professor Steven Levitsky, a political scientist. Also, is there a tension between diversity and democracy? And why Harvard University should invite Sarah Palin to speak Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy asks Zanny Minton-Beddoes, Editor-in-Chief, and Patrick Foulis, US Business Editor, is President Trump in Davos to brag or show he's serious? Also, late night dancing and the 'global elite' slipping in snow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We ask political scientist Patrick Deneen if the world’s most successful political theory is in retreat or just responding to the demands of the modern world. How have Donald Trump and Kim Kardashian challenged the liberal creed? Anne McElvoy presents. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy, our Senior Editor, asks if Michael Wolff‘s book "Fire and Fury" captures President Trump — and how does the First Family really tick? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy asks the Prime Minister of Serbia whether a new generation of Eastern European leaders can reshape a troubled region.  Ana Brnabic, the country’s first female and openly gay Prime Minister, discusses Serbia’s bloody history, Putin’s record on homosexual rights and the influence of Britpop. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A festive roundup of this year's interviews. Salman Rushdie gives us his thoughts on separatism, Hillary Clinton explains exactly what happened in America’s election last year and Richard Dawkins on whether science really can offer an objective truth. Anne McElvoy hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the Medici family’s blending of politics and finance to Donald Trump’s use of social media, networks have played a vital role in the search for control. In an interconnected world, will power shift into the hands of the masses? Or will they further strengthen the hierarchies that benefit the few? Anne McElvoy discusses this with historian Niall Ferguson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy and Lane Greene continue their look at the role of creativity in today’s society. They visit a London railway station to hear how commuters get their creative juices going by playing pianos in public spaces. Lane looks at how the concept of creativity is being widened to enhance the skills involved in coding or crisis management, and considers the 10,000 hour rule that sustains the belief of the universal creativity lobby. Neuroscientist Miriam Mosing tells Lane that studies of creative twins have shown that a genetic pre-disposition to creativity can’t be wholly eliminated, and Anne talks to AI researcher David Cope who has provided a frightening vision for the future of creativity. His computer generated composer “Emily Howell” can absorb existing styles, and use them to generate her own Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy and Lane Greene look at the current debate around creativity, and its value to our society. In this first episode, Anne tackles a Bach prelude with the help of pianist James Rhodes who believes that keyboard mastery is “just a physics problem”. Lane assesses how the brain behaves during periods of extreme creativity, and with the help of neuroscientist Aaron Berkowitz, considers how great creatives can de-activate parts of the brain to enhance performance. Concert pianist Di Wu considers the differing experiences of music teaching in China and the United States, and describes how she moved from conquering concertos to tackling business problems whilst studying for an MBA at Columbia University​ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nadya Tolokonnikova, a founding member of the Russian protest punk group Pussy Riot, told Daniel Franklin, Editor of 'The World in 2018', how she aims to inspire people to enact change. She talks about her latest immersive theatre production in London and a world without borders Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Final episode of a three-part series. Anne McElvoy explores the potential impact of the female vote in America's next presidential election. Democratic pollster Celinda Lake discusses how recent sexual-harassment allegations could shape future political contests. Mary Jordan, contributor to a biography about the role of women in Donald Trump's ascendancy, explains why Ivanka was so key to his success. And author Rebecca Traister on why women voting for Trump wasn't really surprising at all Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, Anne McElvoy travels to Chicago and New York to get a sense of how each city’s power players are responding to the presidency. She talks to Rahm Emanuel, Chicago's mayor, about dealing with the city’s problems while at odds with the president. And former deputy mayor of New York, Kenneth Lipper, takes Anne to a secret tunnel to show why Mr Trump's infrastructure plans for cities won't work. And would Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner be welcomed back to the Big Apple? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, Anne McElvoy returns to America's capital one year-on from the election to find out how party politics has been transformed by Donald Trump's presidency. She checks in with his biographer Marc Fisher, who says he was thrown into a system "he didn't bother to study". And she attends a keynote delivered by a reflective Bill Clinton. Also on the show, is Russia the worm in the bud for Mr Trump? And the Democrats make their first comeback in local elections.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy and Jan Piotrowski ask one of the world's best-known evolutionary biologists whether science can guide us through a turbulent world of post-truth. Can there really be an objective truth, or will our existing biases win out? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The creator of the hit satire shows "Veep" and "The Thick of It" explains how to laugh at a mass-murdering former dictator, how Russia is receiving his latest film "The Death of Stalin", and whether President Trump really has killed satire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy, our Senior Editor, and Zanny Minton-Beddoes, The Economist's Editor-in-Chief, ask the former Democratic Presidential candidate what stops a woman from becoming America's President and how can the Democrats win again. Also: how might other female candidates avoid getting 'Hillary'd' — and is President Trump stoking two nuclear crises? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are identity politics a new obsession? Author Salman Rushdie and host Anne McElvoy explore whether Trump, Brexit and the Catalonian referendum have something in common. And we discuss life under a fatwah and whether he'll be appearing on the TV show ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the Tory party conference, the prime minister's future has been called into question. She suffered coughing fits and was even pranked by a comedian. Can Mrs May hang on to her position? Anne McElvoy hosts with Adrian Wooldridge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy Corbyn has energised the Labour Party. Is the optimism justified? Senior editors Anne McElvoy and Adrian Wooldridge head to Brighton — the site of the Labour Party conference — to dissect the Corbyn phenomenon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Senior editor, Anne McElvoy, and Jeremy Cliffe, our Berlin bureau chief, investigate the Merkel-machine ahead of the German general election on Sunday. We go on the campaign trail and catch a rare glimpse of Ms Merkel's seat of power – inside the Chancellery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liberal Democrat leader tells Anne McElvoy that Angela Merkel misjudged her response to David Cameron’s EU reform negotiations and explores whether a new third party is viable in British politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Humans and apes share the same ancestors and more than 90% of our genes. What separates us from apes? And why do we stand free, whilst chimpanzees are caged and gorillas are hunted? Host Jason Palmer asks the world's leading primatologist Dr Jane Goodall, who's discoveries forced us to redefine what is it to be human.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Poverty, health, education or climate change: where should governments spend their money? Bjorn Lomborg, author of "The Skeptical Environmentalist" and president of the Copenhagen Consensus Centre debates with Anne McElvoy and Jan Piotrowski, our environment correspondent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a summer highlights special, Kenneth Cukier reflects on the most memorable Economist asks this year. We listen to Bill Gates discuss vaccine policy and actor Haydn Gwynne satirise Margret Thatcher. Also, why one guest's dead silence on the topic of Chinese surveillance and artificial intelligence caused a stir Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women are underrepresented on the big screen. Last year, less than a third of speaking characters in the highest-grossing films were female - a trend that hasn't changed in over a decade. Stockard Channing - best known for her role as Rizzo in the 1978 hit “Grease” and Abigail Bartlett in “The West Wing” - speaks to Anne McElvoy about how a new generation of creative women are fighting back by "kicking butt" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Technology has embedded itself within almost every facet of society. It is transforming the way people live their lives and run their businesses. So as the digital revolution continues to disrupt in waves, how should companies adapt to stay ahead? To explain, technology correspondent Hal Hodson is joined by renowned academics Andrew McAfee and Erik Brynjolfsson from the MIT Initiative on the digital economy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Artificial intelligence is developing fast in China. But is it likely to enable the suppression of freedoms? One of China's most successful investors, Neil Shen, has a short answer to that question. Also, Chinese AI companies now have the potential to overtake their Western rivals -- we explain why. Anne McElvoy hosts with The Economist's AI expert, Tom Standage Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Morton Schapiro is an American economist and the author of “Cents and Sensibility”. He joins host Soumaya Keynes to discuss why economic models rarely reflect reality and how Tolstoy's War and Peace could be the key to understanding Putin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Which country poses the greatest global threat? The former Navy SEAL, who led the mission that killed Osama Bin Laden, analyses strategies against North Korea's irrational leader and its nuclear ambitions. And could making your bed lead to success? Anne McElvoy hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, hosted by Daniel Franklin, we look at The Economist's annual assortment of scenarios taken to their logical extremes. We discuss the Macron miracle, a world where blockchains rule and the conundrum of controlling the weather. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Algorithms are increasingly being used to make sense of the world. But does big data implicitly discriminate against people based on income, race or class? We ask Cathy O’Neil, a data scientist and author of Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Eden Collinsworth discusses how morality is changing in politics, sex and business. What is the impact of President Trump on America’s ethical argument - and has technology changed what we believe is right? Anne McElvoy hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author and film director Lauren Greenfield’s latest project, “Generation Wealth”, represents three decades photographing and interviewing people about their relationship with money. She thinks we are living in a time of unprecedented obsession with wealth and status. But can consumerism also be a force for good? Anne McElvoy hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Trumponomics to Brexit, the world’s economies are insecure. Yet economist Ken Rogoff is upbeat. He also talks to Senior Editor Anne McElvoy about austerity – and whether Oxford beats Harvard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the day Britain leaves the EU it will be withdrawn from hundreds of treaties. The newly elected government will strive hard to find new trade deals and renegotiate old ones. Will it find success or is the task too enormous? The Economist's Anne McElvoy and Callum Williams speak to former trade envoy, Lord Marland, about Brexit and why he thinks trade deals are not important. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Data has become an invaluable resource for business leaders, politicians and everyone else. But our guest this week, the consultant Christian Madsbjerg, claims that this fixation on numbers ignores what makes us human. Kenneth Cukier finds out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the aftermath of the horrific suicide bombing at the ManchesterArena on Monday, Anne McElvoy is joined by Gilles Kepel, one ofEurope's leading experts on radical Islam, and deputy foreign editorAnton La Guardia to explore what motivates jihadist attacks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kenneth Cukier looks into into the dangers of giant technology companies. He is joined by author and film producer Jonathan Taplin, who was also Bob Dylan's tour manager Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy explores the future of western liberal ideals. She is joined by former Economist editor Bill Emmott to debate how liberals must change to meet the challenges of their opponents Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy heads to Utah for the Brookings Institution’s Centre for Universal Education Event. With a host of policymakers and researchers, she investigates how educational institutions will adapt to the rise artificial intelligence, and whether the developing world can leap frog itself to outshine education in the rich world Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As medicine transforms the way terminal patients are cared for, do we risk sacrificing what really matters in the name of survival? The Economist's global public policy editor, John McDermott, speaks to surgeon and author Atul Gawande about making the inevitable palatable Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What works better in foreign policy: cooperation or coercion? North Korea and Russia pose a challenge to Western leaders in ways that hearken back to the power politics of the Cold War. But there are plenty of problems that don’t fit into that pattern, like cybersecurity, pandemics and terrorism. Kenneth Cukier speaks to the former director for policy planning at the US State Department, Anne-Marie Slaughter, and our deputy foreign editor, Anton La Guardia, about how network theory could be applied to global problems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is there a better way to deal with refugees? Best-selling author and development expert Professor Paul Collier speaks to The Economist's Robert Guest and Emma Hogan about why the UNHCR's model on refugees is broken and how to fix it. He argues that the model needs to change from free food and shelter to work and autonomy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since last year’s election Senator John McCain has criticised Donald Trump’s freewheeling approach to foreign policy. In this episode, he speaks to Anne McElvoy about his role in the "nuclear option" stand-off over Neil Gorsuch's Supreme Court confirmation, Rex Tillerson's mishandling of Syria - and why the US should stand up the "gangster" in the Kremlin. And he shares his advice to the President on curing Trump's Twitter habit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many firms pay lip service to diversity but beyond recruitment quotas and good intentions how many can boast about having a varied and thriving workplace for all employees? Anne McElvoy speaks to company executives at The Economist's second annual Pride and Prejudice event about the changes they have witnessed in the attitudes towards LGBT and minority employees over the years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can Brexit be stopped? 29th March is the trigger day for Britain leaving the EU. Former British prime minister Tony Blair has put himself at the helm of a fightback. But can he succeed and are "liberal elites" an answer or the problem? Anne McElvoy hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are the new players in the art world opening it up or destroying it? Economist Richard Davies profiles one dealer accused of creating turmoil in the market. Also on the show: Artist Schandra Singh ponders the intricate relationship between art and money. And senior director at the auction house Sotheby's, Philip Hook, on the dealers who made art history. Anne McElvoy hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, Anne McElvoy interviews best-selling author Rutger Bregman in front of a live studio audience at the RSA in London. His book, "Utopia for Realists" advocates that we re-embrace grand dreams of progress. But history has its share of dangerous utopian fanatics - so why revive idealism at all? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where does human consciousness arise from? Was there an evolutionary moment when the light switched on? Are animals conscious, too? We ask the philosopher and cognitive scientist Daniel Dennett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many assume the shift in economic and political power from West to East is inexorable. Historian and Asia expert Michael Auslin disagrees - and sees potential for conflicts in the region. Our Asia Editor Edward McBride hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has given away grants of over $36 billion in the past decade. But under a new presidency, philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates faces stiff challenges on vaccine programmes, promised clampdowns on federal aid and a mood of distrust toward technocrats. He tells host Anne McElvoy why he still believes in engaging with Donald Trump. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A deal with Russia could help President Trump’s administration contain China and crush Islamic State. But is a declining economic power like Russia capable of delivering? Mr Trump may not realise that President Putin's aims run counter to America's interests, from recognising Crimea as Russian to ending economic sanctions. Anne McElvoy hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Judis, author of The Populism Explosion, joins our US Editor John Prideaux to explore what lies behind the surge of political revolts in Europe and America and the difference between left and right-wing populism. Can President Trump turn his brand of disruption into a recipe for government? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is technology making us populists? App makers and Silicon Valley executives wax lyrical about technological disruption. But millions perceive innovation as a threat - are they wrong? Best-selling author Tom Friedman joins us. Anne McElvoy hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the common good in the age of Donald Trump? And in the week that the Chinese Premier addressed the World Economic Forum, are we falling too readily into the trap of praising authoritarianism? A leading political philosopher offers some answers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Palmer joins host Anne McElvoy to discuss a special report saying we should upend our education model. To dig into the practicalities of transforming an education system, renowned education reformer Esteban Bullrich and digital education pioneer Gabriel Zinny discuss their plans as education ministers in Argentina's government Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liberalism is embattled, says the French author and intellectual. As France faces its election year and the rise of the Front National, he argues that liberal politics have helped bring about their own crisis. But should liberals embrace the bans of the Hijab? And how should they respond to Vladimir Putin’s autocracy? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part three of a three part series: Anne McElvoy and World In editor Daniel Franklin look ahead to 2017. Forecaster Parag Khanna suggests that reports of globalisation's death may have been premature. 20 year old Joshua Wong, a Hong Kong political activist who helped lead 2014's umbrella protests, explains how he plans to secure a democratic future for the peninsula. Also: Ryan Avent digs into trade after Trump and foreign editor Robert Guest picks out 3 bright spots for the year ahead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part two of a three part series: Anne McElvoy and World In editor Daniel Franklin look ahead to 2017. The Prime Ministers of Bhutan and Sri Lanka make their predictions for the 12 months to come. Also: correspondents and editors weigh in on the world in the age of Trump, an investigation into the future of immigration and refugees and introducing our Brexit barometer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part one of a three part series: Anne McElvoy and World In editor Daniel Franklin look ahead to 2017. Former head of Google China Kai Fu Lee and Didi President Jean Liu share their thoughts on what the future holds for Chinese tech, while Elizabeth Arden President JuE Wong makes her predictions for the year to come. Also: is a golden age of dealmaking in American business coming to an end? And what do the next 12 months mean for the climate? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald's Trump's victory has given new verve to cartoonists. But what light does caricature throw on current events and upheavals? Award-winning cartoonist for The Economist Kal Kallaugher and actor Haydn Gwynne talk to host Anne McElvoy about the art of parody and if it still has the ability to challenge Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy is joined by Nancy Weiss Malkiel, emeritus professor of history at Princeton and author of "Keep the Damned Women Out", to unearth the roots of the sweeping changes that came to elite universities in Britain and America in the 1960s and 1970s. What made institutions that had resisted the presence of women suddenly embrace coeducation? And how far might they still have to go? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy is joined in the studio by Russian journalist Mikhail Zygar, author of "All the Kremlin's Men", to investigate the murky penumbra of power which surrounds Russian President Vladimir Putin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2016 will be remembered as the year populism surged. But Canada stands as a beacon of liberalism. Can its multicultural model be emulated? Our guest, Douglas Murray debates with Americas editor, Brooke Unger. Also, author Jonathan Tepperman assesses Canada's approach to immigration. Anne McElvoy hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After defying polls, scandal and worldwide opprobrium, Donald Trump emerges victorious. We reflect on the election with our US editor John Prideaux and special guest, US politics expert Leslie Vinjamuri. Republican strategist Mac Stipanovich talks about being a Never Trump-er on November 9th. And our DC bureau chief assess the state of the Republican Party from Wisconsin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We explore what drives Hillary Clinton's quest to become America's first female leader. Anne McElvoy speaks to biographer Sally Bedell Smith who explains why Hillary struggles to project the dynamism of her husband's presidency. Pollster Celinda Lake reads the runes of the election. Our Johnson columnist Lane Greene looks to Hillary's speeches to find out what kind of president she might be. And historian Ellen Fitzpatrick assesses the long line of women who vied for the Oval Office. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To find what motivates Donald Trump, Anne McElvoy drops in at the opening of his new hotel, speaks to his biographer, Marc Fisher and investigates 'Trumpism' with sociologist, Arlie Russell Hochschild. Also on the show: linguistic expert Sharon Jarvis discusses the Republican candidate's communication style. And comedian Sage Boggs unveils the art of Trump parody. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Anne McElvoy is joined by Peter Frankopan, historian and bestselling author of The Silk Roads, to discuss how reorienting how the history of the Middle East is viewed could have far reaching ramifications for diplomacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy investigates whether the legacy of former Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan has been fairly or unfairly tarnished by the perception of his role in the financial crash. She is joined by Greenspan's biographer, Sebastian Mallaby, and by the prominent economic historian Niall Ferguson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Tom Standage sits down with renowned physicist Carlo Rovelli to discuss the fragile borders of reality, what political radicalism has in common with scientific invention and whether humanity's days on earth are numbered Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy is joined by author Robert Harris to delve into power and intrigue from the Labour party to the Vatican. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy heads to Potsdam to look into Angela Merkel's future with some of Germany's foremost analysts and thinkers. Together, they ask whether the the three-times Chancellor can weather the recent storms of poor election results and fallout from Brexit - and whether she can once again secure the top job Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy hosts a response to the Economist Intelligence Unit's recent survey of the world's cities, which ranks them by liveability. Talking to ten Economist correspondents scattered across the globe, she investigates cities in crisis, new destinations for Brexit refugees and the poisoned chalice of urban perfection Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls joins Anne McElvoy to discuss his career in centre-left politics and asks why voters are turning to more extreme alternatives. They also delve into personal revelations in his new autobiography – his views on Labour's left wing leadership, reflections on the financial crash. Brexit and why he's risked competing in the TV show, "Strictly Come Dancing". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New York Times CEO and former director general of the BBC Mark Thompson joins host Anne McElvoy and language columnist Lane Greene to discuss Mark's new book, Enough Said: What's Gone Wrong with the Language of Politics. They explore whether political language is in a new decline, and investigate if Donald Trump could be connected to Schrödinger's douchebag Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Election experts Professor Rob Ford and Professor Philip Cowley join host Anne McElvoy to discuss why voters vote the way they do, how sex and football can follow you into the polling booth and why Donald Trump and the European far right may see their fortunes decline over time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason Palmer, editor of the Espresso daily-briefing app, is joined by geneticist and broadcaster Adam Rutherford to get to the bottom of the stories told by human DNA. They discuss the genetics of sprinters, the misguided nature v nurture debate and how promiscuous humans' forebears were. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy interviews prominent psychologist Dacher Keltner, author of new book The Power Paradox, to investigate how power is acquired, maintained and abused Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As part of The Economist's latest 'schools brief' series, we take a look at the seminal papers that have transformed economics and the thinkers behind them. First, our Asia economics editor explains why Hyman Minsky was pulled out of obscurity after the 2008 financial crisis, becoming a posthumous star. And our US economics editor tells us about George Akerlof and his market for so-called 'lemons'. Andrew Palmer hosts.Audio of Janet Yellen, Bruce Kasman and Robert J. Barbera taken from the 18th Annual Hyman P. Minsky Conference, Levy Economics Institute of Bard College. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy is joined in The Economist studio by Ruchir Sharma, investment strategist and author of The Rise and Fall of Nations: Forces of Change in a Post-Crisis World, to discuss the continuing legacy of the 2007-8 financial crash, the prospects for investment in a low growth world- and how The Economist defied the curse of the cover story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy, with Buttonwood columnist Philip Coggan, quiz renowned behavioural economist Richard Thaler on how his theories will shape the future of policy and economics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy and a bevy of political talent, including Andrew Roberts, Peter Hain, Emma Reynolds and Rory Bremner make sense of the chaos in British politics - and a new prime minister. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy hosts, as diplomat and pioneer of liberal interventionism Robert Cooper explains what lessons should be learned from the Chilcot inquiry. And, academic Gareth Stansfield discusses what the report's findings mean for Tony Blair. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy hosts, as diplomat and pioneer of liberal interventionism Robert Cooper explains what lessons should be learned from the Chilcot inquiry. And, academic Gareth Stansfield discusses what the report's findings mean for Tony Blair. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As gadgets become more intelligent, should we embrace smart devices or fear them? Thomas Rid, a professor at King's College and author of a new book, Rise of the Machines: A Cybernetic History, talks to our editors Kenneth Cukier and Edward Lucas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy, joined by deputy editor Edward Carr and financial columnist Philip Coggan, hosts an Economist Asks show after the news that Britain will leave the EU. Former cabinet minister Iain Duncan Smith responds to David Cameron's resignation, and foreign secretary Philip Hammond offers candid advice on Britaiin's options now. And Tom Nuttall gives The Economist's view from Brussels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy hosts a special version of The Economist asks. Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor-in-Chief of The Economist, reveals why the magazine has taken a strong line on Brexit, while Italian ex-Prime Minister and EU Commissioner Mario Monti criticises David Cameron's handling of the issue. Plus, MPs from Leave and Remain go toe to toe, and Lane Greene gives his take on the language that has defined the campaigns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Economics Nobel prizewinner Angus Deaton discusses his pioneering work on health and inequality with Anne McElvoy - and reveals what he makes of the push for Brexit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As clampdowns on freedom of speech become more frequent, a growing number of people are claiming the right "not to be offended". Timothy Garton Ash of Oxford University joins Robert Guest, foreign editor, Emma Hogan, Europe correspondent, and Anne McElvoy to debate the dilemmas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Tim Berners Lee founded the web in 1989, and is now the head of its standards agency, the W3C. He joins deputy editor Tom Standage in The Economist studio to discuss the future of his creation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy looks at the economic heart of the EU referendum campaigns, talking to veteran conservative MP David Davis and Philippe Legrain, a former economic adviser to the president of the European Commission Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber joins Anne McElvoy as she asks: what makes a musical a hit or a flop - and how have the economics changed? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The pace of scientific advancement can seem relentless, and the ingenuity of scientists inexhaustible. But is there a finite amount of knowledge we can acquire about the universe around us? Mathematician Marcus Du Sautoy joins The Economist to discuss what we can never really know. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Frank Trentmann discusses his history of consumerism "Empire of Things" with Anne McElvoy and Brooke Unger, our consumer expert, and reveals the guilty purchasing pleasures he can't resist Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mixing pop and politics: two veterans of The Economist's current affairs coverage select and explore music that has galvanised causes - or changed recent history Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The author of “Smarter, Faster, Better” boasts a way to make us more productive. Kenneth Cukier and Anne McElvoy quiz his findings on Economist Asks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The CEO of the London Stock Exchange, Xavier Rolet, talks to Anne McElvoy and Philip Coggan about the proposed merger of London's historic stock exchange and Deutsche Börse. Would it create a more globally powerful institution - or add more risk to to the financial system? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy talks to Esteban Bullrich, Tony Blair and Tony Little about how teaching might evolve in a world hungry for skills Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy asks our Britain economics correspondent, Callum Williams, to assess George Osborne's 2016 fiscal blueprint and its chances of success Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Browne, author of “The Glass Closet”, and IBM’s Claudia Brind-Woody discuss the best ways for corporations to enhance their Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy speaks to Gareth Jones, co-author of “Why Should Anyone Work Here?” and The Economist's Adrian Wooldridge about ways to keep workers content Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy speaks to Nick Clegg, Britain's former deputy prime minister and member of the Global Commission on Drugs Policy, and our Britain editor, Tom Wainwright, about separating drugs from crime Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy at the World Economic Forum explores whether technology is changing how the world learns Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rising health costs, ageing populations and the impact of out-of-date technology are just some of the challenges faced by the health systems in developed countries Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne McElvoy speaks with the president of the International Rescue Committee to evaluate how the world is responding to the worst refugee crisis since the second world war Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The author of “Humans Need Not Apply" discusses the impact of the artificial-intelligence revolution on peoples' jobs, wealth and happiness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A generation ago Patrick Buchanan ran for president with the same ideas Donald Trump uses today. Now he offers his view on whether hard-right populism can win in 2016 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The administrator of America’s Environmental Protection Agency discusses how its clean power plan aims to curb carbon pollution from power plants Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The executive director of the World Food Programme explains how spending money ahead of a disaster can save lives Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first of a two-part series, we explore the wanton destruction of ancient sites by Islamic State and a crowdsourcing initiative trying to rescue something from the rubble Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Economist asks James Bartholomew, author of “The Welfare of Nations,” whether modern welfare systems stoke unemployment - and how they should be reformed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The historian and author of “Kissinger: Volume 1: The Idealist 1923-1968“ takes a new look at the controversial national security advisor and secretary of state Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second of a three-part series, we explore Britain’s dealings with the European Union and ask if David Cameron can win his battle to renegotiate the terms of the membership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has become the surprise Republican frontrunner early on in the 2016 US presidential cycle. His popularity – and fame – is reflected in the wide media coverage he has been enjoying. His policies, such as they are, have had less attention Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With millions of displaced people in the countries surrounding Europe, The Economist’s deputy editor and Europe editor explore one of the most divisive topics on the political agenda today Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Economist's editor-in-chief Zanny Minton-Beddoes, Lord Falconer, Baroness Finlay and professor Theo Boer debate the arguments for and against assisted dying with Anne McElvoy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"War Art with Eddie Redmayne" examines the artists of the first world war including the creators of false trees, anti-torpedo dazzle paint and portraits of the wounded Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our correspondents are joined by Alistair Darling and Michael Dobbs, the creator of "House of Cards", to consider the aftermath of Britain's general election Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lord O'Donnell, who served as Cabinet Secretary during the last election, explains what preparations the parties might be making for the post-election landscape Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One question posed to a high-profile newsmaker, followed up with lively debate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.