Latest Interviews
Showing 1–9 of 9 transcripts.
Clear all filters- The Economist9 min
Why America is stepping away from the institutions it built | The Economist
U.S. foreign policy is undergoing a structural shift from values-based engagement to a transactional approach, driven by a bipartisan consensus that the post-World War II order has failed to deliver sufficient economic returns or strategic advantages. Former President Trump's 2015 platform catalyzed this pivot by framing the abandonment of multilateral institutions as a correction to decades of free-riding, leading to increased reliance on tariffs and coercive trade rather than traditional alliances. Experts project three potential futures for this realignment: a renegotiated U.S. hegemony, a fragmented status quo, or a chaotic descent into systemic collapse triggered by unchecked military coercion.
- The Economist8 min
Is Russia the real winner from the war in Iran? | The Economist
Zanny Minton Beddoes, Shashank, Greg, Ed
A strategic assessment highlights Russia's improved economic resilience and reduced incentive for negotiations, while Gulf states face a binary choice between dealing with Iran or deepening US security ties at the cost of regional stability. The conflict simultaneously exposes critical US industrial limitations in interceptor stockpiles despite demonstrating superior technical execution, a dynamic that China interprets as evidence of American war fatigue. Consequently, these developments entrench Russia's position and accelerate Beijing's military modernization efforts focused on endurance and missile capabilities.
- The Economist9 min
Is ICE a threat to American democracy?
President Trump's administration has aggressively expanded federal authority by deploying militarized agents to enforce immigration policies, culminating in the fatal shooting of an unarmed nurse and the establishment of unchecked executive control over enforcement actions. While a recent poll shows 92% of respondents view ICE as a threat to democracy, discussion leaders emphasize that only legal accountability for lethal officers, rather than public outrage or "supine" congressional action, can effectively halt this erosion of democratic norms. As the administration continues to pursue political retribution beyond statutory mandates, the critical challenge for the coming year remains whether institutions and civil society will force a confrontation to prevent the normalization of these unchecked executive powers.
- The Economist10 min
Is China the new superpower?
Zanny Minton Beddoes, Edward Carr, Ant, David, Ed, Alice
The analysis examines the People's Liberation Army's advanced regional military capabilities and manufacturing dominance while highlighting severe internal economic stagnation, including three years of deflation and rising youth unemployment. Although China lacks the global projection power of the United States, its strategic focus on national security and superior hypersonic technology positions it to dominate the Indo-Pacific region. Experts conclude that while Beijing will achieve significant geopolitical strength, its long-term stability faces challenges from domestic discontent and an overreliance on foreign markets that it cannot fully control.
- The Economist9 min
What we know about the Ukraine peace plan
Zanny Minton Beddoes, Edward Carr, Olly, Ed, Shashank, Zannie, Chris
Emerging from Geneva talks, a draft treaty to partition Ukraine has evolved from a 28-point plan to an 18-point document featuring relaxed military caps and the potential removal of constitutional bans on NATO membership. While special representative Steve Witkoff allegedly advised Russian negotiators on pressure tactics and leaked communications cast suspicion on the security of the process, key disputes remain regarding the status of Donbass, the enforceability of vague US security guarantees, and the exclusion of European military forces. Analysts warn that despite the removal of restrictive weapon bans, the proposed framework relies on unenforceable terms and creates a strategic vacuum for Ukraine's post-war defense.
- The Economist8 min
What will China do in 2022?
Xi Jinping is positioning himself for a historic third term by centralizing party power through aggressive regulatory crackdowns on the private sector and strict domestic control, which he sustains amidst rising nationalism despite ongoing human rights controversies. This consolidation coincides with a shift toward international assertiveness and a managed geopolitical standoff with the United States, where deep economic interdependence complicates traditional Cold War narratives. As tensions regarding Taiwan remain high with a significant risk of conflict within the next decade, the strategic dilemma for the Biden administration involves balancing firm security guarantees against the potential for destabilizing Asian alliances.
- Milken Institute58 min
Gun Violence as a Public Health Crisis
Ed, Dan Diamond, Dr. Megan Ranney, Dr. Babak Sarani, Lina Wen, Dr. Mallory Williams, Maya, Chris Corey, Kenyatta Hazelwood, Josh, Bob
A panel of medical professionals and public health experts advocates for a public health approach to gun violence, emphasizing that current political narratives often overlook evidence-based solutions like high-capacity magazine restrictions in favor of ineffective symbolic measures. The discussion highlights a severe research drought caused by federal inaction since 1996, while profiling successful local interventions such as Baltimore's Safe Streets program and urging the integration of trauma centers into long-term community conflict resolution. Despite broad optimism for shifting discourse, the panelists warn that sustained progress remains contingent on overcoming funding gaps and addressing the social determinants of health that disproportionately impact minority communities.
- Milken Institute1h 17m
Return on People: The Link Between Human Capital, Values and Corporate Performance
Rich, Efrat, Ed, Pamela, Susan, Greg
Efrat Arison and Credit Suisse executives present evidence that embedding values like sustainability and integrity directly into corporate DNA drives superior financial performance and talent retention. By reframing operational processes from debt collection to mentorship and creating targeted business units for underrepresented communities, these organizations successfully bridge the gap between stated missions and daily practices. This strategic shift addresses the "triple bottom line" by aligning compensation structures with social goals, countering the leakage of human capital where diverse graduates fail to reach leadership due to misaligned corporate cultures.
- Milken Institute58 min
Evolution of Hedge Fund Investing: Institutional Investors Go Direct
Major institutional investors including AXA Investment Managers, AP3, CalPERS, and PGGM are shifting billions in hedge fund allocations from traditional fund-of-funds structures to direct managed accounts to reduce costs, eliminate middle layers, and gain control over portfolio construction. This strategic transition addresses operational risks exposed by the 2008 crisis and allows these entities to negotiate favorable fee terms while demanding specific exposures like alternative credit or systematic risk premiums previously unavailable. Consequently, these pension funds are building internal teams of varying sizes to manage daily stress testing and risk budgeting directly, thereby moving toward "fund of one" structures that offer customized liquidity and concentrated positions.