Latest Interviews
Showing 151–165 of 797 transcripts.
Clear all filters- The Economist11 min
Has Mars revealed a new clue about life on its surface?
Dr Katie Stack Morgan, Alok Jha
NASA's Perseverance rover recently identified distinct mineral patterns in Mars' "Chiava Falls" outcrop that the science team voted to classify as potential biosignatures, marking the closest any agency has come to detecting ancient life. While these findings strongly suggest a biological origin due to their specific chemical arrangement, the rover's limitations require the samples to be returned to Earth for definitive analysis. This critical next step relies on the Mars Sample Return program, which currently faces budgetary uncertainty even as scientists describe the discovery as a historic scientific milestone.
- The Economist9 min
Will President Trump’s Gaza peace plan work?
Trump, Gregg Carlstrom, Rosie Blau, Rosie Bloor
Donald Trump unveiled a comprehensive 20-point plan for Gaza that mandates Hamas to release all hostages and disarm in exchange for an international peacekeeping force and a Board of Peace co-led by the former president. While the proposal includes immediate humanitarian aid and a long-term governance framework, it faces significant friction due to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's opposition to Palestinian Authority involvement and divergent views on establishing a Palestinian state. The initiative places direct pressure on both Hamas to accept terms before facing potential unilateral action by Israel and on the Israeli government to adhere to the stipulated governance structure despite internal disagreements.
- The Economist8 min
How much protein do you really need?
A recent discussion detailed the physiological role of proteins as primary structural materials while analyzing dietary guidelines that range from the World Health Organization's 0.8 grams per kilogram recommendation to sports science suggestions of up to 1.6 grams per kilogram. The presentation highlighted that excessive protein intake above this threshold offers no additional muscle growth benefits and may pose kidney risks, particularly when derived from saturated fats and processed meats. Instead of prioritizing extreme dietary calculations, experts advised combining consistent strength training with enjoyable exercise routines to ensure long-term health and muscle maintenance.
- The Economist10 min
What is the future of the UN?
Anton La Guardia, Jason Palmer
Amidst its 80th anniversary and severe funding crises driven by potential US abandonment, the United Nations faces existential threats from eroding border sanctity and budget cuts forcing agencies to reduce spending by up to one-third. While a French-led coalition recently recognized a Palestinian state to offer symbolic momentum, the organization's future remains uncertain as it navigates three divergent scenarios: becoming a rogue entity separated from Washington, decaying into a shrunken but bureaucratic shell, or being reshaped into a transactional tool for American leadership. Ultimately, experts warn that a strategic vacuum left by US withdrawal could allow Russia and China to dominate global diplomacy, despite the independent continuity of technical agencies like the ICAE and IAEA.
- The Economist10 min
Are British spies ready for future global threats?
Rosie Blau, Shashank Joshi, Rosie Bloor
Outgoing MI6 Chief Richard Moore has identified China as the primary global security threat, directing the agency's expanding mandate toward countering Russian sabotage and Iranian nuclear proliferation alongside emerging technological risks. On October 1st, Blaise Matuloli assumes leadership as the service's youngest and first post-Cold War chief, leveraging her operational background in counter-subversion to navigate a complex landscape where traditional agent recruitment is increasingly hindered by digital surveillance. Facing a finite budget against limitless strategic demands, Matuloli must balance covert intelligence collection with active disruption operations while integrating human and technical capabilities through the newly formalized National Cyber Force.
- The Economist11 min
Can AI supercharge global economic growth?
This analysis contrasts historical economic growth rates of less than 3% annually with Silicon Valley's theoretical projections of 20–30% expansion driven by universal AI task automation. The discussion evaluates the feasibility of these outcomes by weighing technical and regulatory bottlenecks against labor market shifts, capital allocation dynamics, and the divergence between soaring equity valuations and subdued long-term interest rates. Unlike the internet era, which primarily delivered consumer value without immediate GDP acceleration, AI's potential to accelerate knowledge creation and robotics could uniquely reshape long-term living standards if infrastructure constraints are overcome.
- The Economist7 min
Is McKinsey losing its crown to AI?
McKinsey is grappling with stalled revenue growth and a 20% shrinkage in its market lead over Boston Consulting Group following significant workforce reductions and a strategic pivot toward digital capabilities. This erosion of dominance coincides with encroachment from technology firms like Palantir and OpenAI, which are bypassing traditional advisory models by directly deploying engineers to implement AI solutions. The industry now faces a structural transformation where AI threatens to commoditize junior-level analytical work, forcing firms to redefine their value proposition against emerging self-service client capabilities.
- The Economist7 min
How OnlyFans transformed porn
OnlyFans is reportedly listed for sale at $8 billion despite the platform's distinct subscription model and rigorous age verification protocols. The business features a polarized earnings structure where a small elite of creators generates significant revenue through strategic content, while regulatory scrutiny in the UK and Sweden increasingly threatens the adult entertainment sector. Potential acquirers face a complex dichotomy between the company's substantial profit margins and the severe reputational risks associated with its industry.
- The Economist9 min
Has Zelensky made a strategic blunder?
President Volodymyr Zelensky signed emergency legislation transferring control of Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office to the Presidential Office following a rapid, coerced parliamentary vote. The maneuver sparked unprecedented wartime protests in Kyiv and strained relations with Western allies who view these agencies as vital for NATO and EU integration. Facing intense domestic and international backlash, Zelensky subsequently reversed his position and announced plans to draft a new law intended to restore the agencies' independence.
- The Economist8 min
Is Britain the world’s best bargain?
Driven by Brexit-induced currency depreciation and a 30% wage gap against the US, Britain has evolved into a low-cost "services emporium" where exports surged 45% over the last decade, attracting multinationals like JPMorgan Chase to Glasgow as a strategic midpoint between American and Asian labor markets. Despite this export boom, the nation faces a stark dichotomy where stagnant growth and political instability have depressed financial asset valuations, creating a high-risk environment for investors to decide whether current prices reflect justified fiscal chaos or an undervalued opportunity for return.
- The Economist10 min
What Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” means for America
Trump, Charlotte Howard, Idrees Kahloon, John Prideaux
Driven by the filibuster's constraints on traditional debate, Congress is advancing a massive reconciliation "mega bill" that consolidates diverse policy areas including tax relief for the wealthy, Medicaid cuts, and renewable energy phase-downs. This legislation is projected to increase the national deficit by four trillion dollars while delivering regressive economic outcomes that disproportionately harm working-class voters and lower-income constituents. Despite these controversial provisions and the erosion of democratic accountability, political analysts predict the bill will pass with minimal resistance due to Trump's enforcement of party loyalty through primary threats and the prioritization of cultural over economic voter concerns.
- The Economist6 min
Has China become cool?
China's Communist Party is capitalizing on a global sentiment shift driven by technological innovation and pop culture, exemplified by YouTube streamer iShowSpeed's viral two-week visit that showcased high-speed rail and advanced robotics to millions of Western viewers. By pivoting from traditional state propaganda to embracing unscripted creator content, officials aim to rebrand the nation as a modern, "cool" destination while leveraging this soft power for geopolitical gain. Despite the optimistic framing of these organic interactions, Beijing remains cautiously skeptical about whether this renewed cultural appeal will effectively translate into tangible political influence or business advantages.
- The Economist10 min
Can Vietnam be the new Singapore?
Facing a 46% tariff threat from the Trump administration, Vietnam's leadership under General Secretary To Lam is accelerating a radical bureaucratic overhaul to shift its economy from risk-averse state control toward a private-sector-driven model targeting 70% GDP contribution by 2045. This strategic pivot aims to mitigate eroding labor cost advantages and supply chain gaps by encouraging innovation and demanding greater local integration from foreign investors, though challenges regarding an underdeveloped domestic market persist. Recent inconclusive trade talks highlight the urgent need for these structural reforms as the nation navigates the dual pressures of external geopolitical hostility and internal industrial stagnation.
- The Economist11 min
Will AI take Apple’s crown?
Apple's WWDC showcased a major "liquid glass" visual overhaul for iOS while exposing strategic vulnerabilities in its "Apple Intelligence" rollout, which has missed promised feature deadlines and lags behind competitors like Google. The company also faces significant legal and operational challenges, including a court injunction restricting developer communication that threatens its App Store revenue and a supply chain heavily dependent on China. Despite high consumer retention in the premium market, these factors combine with a shifting AI landscape to create uncertainty for Tim Cook's leadership and the long-term valuation of Apple's hardware ecosystem.
- The Economist8 min
How will South Korea’s new president balance China against America?
South Korean reformist Lee Jae-myung secured a landslide victory in a snap election that served as a direct referendum against President Yoon Suk-yo's failed martial law declaration, effectively ending a period of political instability marked by Yoon's impeachment. Transitioning from a progressive populist to a pragmatic moderate, Lee now faces the dual challenge of reviving a battered economy and navigating a complex foreign policy landscape characterized by looming U.S. tariffs and shifting security alliances. Despite inheriting a nation grappling with the world's lowest fertility rate and deep domestic division, his administration aims to stabilize relations with the United States while maintaining balanced ties with China to address these overlapping crises.