Babbage: year end review and preview of 2017

Europe or the economy? Zanny Minton Beddoes on our endorsement

The Economist's editor-in-chief, Zanny Minton Beddoes, discusses her endorsement leader and what she sees as the best government for Britain 
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Britain's election: The economy

A panel of experts from The Economist discuss how global economic markets are likely to react to outcomes of the British election 
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Britain's election: Public foreplay

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 
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Britain's election: Foreign affairs

Watched sparingly in France and with only mild interest in Washington, this election is a reminder of Britain's diminishing role on the world stage 
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Britain's election: Spin doctors

The three main parties have imported exotic international advisors to help spice up their campaigns. But has the hype been good value for money? 
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The Conservatives return: Britain stays blue

Our editors discuss why the Conservatives won, why a federal Britain might not be too far off and what the chances are of Britain leaving the European Union 
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Money talks: Three economies

The economies of America, Britain and Ukraine 
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Babbage: LEDtime

This week our correspondents discuss the effects gadget-use can have on teenagers’ sleep, and Silicon Valley's billion-dollar "unicorns". 
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Britain's general election: As the dust settles

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 
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Smart money: The good that finance can do

The Economist’s business affairs editor, Andrew Palmer, discusses his new book “Smart Money”, which argues that for all its flaws, we need the finance industry more than ever 
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Pick of our week: May 16th 2015

This week: America's Amazons, a makeover for Milan and the distorting effects of debt 
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Money talks: Hurrying up

Greece's looming debt payments, America's deadline for prosecuting white collar financial crimes and Europe's improving economy 
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Babbage: Home-brewed heroin

How lab experiments got a step closer to yeast that can make morphine, and how app experiments by developers such as Facebook happen in New Zealand 
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Pick of our week: May 23rd 2015

This week: Kiwis as guinea pigs, China's deep roots and a red card for Egyptian football fans 
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Money talks: Crunch time for Athens

Greece approaches a real deadline with creditors on June 5th, America's economy shakes and China's stockmarket wobbles 
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Babbage: Thin-skinned

Nokia attracts bids for its HERE mapping service and tests of a few brave mice suggest space travel could be terrible for the skin 
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The Economist Asks: Steve Hilton

The author of "More Human" and former policy advisor to David Cameron talks about how government, education and business are overdue for redesigns 
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Pick of our week: May 30th 2015

This week: Shrinking cities, insuring insurers and growing money on trees 
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Money talks: Show me the risk

WHY fears of an economic slump in America are overblown, and why Mark Carney's Financial Stability Board is taking aim at asset managers 
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Babbage: AI and IA

Ad-blocking software has reached the mainstream and is going mobile, and handheld robots begin to marry what both man and machine do well 
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Pick of our week: June 5th 2015

This week: Sex in the boardroom, spying on spies and the benefits of strong social bonds 
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Margy Kinmonth on war artists: The fork and the spoon

"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 
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Money talks: Iceland's return

Sweeping changes at Deutsche Bank and HSBC and Iceland's capital controls are lifted, delicately 
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Babbage: Up in e-smoke

Organs on chips allow researchers to mimic complicated human systems and Wales plans to ban e-cigarettes 
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Pick of our week: June 13th edition

This week: Lessons from Sesame Street, the history of the duel and stumbling robots 
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Cesar Hidalgo on economic complexity: Why information grows

Cesar Hidalgo from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Lab talks about how knowledge helps global economies and enhances their capacity to grow 
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Money talks: Debt relief

If Greece does not reach a deal capital controls may become necessary, the Swiss economy stays strong despite its currency gamble and the impact of debt relief on very poor countries 
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Babbage: Quantum leaps and bee-conomics

Computer companies are harnessing the power of quantum mechanics and why the majority of bees have no economic value 
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Pick of our week: June 20th 2015

This week: A turtle lands in Tokyo, the death of a much-loved villain and how friendship encourages romance 
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The cost of higher education: Four years out of pocket

Peter Capelli, Mitchell Daniels and Michael Crow speak with The Economist's Anne McElvoy about costs, benefits and improvements in American higher education 
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Money talks: The Greek saga continues

As the deadline for repayment looms, Greece finally offers a concrete set of reforms, Russian assets are seized abroad and a look at China's booming and busting stock markets 
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Babbage: Mapping crises with mobiles

How mobile phone data can help aid workers during humanitarian crises and start-ups which tweak your phone’s connectivity take on the big mobile network companies 
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The great debate: Assisted dying

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 
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Pick of our week: June 26th 2015

This week: The French turn their backs on baguettes, South Koreans tighten their apron strings and a forgotten pope is resurrected 
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Money talks: Only God and Merkel

As capital controls take hold in Greece and a referendum is set, the mood grows increasingly anxious in Athens 
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Babbage: Break-ups

Embryos frozen during relationships lead to legal troubles down the road, and SpaceX loses a cargo carrier in the risky business of rocketry 
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Pick of our week: July 3rd 2015

This week: Windmills lose their shine in The Netherlands, China's über-rich get humble and a famous cat utters its last meow. 
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Babbage: Hacking the hackers

The Hacking Team gets hacked, exposing alleged illegal activities, and NASA's New Horizons probe flickers back to life as it approaches the planetoid Pluto 
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Money talks: Separation anxiety

Greece seems to have lost allies as Eurozone ministers set a new deadline for reforms, Barclays sacks its chief executive and China's stockmarket is floundering 
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Pick of our week: July 10th 2015

This week: How to banish bad manners, death gets its due at the Guggenheim and is marriage really worth it? 
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The Economist asks: The language of Greece's debt crisis

From debt bumps to paperology and the power of "oxi" - the crisis vocabulary in Berlin, Brussels and Athens tells us a lot about differing attitudes 
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Money talks: Tiger finance

Both the City of London and Wall Street fear the exodus of banks to eastern capitals, but just how dominant are Asia's financial centres? 
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Babbage: Atomic vision

Hackers threaten the "internet of things", and scientists use atomic microscopes to observe and control chemical reactions in real time 
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Pick of our week: July 17th 2015

This week: Elephants that can pick up the scent of landmines, Mexico's authorities let slip a drug lord and the health conundrum of social mobility 
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Money talks: Minimum-wage mania

Governments are enthusiastically raising the minimum wage of workers. But how high can they go without being harmful? 
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Babbage: The Jodie Foster moment

Clinical trials for drugs are not as closely scrutinised as they should be and a Russian billionaire is on the hunt for extraterrestrials 
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The Economist asks: Empire of the geeks

With its stratospheric growth and increasing international influence, Silicon Valley is inspiring talk of a bubble, and some copycats 
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Pick of our week: July 24th 2015

This week: Poles learn to love cider, why employees are the enemy within and we say farewell to a humble beekeeper 
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Money talks: Peaks and valleys

Fed watchers mull automating monetary policy; emerging markets feel the effects of China's stockmarket slump and exchange-traded funds surpass hedge funds 
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Babbage: Sunset and sunrise in the Kuiper belt

Scientists fit living cells with lasers to track what they get up to and New Horizons gets a stunning final look back at Pluto 
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Ghost fleet: History of a future war

P.W. Singer and August Cole discuss their new thriller, in which America's navy fights back against a Chinese invasion of Hawaii with the support of hackers, venture capitalists and an Australian billionaire 
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Pick of our week: August 1st 2015

This week: Morrisey mania in Mexico, workforce stereotypes hit Generation "Y" and why we worry more 
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Money talks: LIBOR prison blues

A trader is sentenced to 14 years in prison for rate-rigging, armoured cars enter the luxury goods market and the British government sells down its stake in Royal Bank of Scotland 
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Babbage: Notes from the oeno files

Fine wine is priced by using artificial intelligence and President Obama announces new rules to reduce carbon emissions 
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The Economist Asks: The ups and downs of capitalism

John Plender, author of "Capitalism: Money, Morals and Markets", and our Schumpeter columnist explore history to explain the free market's vices, virtues and future 
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Pick of our week: August 7th 2015

This week: Pyongyang meets Manhattan, the sorry state of Middle East politics and furniture turns robotic 
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Money talks: Google Hathaway

GOOGLE rebrands as 'Alphabet', Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway makes its biggest ever deal and two telecoms rivals merge in Italy 
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Babbage: Thinking with your tentacles

The secret to the intelligence of the octopus lies in its genome and scientists explore how big data disrupts the principle of anonymity 
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Pick of our week: August 14th 2015

This week: North Korea goes back in time, Russia destroys tonnes of food and an iconic free diver makes her final descent 
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Money talks: Not so hot commodities

Commodities take a further dive which has impacted inflation globally and America finally eases its ban on crude oil exports 
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Babbage: Climate's wild child

A new technique makes editing the human genome much easier and this year's El Niño, a disrupting climate phenomenon, could be the strongest ever 
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Tasting Menu: August 21st 2015 edition

This week: Asia's floundering fertility rates, how to invest like the Amish and why arachnophobes shouldn't look up 
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Money talks: China's boom gone bust

The stockmarket rout in China could be the first step towards a recasting of the global economy or a summertime speedbump in an otherwise healthy economy 
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Babbage: The microbes in our midst

Scientists say a universal flu vaccine is on the horizon and a new study unearths the thousands of bacteria and fungi in our homes 
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The Economist Asks: Europe’s huddled masses

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 
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Tasting Menu: August 28th 2015 edition

This week: The Great Fall of China, the economics of croissants and a tennis-loving physicist serves his final match 
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Money talks: Chinese ripples

Another week of market volatility sees the Fed possibly going ahead with a rate rise, Chinese manufacturing drop and oil prices see saw 
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Babbage: Inspectors' gadgets

New technology used by nuclear weapons inspectors and 3D printing buildings on Earth and in outer space 
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Cards on the table: The Economist interviews Donald Trump

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 
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The Economist asks: Brexit, part one

A referendum on Britain’s place in the European Union is likely to take place in September 2016. In the first of a three-part series, we ask assorted experts what is at stake 
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Tasting menu: September 4th 2015 edition

This week: the mystery of a Nazi gold train in Poland, the history of the much heralded herring and a new weapon in the war on malaria 
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Money talks: Tumble and fall

The commodities crash forces the mining and trading group behemoth, Glencore, to drastically adjust its balance sheet as global trade stalls and the copper market swoons 
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Babbage: What lies beneath

Radar scans reveal an enormous site of underground stone monoliths near Stonehenge and subterranean plant seed banks could save harvests and lives in the face of climate change 
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The Economist asks: Brexit, part two

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 
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Tasting menu: September 11th 2015 edition

This week: a new human ancestor, a rift in Japan's Yakuza and the enduring effects of bank heists 
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Money talks: Far-out and far left

Britain's Labour party has a new leader and possibly a new, radical economic agenda, Africa's farms aren't growing and the upside to tube strikes 
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Babbage: Hybrid fliers

The hybrid and electric plane industry takes off and advanced artificial intelligence is used to diagnose disease 
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The Economist asks: Brexit, part III

Britons have long had a selective relationship with the grand European project. In the final episode of the series, we ask whether it might be about to lead to a final Brexit 
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Tasting menu: September 18th 2015 edition

This week: speed-dating birds, successful slum clinics and the economics of deception 
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Putin's Russia: TV, the nuclear button

Arkady Ostrovsky, The Economist's Russia and East European editor, on how oligarchs, ideologues and television rebuilt Russia 
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Money talks: Noxious business

Volkswagen confessed to cheating on emissions tests in America in the latest corporate blow-up. How do firms deal with costly disasters both accidental and self-induced? 
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Babbage: Zoning drones

The rise in drone hobbyism raises questions about how best to control the skies, and scientists hope to catch sight of Einstein's gravitational wave 
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The Economist asks: Lord Browne

The former CEO of BP says great businesses should develop connections with society, but the difficulty of doing so means few manage it 
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Tasting menu: September 25th 2015 edition

This week: Volkswagen makes a shocking confession, Generation XXX and Picasso's dazzling sculptures 
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Money talks: The business of skin

From newspapers to music, the media world has been upended by the internet. Porn is no exception. How has the industry survived amid an endless torrent of free adult content? 
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Babbage: Opportunity and curiosity

Countries pledge to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions ahead of the UN climate summit in Paris and NASA discovers water on Mars reigniting hopes for life on the red planet 
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Tasting menu: October 2nd 2015 edition

This week: North Korea’s ruling party turns 70, Swaziland’s king goes on a lavish spending spree and a philosophical baseball player lays down his bat 
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The Planet Remade: Brightening the clouds

Oliver Morton, The Economist’s essays and briefings editor, discusses how changing attitudes towards geoengineering could change the world, literally 
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Money talks: The art of the tax dodge

Corporate tax avoidance schemes cost governments an estimated $240 billion a year. Can new measures to curb the practice keep company profits away from offshore havens? 
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Wim Wenders: Storytelling

The renowned German director discusses film-making, his evolving career in photography and the way every landscape tells a story 
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Babbage: Nobel's neutrinos

A data transfer pact between the EU and America is struck down in Europe and two scientists working on the changing identities of neutrinos receive the Nobel Prize in Physics 
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Myanmar: Blood, dreams and gold

Richard Cockett, The Economist’s former south east Asia bureau chief, discusses Myanmar’s colonial past, current president and the country’s increasing geopolitical importance 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from this week’s Economist

This week: a blue period for China’s art market, a poison test for shellfish and a British political giant is laid to rest 
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Money talks: The GDP conundrum

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the most closely watched economic indicator but is it fit for purpose? 
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Babbage: Swine lifelines

Dell makes a $67 billion bet in the form of the technology industry's largest ever merger and scientists prepare pig organs for human transplants 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the October 16th, 2015 edition

This week: job-pinching robots, the resurrection of flying boats and the peculiarity of ancient Romans 
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Money talks: The fintech edge

Will Silicon Valley bring down the banks? From payments to remittances, startups are disrupting the world of financial services and luring young talent away from banks 
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Babbage: Fusion and confusion

Fusion energy gets a new star player and an unusual find in our galaxy both perplexes astronomers and gives hope to alien hunters 
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Arthur Miller and modern-day witch-hunts: The Economist asks: Tom Morris

“The Crucible” seems to resonate with every era in which it is performed. How do accusation, evidence and hysteria combine in an age of big data and social media? 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the October 23rd, 2015 edition

This week: Hong Kong's controversial post boxes, ridiculous business names and the link between birth order and intelligence 
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Money talks: Accounting for profit

Company bosses have many ways to massage their firms' accounts. Many are legal, but can attract the wrath of investors if discovered 
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Babbage: Time and energy

Why stock traders will soon need atomic clocks and Dupont finally tries to crack cellulosic biofuel 
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Henry Kissinger’s idealism: The Economist asks: Niall Ferguson

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 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the October 31st 2015 edition

This week: a new superpredator stalks North America, Japan’s Buddhist temples feel the squeeze and cashpoints get iris scanners 
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Money talks: The trust machine

Apostles of blockchain, the technology behind Bitcoin, think of it as the internet of money with implications stretching far beyond the cryptocurrency 
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Babbage: The big chill

Hypersonic air-breathing engines may at least be a reality and the Cassini spacecraft has a close encounter with Saturn's icy moon 
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The Economist asks: Flora Fraser

We ask the author of a new historical biography how Martha Washington's role shaped the course of America's history, and became a template for future First Ladies 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the November 6th 2015 edition

This week: the effect of religion on generosity, American forces free maple­-syrup from captivity and a 5,000­-year­-old­ tree changes sex 
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Money talks: Shy unicorns

Some of Silicon Valley's most successful companies have yet to go public. The private world of "unicorns" is a gentler place than the stockmarket, perhaps artificially 
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Babbage: Things visible and invisible

How satellites can save lives in the aftermath of an earthquake and a tantalising signal looks increasingly like it could be from dark matter 
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Welfare states: Kind with consequences

The Economist asks James Bartholomew, author of “The Welfare of Nations,” whether modern welfare systems stoke unemployment - and how they should be reformed 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the November 13th 2015 edition

This week: how to mix comedy and economics, why repetitive pop music is a high art form and some notes from a festival of beards 
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Money talks: A world of debt

Like the sub-prime mortgage crisis in America and the sovereign debt crisis in Europe, emerging markets could be on the cusp of their own debt reckoning 
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Babbage: The rise of the drone-selfie

Google makes its core machine-learning system, TensorFlow, open-source and the Flying Robot International Film Festival kicks off in San Francisco 
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The Economist asks: Is virtual-reality the future of history?: Project Mosul, part one

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 
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The Economist asks: Edward Carr on taking the fight to Isis

Our deputy editor Edward Carr explains the thinking behind our leading article on how to respond to the Paris attacks 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the November 20th 2015 edition

This week: The complex history of tap dancing, China loses its taste for ivory, and how to put air-conditioning into clothing 
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Money talks: Terrorism and the economy

Analysing the effects of terrorist acts on lost GDP or lower stockmarket indices may seem to be missing the point. But terrorists aim to wreak havoc, including with our economy 
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Babbage: Relativity's revelations

Our correspondents discuss the importance of Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity and how it is still revealing the secrets of our cosmos 
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The Economist asks: Is virtual reality the future of history?: Project Mosul, part two

In the second of a two-part series, we debate the digital preservation of antiquities and learn how to sculpt with software inside The Economist's virtual-reality museum 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the November 27th, 2015 edition

This week: Minecraft teaches history, Americans take a shine to cricket and space tourism comes one step closer for mankind 
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Money talks: Should we tax sugar?

Governments around the world are taxing sugary drinks to help curb obesity, but do so-called 'sin taxes' on the likes of sugar or cigarettes work or has the nanny state gone rogue? 
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Rachel Notley on carbon taxes

Carbon taxes could be one of the most effective ways to tackle climate change. The premier of Alberta explains how the Canadian province plans to price emissions 
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Babbage: Materials for making and cleaning

New materials are changing the way we make things from light bulbs to cars and aircraft, and there's a better way to capture carbon from fossil fuels before it is burned 
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COP21: Ertharin Cousin on forecast-based finance

The executive director of the World Food Programme explains how spending money ahead of a disaster can save lives 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the December 4th 2015 edition

This week: dealing with reluctant heirs, the search for gravity’s rainbow and the fear of the figure four 
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Money talks: How to help whistleblowers?

Whistleblowing, responsible for uncovering 42% of exposed corporate fraud, is often met with hostility, penalties and sometimes prosecution. But this may be about to change 
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Babbage: A bit of peace, round the corner

The end of bitcoin’s civil war and a look at new technology that can be used to see round corners 
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COP21: Gina McCarthy on the clean power plan

The administrator of America’s Environmental Protection Agency discusses how its clean power plan aims to curb carbon pollution from power plants 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the December 12th 2015 edition

This week: Colombia’s authorities find sunken treasure, the taxman pays a visit to South Korea’s clergy and some tips for seeing around corners 
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Money talks: The Fed awakens

Rebooting the age-old "Monetary Wars" saga, the Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates for the first time since June 2006. What will the impact be for America and beyond? 
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Babbage: Climate of change

A look at last week’s climate talks in Paris: what was agreed on, how realistic the goals are and whether there is reason to be optimistic 
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Tasting menu: Highlights from the December 19th 2015 edition

This week: what happened when slaves and free men were shipwrecked together, agony aunts through the ages and a day in the life of a Beijing park 
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Money talks: Money in the movies

Finding the bad guy in Hollywood films is easy: he either has a British accent or he works in finance. Philip Coggan and Oliver Morton analyse cinema’s famous financiers 
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Babbage: The ghost of Babbage past

In the first of two holiday specials, our hosts look at the stories of a century ago, from X-ray crystallography to sonar, continental drift and the first sighting of Pluto 
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Street fashion: From darkness to chicness

David Tovey, an artist and fashion designer speaks to The Economist about battling serious illnesses, his memories of being homeless in London and the power of art 
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Money talks: The scandals of 2016

Our hosts look into their crystal ball to identify the scandals of tomorrow. Look out for swindled art collectors, spoiled wine connoisseurs, bungled legal invoices and rigging in sports 
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Babbage: The ghosts of Babbage future

In our second holiday special, our hosts look back from 2115. Pluto’s portraits may be humdrum by then, but AI, gene editing and quantum computing may have changed the world 
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Patrick Buchanan on far-right populism

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 
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The best books of 2015

This year saw a boom in dark books about the future of America, new translated fiction and accounts of the battle of Waterloo. Our correspondents discuss the finest books on their shelves 
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Tasting menu: Highlights from the January 2nd 2015 edition

This week: the history of election betting, what whaling taught the world of finance and a glance back at 1916 
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Money talks: The Big Mac Index

The Economist’s burger benchmark aims to make exchange-rate theory more digestible. Our correspondents chew over the reasons some currencies appear as cheap as chips 
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Babbage: Blackholes and hoverboards

Scientists are learning more than ever about black holes as astronomical objects and an American firm brings a real McFly hoverboard to market 
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The euro experiment: Trial and error

Paul Wallace, The Economist’s European economics editor, explores the sources of the euro crisis and assesses the risks that the single currency still faces in his new book 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the January 9th 2016 edition

This week: a gene-editing company files for an IPO, why accurate growth forecasting remains elusive and the death of the European night club 
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Money talks: A cocktail of risks

Worries about the Chinese economy continue to dog global markets. Famous economists and investors are making grim predictions. Is 2016 the year of doom and gloom? 
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Babbage: The pollution solution

How big data can help tackle air pollution and a bright idea makes for a better light bulb 
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The Economist asks: Jerry Kaplan

The author of “Humans Need Not Apply" discusses the impact of the artificial-intelligence revolution on peoples' jobs, wealth and happiness 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the January 16th 2016 edition

This week: unpacking the myths of marriage, why working in a tech startup isn’t all free lunches and bean bags and how pollution speeds up homing pigeons 
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Money talks: The drawback of cheap oil

Our energy and economics editors explain why the plummeting oil price may not be as good as usual for the world economy and our Buttonwood columnist discusses his award-winning article on the deep-rooted problems of the financial sector 
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Babbage: Viruses and Facebook friends

A mosquito-borne virus is linked to a worrying number of birth defects in Brazil and has social media expanded the number of friendships we can maintain? 
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The Economist asks: David Miliband on Syria and the humanitarian response

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 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the January 23rd 2016 edition

This week: why to be optimistic about podcasts, ranking of America’s university professors and the benefits of believing in divine retribution 
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Waging war: The World in Conflict

In his new book, John Andrews, former foreign correspondent for The Economist, discusses the history, evolution and persistence of terrorism and global warfare 
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Money talks: The tax man cometh

A deal struck between Google and the British government over back payments signals change in the way multinationals will be taxed, though it is proving controversial 
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Babbage: Schizophrenic genes

Scientists identify the genes that are driving schizophrenia and as touchscreens become more responsive, imaginative new uses may emerge 
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The Johnson column: Speech in print

The Economist’s language column will appear every fortnight in the print edition. Lane Greene talks about the science, history and controversies he has covered so far 
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The Economist asks: What would the world's best health system look like?

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 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the January 30th 2016 edition

This week: an illiberal alliance in central Europe, Thailand’s craze for haunted dolls and how to sniff out the perfect pinot 
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Money talks: A peer-to-peer Ponzi scheme

Ponzi schemes abound in China and the latest has bilked nearly one million investors; and we also look at why negative interest rates have gone from being a European phenomenon to a global one 
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Babbage: Frosty organs and doped-up horses

A charity in America rallies transplant-organ preservation scientists, and researchers in Hong Kong think they've found a way to detect doping in racehorses 
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The Economist asks: Is ed tech transforming education?

Anne McElvoy at the World Economic Forum explores whether technology is changing how the world learns 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the February 6th 2016 edition

This week: North Korea tests the world’s patience, HSBC has an identity crisis (again) and Algeria’s president remains absent 
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Money talks: Banks and bear markets

Our correspondents discuss sharp falls in the value of bank stocks and evaluate the parallels with the 2007-08 financial crisis 
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Babbage: Slimy, underwater light-eaters

This week we look at how selectively bred coral-dwelling algae might survive warmer waters and at how bacteria bend light to direct their tiny bodies toward the sun 
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The Economist asks: Legalising cannabis

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 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the February 13th 2016 edition

This week: the first glimpse of gravitational waves, how con artists fool the world and the economics of dating 
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Money talks: Clutching at straws

This week we discuss whether policy-makers are out of ammunition to fight global financial jitters, pondering efforts to prop up oil prices and signs that central banks will ease monetary policy further 
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Babbage: 5G to unite them all

The fifth generation of mobile network promises to take us one step closer to wireless paradise and researchers infect patients with modified viruses to fight cancer 
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The Economist asks: What makes a happy workplace?

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 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the February 20th 2016 edition

This week: soggy sales in the cereal world, the ups and downs of Utopianism and India’s penchant for hard liquor 
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Money talks: Trumponomics

Donald Trump's presidential campaign is astounding political analysts and flummoxing economists; and we also look at whether high denomination bank notes are useful only to criminals Correction: We attribute an analysis of Donald Trump's economic proposals at 2:40 minutes to the Tax Policy Centre, when in fact it is from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. We regret the error. 
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Babbage: Apple and the reason for sex

Apple clashes with the FBI over accessing iPhone data and scientists finally prove why we keep having sex 
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Narconomics: How to run a drug cartel

Tom Wainwright, The Economist's Britain editor and former Mexico correspondent, explores the parallels between the $300 billion illegal drugs business and the corporate world, from franchising to corporate social responsibility 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the February 27th 2016 edition

This week: Hollywood’s big stars lose their sparkle, the thrills of becoming an animal and how jogging can stave off cancer 
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Money talks: Argentina in the black

Argentina's debt crisis seems finally to be coming to an end. Will its deal with creditors enable it to borrow abroad again at last? Should lenders to Venezuela, on the brink of its own default, applaud or shudder? 
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The Economist asks: LGBT at work

John Browne, author of “The Glass Closet”, and IBM’s Claudia Brind-Woody discuss the best ways for corporations to enhance their 
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Babbage: From footies to selfies

Brain scans of American footballers reveal the darker side of contact sports and a new study on social media uncovers why we take selfies 
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1843: Our new magazine

From Antarctica to the equally chilly arena of French far-right politics, we take a peek into some of the stories featured in 1843’s first issue, published March 9th 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the March 5th 2016 edition

Canada is cool again, talk shows in Egypt are farce and we say farewell to a daring, veteran pilot 
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Money talks: Heavy-metal China

Optimism about China's economy has fuelled a resurgence of commodity prices from iron ore to oil. But how long will it last? 
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Babbage: The future of computing

In a milestone for artificial intelligence, a program designed to play the ancient Asian game of Go has won the first of its five games against a human champion. It's an example of how smarter software, not just more powerful hardware, will drive progress in the computer industry in future 
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The Johnson column: Why punctuation is a prickly business

Our Johnson columnist, Lane Greene, explores why issues of punctuation make us jump at each other's throats 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the March 12th 2016 edition

This week: the rise of India’s guru-entrepreneurs, financing divorce becomes big business and how to become an astronaut 
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Money talks: Bitcoin lessons

The digital currency was created to challenge existing financial institutions, but may end up helping bankers 
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Babbage: Data heard, memories retrieved

Scientists find ways of analysing data sonically, not visually, and a new study suggests how memory problems in Alzheimer's disease aren't with storage, but with retrieval 
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The Economist asks: Britain's budget

Anne McElvoy asks our Britain economics correspondent, Callum Williams, to assess George Osborne's 2016 fiscal blueprint and its chances of success 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the March 19th 2016 edition

This week: Kim Jong Un releases some revealing photographs, a cyber-heist befalls Bangladesh’s central bank and why you should treat evil bosses like vampires 
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Money talks: Fudge-ocracy

This week: What a study about promotions in China might say about the country's GDP data, and stormy waters ahead for asset managers 
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Babbage: How to crack an iPhone

The FBI claims it may be able to bypass the privacy protections on a terrorist's Apple phone. But the broader dispute over balancing user privacy and national security remains. 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the March 26th 2016 edition

This week: a brief visit to an existentialist café, how to map city soundscapes, and what happens when you crowdsource a name from the internet 
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Money talks: The problem with profits

THIS WEEK: What too much profit at the top means for America and how billionaires in emerging countries are riding the waves of economic growth 
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Babbage: What’s in a yeast?

New yeasts could open up new flavours for clever chocolate and coffee producers, and sonic booms may become less loud, unleashing faster private air travel 
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The Economist asks: What is the future of teaching?

Anne McElvoy talks to Esteban Bullrich, Tony Blair and Tony Little about how teaching might evolve in a world hungry for skills 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the April 2nd 2016 edition

This week: some self-help for white-collar workers, signs of happier times for Baghdad’s restaurant scene and a lucrative trade in souvenirs from America’s presidential campaign 
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Money talks: The Panama evasion

The leak of a huge trove of documents from Mossack Fonseca, a Panamanian law firm, creates an uproar from Iceland to China 
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Babbage: Mark Zuckerberg's vision

An efficient, low-cost way to detect explosives, and our US technology editor analyses Facebook’s future after an interview with its boss, Mark Zuckerberg 
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The Economist asks: Should the London stock exchange be part of a mega-merger?

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? 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the April 9th edition

Alaska's fishermen put their yarns to good use, the subtle advantages of working in two languages and a Russian way to make "patriotic" Parmesan 
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Money talks: How Russia bounced back from the oil crash

The agile response of the Russian Central bank to the oil crisis caught many off guard; so, how did the organs of Russian finance weather the crash? And, as the Panama papers threaten global tax havens, where should privacy end and transparency begin? 
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Babbage: Better lives for autistic people

Researcher Simon Baron-Cohen joins our writers to discuss autism in the workplace. And our innovation editor on mapping technology in driverless cars. 
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The Economist asks: Charles Duhigg on how to be smarter

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 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the April 16th 2016 edition

This week: some snippets overheard on America’s presidential campaign trail, running clubs take off in Cairo and some genetic superheroes emerge—though their identity remains a mystery 
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Money talks: Single and ready to spend

Unmarried women are becoming an increasingly potent economic force and we check in with the author of our Special report on business in Africa 
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Babbage: One blockchain to rule them all?

This week we discuss how to keep drones away from manned aircraft and talk to Vitalik Buterin, inventor of Ethereum 
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Special Relationship: Coming Soon

Special Relationship is a podcast collaboration that examines the US presidential election from the characteristic perspectives of two leading news organizations. Hosted by The Economist’s John Prideaux and Mic’s Celeste Katz, Special Relationship grapples with the major themes and issues in a campaign that has been anything but predictable. Each episode is a conversation, fusing deep dives into specific themes with broader perspectives provided by global and historical comparisons from both sides of the pond. It’s a unique transatlantic partnership between two distinctive voices. It’s a special relationship. 
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The Economist asks: Does pop really influence politics?

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 
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On pluralism and light

"Holy Lands” by Nicolas Pelham and "Six Facets of Light” by Anne Wroe are two new books by Economist writers. Both look at contemporary questions through historical lenses 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the April 23rd 2016 edition

This week: how to determine good jazz from bad, the reason people sleep badly in a new bed and why central banks might start dropping money from helicopters 
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Money talks: Emerging market déjà vu

Commodities, emerging markets and inflation expectations may all have reached a turning point. Is it 1999 all over again? And we explore whether China's strategic ambitions in Africa are overstated 
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Special Relationship: Terrorism and National Security

In ancient times — pre-2012, say — American presidential elections were often reasoned, somber affairs. The 2016 campaign will not be remembered that way. Combative candidates have channeled voters' anger and fear into a new strain of hypernationalism. In this, our first episode of Special Relationship, we examine how fear of terrorism is shaping the campaign — and whether what is happening in the U.S. is really so different from the politics of other countries. 
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Babbage: The legacy of Chernobyl

We discuss the political and scientific impact of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster on its 30th anniversary, and a new way to protect cells from many different kinds of virus 
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The Economist asks: Frank Trentmann on consumer cultures

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 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the April 30th 2016 edition

This week: how sharing power could free phone users from dead-battery tyranny, why the blue-sky thinking of billionaires should be welcomed and ready-made city centres pop up all over Florida 
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Money talks: I am Bitcoin

Craig Wright claims to have founded the cryptocurrency. Our technology and business affairs editors debate whether his 'proofs' add up. Plus China's looming debt crisis - and the economics of Game of Thrones 
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Babbage: Will your surgeon be a robot?

Surgical operations become more akin to driverless cars. And users try out IBM's quantum computer 
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The Economist asks: Have we reached the limits of human knowledge?

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. 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the May 7th 2016 edition

This week: Venezuela scrambles to keep its lights on, China tries to exterminate foreign names and media companies bet big on theme parks 
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Money talks: Bailout in Brussels

The Greek government's massive debts are troubling Europe again; and does the quest for affordable housing trump the right to a holiday home? 
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Babbage: Yellow fever - the next pandemic?

Kenneth Cukier investigates the burgeoning yellow fever outbreak in Angola. Also, astrobiologist Sanjoy Som fills us in on his research into the Earth's early atmosphere, and there's some eggstatic news for the egg industry 
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Special Relationship: The Woman Card

In our second episode, we examine the complexities of why American voters may select or reject their first female leader. Celeste and John talk about how Clinton's second attempt to win the Oval Office may be helped — or hurt — by her gender. Guest Joanne Bamberger, author of "Love Her, Love Her Not: The Hillary Paradox," speaks about the complexities of how female voters view Clinton and the personal and political choices she's made. And later, Economist Senior Editor Anne McElvoy contrasts Clinton's quest with how women such as Margaret Thatcher and Angela Merkel rose to power in Europe. 
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The Economist Asks: How to make a musical hit?

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? 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the May 14th 2016 edition

This week: the business of breeding crocodiles looks as snappy as ever, the importance of growing wine in the desert and how to make something useful out of broken egg shells 
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Money talks: How to fix the Federal Reserve

Finance editor Edward McBride presents a US special, taking on conflicts of interest at the heart of American finance and examining the grim reality behind optimistic stock forecasts. 
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Babbage: Trending: The demise of antibiotics

We talk to Jim O’Neill about how the overconsumption of antibiotics has eroded their effectiveness and discuss whether Facebook is turning into a news publisher 
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The Economist asks: Who's winning the economic argument on Brexit?

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 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the May 21st 2016 edition

This week: A kerfuffle over Cypriot cheese, why demand for beef in France is getting rarer and Britons lose their taste for a tipple 
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Money talks: Regulating the digital economy

How should digital platforms like Google and Facebook be regulated? And quinoa has impressed everyone from Oprah to the United Nations but is quinoa competition putting farmers in Bolivia and Peru out of business? 
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Babbage: The evolution of intelligence

New technology combines 3D printing with traditional machining, and a fresh theory on how humans became so smart 
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Special Relationship: Ad Wars

In our third episode, Celeste and John focus on the stunning tidal wave of 2016 campaign television advertising — and whether or not it's even effective. Veteran strategist and admaker Jimmy Siegel opens the discussion with his take on what makes a winning TV commercial. Darrell West, vice president and director of governance studies at the Brookings Institution, speaks about the changing landscape of how candidates connect with voters and forecasts the general election ad wars. And Matt Steinglass, The Economist's Europe editor, contrasts America's political broadcast bonanza with the very different — but changing — tone of TV commercials across the pond. 
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The Economist asks: Can the open web survive?

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. 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the May 28th 2016 edition

This week: What business executives are learning from Formula One drivers, a Brazilian guide to cutting corners and some snippets from America’s campaign trail 
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Money talks: Banks brace for Brexit

Already under pressure to cut costs, banks are reluctant to spend on contingency plans. But leaving the EU could turn their business upside down. Patrick Lane, banking editor, reports. Also, Soumaya Keynes asks: how many workers are at risk of being replaced by machines? 
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Babbage: Escaping black holes

Stephen Hawking revises his theory of black holes and argues that everything may not be lost at the "event horizon" after all. And new sensors made by inkjet printers can tell when a new layer of sunscreen is needed to prevent sunburns. Hosted by Kenneth Cukier 
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The Economist asks: Why is free speech coming under new pressures?

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 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the June 4th 2016 edition

This week: Why grit matters more than talent, how life coaches are popping up all over Nigeria and what Italy’s pride for food reveals about its economic problems 
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Money talks: Are asset managers worth the money?

Edward McBride brings in Philip Coggan to get to the bottom of asset management fees. And, data journalists Dan Rosenheck and Wade Zhou excavate the numbers behind the numbers in the world of Broadway musicals. 
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Babbage: The price of a private phone call

Would you spend £10,000 on a smartphone? Tom Standage and Anne McElvoy visit the world of luxurious technology. Matthew Kaplan explains how your holiday snaps can have scientific uses, and researcher Lauren Sherman reveals how teenage brains react to social media 
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The Economist asks: How much does inequality matter?

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 
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Special Relationship: Bernie Sanders and Beyond

Today, Celeste and John delve into the Bernie Sanders phenomenon and what it means for the future of Democratic and third-party politics. Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, a supporter of Sanders rival Hillary Clinton, looks at the election through the lens of his own experiences as a 2004 presidential contender. He gives his take on not only Clinton and Sanders, but on presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump as well. Providing an international perspective: Writer Sam Knight, who uses the knowledge he gained from producing a deeply reported New Yorker magazine profile of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to compare the state of left-flank politics in the U.S. and the U.K. 
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Tasting menu Audio highlights from the June 11th 2016 edition

This week: Fixing the global scourge of potholes, green spaces are in retreat in the Middle East and airships may soon be delivering groceries to the Arctic 
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Money talks: The economics of gun violence

Finance editor Edward McBride is joined by free exchange columnist Ryan Avent to discuss the economics of gun violence and gun control in the wake of the Orlando shootings. And, Asia economics editor Simon Rabinovitch lifts the lid on the mysterious shadow banks of Wenzhou. 
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Babbage: Gaming goes to Hollywood

Green screens could soon be a thing of the past as studios switch to video game technology to build special effects*; and a group of scientists in Syria and Europe find a nifty way to rid of a nasty, organic pollutant ^ See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mkm22yO-bs for The Jungle Book Official Trailer 
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The Economist asks: EU Referendum Special

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. 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the June 18th 2016 edition

This week: How used fruits can suck up toxins, China’s officials meet reality television and our analysis as to what makes a hit show on Broadway 
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Money talks: Is CEO pay out of control?

Edward McBride brings in business affairs editor Andrew Palmer to reflect on the ever growing pay packets of company bosses. Also, Max Rodenbeck reports from Delhi on the resignation of India's central bank governor Rajan Raghuram, and health care correspondent Natasha Loder explains how big data could mean big returns for investors in genomics. 
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Babbage: What history might tell us about AI

Concerns abound about the impact of artificial intelligence, but could history suggest a brighter future? A new algorithm is designed to hunt down hateful videos on the Internet. And we hear from two scientists, Mauro Costa-Mattioli and Shelly Buffington, whose new study links obesity to autism. Hosted by Kenneth Cukier 
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Special Relationship: The Politics of Gun Control

Today, Celeste and John speak with U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, the Connecticut Democrat who led a 15-hour filibuster to force lawmakers to take action on stronger gun control regulations after 49 people were gunned down at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Murphy's measure also came as Jo Cox, a U.K. Labour Party member of Parliament, was murdered in a savage shooting and stabbing attack in her home district amid the tensions of the Brexit vote. Murphy expresses his anger and frustration — but also his hope for change — as he and like-minded legislators battle the gun lobby for measures including a ban on gun sales to people on the terror no-fly watch list. 
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The Economist asks: EU referendum reaction special

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. 
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Tasting menu: Highlights from the June 25th 2016 edition, in audio

This week: Pakistan's army fires up the country's film industry, the compass deers use to dodge death and why even poets hate poetry 
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Money talks: Brexit bedlam

Brexit shook global financial markets so hard that some saw parallels with the financial crisis of 2008. Through all the economic and political uncertainties, the vote will fundamentally change Britain and Europe. This week, Edward McBride speaks to our team of correspondents about the turmoil in the markets, the future of Britain’s banking industry and if there is anything regulators or politicians can do to save the City. Sacha Nauta, our European finance correspondent, also talks about the savvy traders who profited from the market fallout. 
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Babbage: The origins of Jupiter

This week: After five years of travel, the Juno spacecraft finally nears Jupiter. Our science correspondent, Tim Cross speaks to host Jason Palmer about its vital and dangerous mission. And, Matt Kaplan discusses how the shifty eyes of gamblers can explain how our brains process numbers. 
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The Economist asks: How will worries over technology shape our digital future?

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 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the July 2nd 2016 edition

This week: Indian politicians facing off on Twitter, the trains with energy as freight, and a scramble for passports in Ireland 
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Money talks: Italian banks are the new Brexit

Saddled with too many bad debts, Italy's banks have the potential to drag Europe into yet another crisis. The country's prime minister, Matteo Renzi, may defy EU rules and bail them out. Also on the show: Stanley Pignal, our Mumbai-based correspondent, discusses the case of the missing account books at the now defunct Kingfisher Airlines. And is cash worth the hassle? Edward McBride hosts. 
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Babbage: Autonomous cars put to the test

A fatal accident in a Tesla vehicle on autopilot calls the technology into question. Kenneth Cukier and innovation editor Paul Markillie discuss the use of virtual reality to test driverless safety. Also on the show: Should algorithms be transparent to the public? And a new study suggests that climate-change models need rethinking 
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The Economist asks: Chilcot inquiry special

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. 
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The Economist asks: Chilcot inquiry special

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. 
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Special Relationship: Brexit Strategy

To help unravel what the U.K.'s decision might mean for the nation's "Special Relationship" with the United States and the 2016 presidential elections, and the world, Celeste and John are joined by two guests. Robert Tuttle served as ambassador to the United Kingdom from the United States from 2005 to 2009. Speaking from California, Tuttle shares his thoughts on how the international landscape will change — and his own surprising plans for casting his own vote in November. Economist columnist Jeremy Cliffe, an expert on politics of Europe, joins the conversation and speaks about how young people will be affected by the Brexit vote — and the parallels between their political participation, or lack thereof, in the U.K. and U.S. 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the July 9th 2016 edition

This week: Italian banks on the brink, a rat powered robot stingray, and the Khans that rule Bollywood. 
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Money talks: How to bounce back from Brexit

Edward McBride, Finance editor, investigates how badly leaving the EU might hurt the British economy, and what can be done to limit the damage. Also, Natasha Loder explains how Theranos left investors in the lurch, and we hear why some European firms are rushing to build expensive new headquarters. 
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Babbage: Fishing beyond borders

Bigger trawlers and better mapping allow fishermen to cast their nets where fish were once plentiful. Kenneth Cukier and environment correspondent Miranda Johnson explore the possibilities of monitoring the unregulated frontier of fishing. Also, Trevor Darrell explains how robots can "hallucinate" sensory experiences they lack, and a new approach to reduce the growth of cancerous tumours by starving them shows promise 
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The Economist asks: How can Britain's fractured political landscape recover?

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. 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the July 16th 2016 edition

This week: What’s next for Gibraltar after being hauled out of the EU, how to monitor the high seas for illegal fishing and why Canada is throwing money at whistleblowers’ 
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Money talks: A coup de grâce for the Turkish economy?

Finance editor Edward McBride is joined by Simon Rabinovitch, who has delved into the history of coups to find out how attempts to overthrow a government can disrupt economic growth. And, an investigation into why the banking systems of some of Africa's largest economies are lurching towards crisis 
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Babbage: What's the matter with the universe?

The asymmetry between matter and antimatter in the Universe perplexes physicists. Could the tiny particle, the neutrino, offer an explanation? Kenneth Cukier explores the issues with our Babbage producer, Louisa Field. Also, a flaw in the way brain-scan data was collected throws thousands of studies into doubt 
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The Economist asks: Richard Thaler

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 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the July 23rd 2016 edition

This week: DIY design in South Korea brings down the house, sewing sensors into skin, and why even intense stress could be good for us 
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Money talks: Luring financial firms to Luxembourg

Pierre Gramegna, Luxembourg's finance minister, talks to host Andrew Palmer about how his country aims to thrive post-Brexit, and how it intends to improve tax transparency in the wake of the LuxLeaks scandal. And in our final segment, Tamzin Booth, our business editor, discusses why Abenomics fails to live up to the hype, but is still not a failure 
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Babbage: When AI meets reality

How can artificial intelligence leave the lab and get down to business? Kenneth Cukier explores an innovative method with Tractable founder Alexandre Dalyac. Also, a new way to measure ancient oxygen is changing our understanding of evolution, and we crunch the numbers to reveal the long-term risks of air pollution. 
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The Economist asks: How will the financial crisis continue to shape the future?

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. 
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Special Relationship: Unconventional Conventions

In a special edition of the podcast, Celeste and John share their personal observations after covering both the Republican National Convention in Cleveland and the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Celeste contrasts 2016 with covering five previous conventions; John reports on his takeaways after entering the U.S. convention bubble for the very first time. Special Guest: Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. 
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Tasting menu: Highlights from the July 30th 2016 edition, in audio

This week: South Africa’s dancing President, China’s eclectic electric cars, and the old-fangled printers with new-fangled jobs 
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Money talks: Stressed out banks

On this show we focus on vulnerabilities in the banking sector. Kevin Rodgers, author of Why Aren't They Shouting?, tells us why the technological advances that were once a boon for finance are now a source of instability. And our finance correspondent discusses the latest round of stress tests on Europe's banks and why they ignore potential perils. Andrew Palmer hosts. 
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Babbage: Didi overtakes Uber

As Didi buys up Uber China, Kenneth Cukier discusses the implications with editors Tom Standage and from Shanghai, Vijay Vaitheeswaran. And Tim Cross explains the importance of IBM's new artificial neuron-on-a-chip 
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The Economist asks: Which economists have had the greatest impact?

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. 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the August 6th 2016 edition

This week: Taiwan’s canine couture, the world develops a sweet tooth for posh chocolate and artificial minds edge a little closer to our own 
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Money talks: The great wall of Trump

Buttonwood columnist Philip Coggan hosts as Callum Williams explains how the Bank of England is trying to stimulate lending. Adam Roberts checks in on the health of Silvio Berlusconi's business empire. And, US data journalist Wade Zhou investigates the costs of Donald Trump's proposed border wall with Mexico. 
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Babbage: The evolution of bromance

Host Jason Palmer ​asks Natasha Loder if scientists are getting ever closer to the fountain of youth in pill form. Richard Wrangham explains why men are more touchy-feely than women after competitive sport. A​nd Matt Kaplan ​examines how one sea creature's means​​ of self-repair​​ ​​could help humans with damaged hearing 
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The Economist asks: Does power inevitably corrupt?

Anne McElvoy interviews prominent psychologist Dacher Keltner, author of new book The Power Paradox, to investigate how power is acquired, maintained and abused 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the August 13th 2016 edition

This week: Ethiopia goes overboard on football facilities, how a good surf can bring economic success and why Spain is out of sync with the sun 
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Money talks: Have we reached peak TV?

Gady Epstein, our media editor, discusses the rise of Netflix and whether the TV industry is sowing the seeds of its own demise by producing too many shows. Soumaya Keynes tells us what countries can do to increase their Olympic gold-medal haul. And finally, our finance correspondent talks about a new plan for Italy's ailing banks. Matthew Valencia hosts 
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Babbage: The brain that stopped remembering

Paul Markillie buckles up for a future of 48-volt hybrid cars. Matt Kaplan examines whether self-control is really a finite resource. And Luke Dittrich, the author of a new book, explains how a lobotomy gone wrong paved the way for the science of memory. Tom Standage hosts 
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The Economist asks: How has DNA shaped the human race?

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. 
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Tasting menu: Highlights from the August 20th 2016 edition

This week: the future of television, how to win more olympic medals and the economic history of skyscrapers 
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Money talks: Treks and hikes

Henry Curr talks about the annual meeting of central bankers in Jackson Hole and why they are discussing a change to inflation targeting. And Soumaya Keynes and Ryan Avent round-up the best economic blogs this month - how does the sharing economy impact niceness? Andrew Palmer hosts. 
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Babbage: Exploring the final frontier

An E​arth-like planet has been discovered orbiting the nearest star to our solar system, reveals astronomer Richard Nelson. Oliver Morton discusses the new space technology closer to home, and Tom Standage describes the state of the art in — and the worries about — facial-recognition software 
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The Economist asks: What do we really know about voters?

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. 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the August 27th 2016 edition

This week: the pious and the prosperous in Zimbabwe, Mafia bosses as business leaders and Hollywood's gulf war wild west 
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Money talks: Ireland's forbidden fruit

An EU tax ruling held that Apple owes Ireland more than €13 billion; why is the Irish government likely to reject the windfall? Host Anne McElvoy is joined by Matthew Valencia to explain. And, Ryan Avent digs deep into work, status and technological disruption 
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Babbage: The Countess of Computers

The Economist's Emma Duncan and author Sydney Padua explore the story of 19th century data geek, Ada Lovelace, who presaged the power of computers by writing one of the first programs. And have we entered a new geological epoch? Tim Cross discusses the evidence. Kenneth Cukier hosts 
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Special Relationship: Alt-Right or Wrong?

Special Relationship #8: Alt-Right or Wrong? This week, Celeste and John try to put the so-called "alt-right" movement into context in the U.S. and abroad. Hillary Clinton's decision to call out this amorphous branch of conservatism and tie it to Donald Trump won accolades from those who deem it a haven for racists and ultra nationalists. But in doing so, did she give the alt-right the spotlight it craved? Helping tackle the topic in guest appearances: Weekly Standard Editor Bill Kristol and Economist Charlemagne Columnist Tom Nuttall. This episode was produced by Zach Mack and hosted by Celeste Katz of Mic and John Prideaux of The Economist 
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The Economist asks: Is the language of politics broken?

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 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the September 3rd 2016 edition

This week: Florida’s war on Zika, how Zalando became a shoo-in for online fashion and why despite what humans think, the world is getting better 
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Money talks: Uber's mega ambitions

Our Asia economics editor gives us his report on the G20 summit and why leaders pushed Theresa May for a 'soft' Brexit. Alexandra Suich, our US technology editor, discusses Uber's plans to transform the world of personal transport. And our Schumpeter columnist tells us why companies should cherish introverts. 
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Babbage: The renaissance of wood

Paul Markillie explains why wooden skyscrapers could soon be on the horizon, we hear from an Indian scientist making electricity with fish scales and Tim Cross explores the fallout for Space X after last week's explosion at Cape Canaveral 
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The Economist asks: Is progressive politics in decline?

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". 
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Special Relationship: Crossing Borders

Celeste and John take a look at the facts and feelings surrounding one of the thorniest issues of the 2016 campaign for the White House: Immigration reform. Journalist and activist Jose Antonio Vargas of Define American shares how his experiences as an undocumented immigrant from the Philippines have shaped his life, his work and his view of the race for president. Next, former U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service Commissioner Doris Meissner, now a senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute, breaks down what is and isn't working on border security, deportation and the politics of reform. This episode was produced by Zack Mack. 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the September 10th 2016 edition

This week: the speedy, cheap way to reach Wall Street, why companies should encourage introverts to thrive and how anti-globalists are ruining guacamole 
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Money talks: Fear the corporation

Adrian Wooldridge, our Schumpeter columnist, discusses the perils of global mega-companies. In an era where more firms are dying than are being born, are giant incumbents stifling competition? Also on the show: why African cities disappoint when it comes to living standards, and Venezuela's multinational nightmare. Andrew Palmer hosts. 
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Babbage: Undermining infection

Should disease-bearing mosquitoes be made extinct? Natasha Loder lays out the arguments for using gene drives to do so. We hear an update on the known unknowns of the Zika virus from Slavea Chankova and whether “feed a fever, starve a cold” is sound advice. Jason Palmer hosts. 
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Special: Liveable and Unliveable Cities

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 
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Special Relationship: In Sickness and in Health

Hillary Clinton has been fighting off questions about her health throughout the 2016 presidential election, but the topic returned to the fore after she nearly fainted at a 9/11 commemoration ceremony and then revealed she'd contracted pneumonia. Clinton, 68 -- or Donald Trump, 70, who has released scant detail about his own medical history -- would be among the oldest presidents ever elected. This week, Celeste and John speak with distinguished historian and presidential biographer Robert Dallek of Stanford University about the astoundingly secretive culture surrounding the wellness of our leaders and ask a simple question: How much do voters have a right to know about their health? This episode was produced by Alan Haburchak. 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the September 17th 2016 edition

This week: Canada’s proposals for peacekeeping come under fire, Communist-era beers are back in fashion and why staff at India’s banks have been putting their own money into customers' bank accounts 
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Money talks: Nuclear power play

Simon Long hosts as Money talks investigates why British Prime Minister Theresa May decided to go ahead with a new nuclear power plant. Also: the great pensions reckoning facing economies worldwide and how a tech paper tiger is breaking new ground for innovators in Berlin 
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Babbage: A climate of change

Our environment correspondent, Miranda Johnson, assesses the latest efforts to curb climate change as the UN General Assembly gets underway. Dr Brent Seales explains how we can now read an ancient, burnt scroll without unrolling it. And Ananyo Bhattacharya explains why bad science may be hereditary 
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The Economist asks: Is Angela Merkel likely to be Germany's next Chancellor?

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 
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Special Relationship: Great Debates?

Ahead of showdown #1 at Hofstra University in New York, Celeste and John preview the upcoming trio of presidential debates between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump Presidential debates are a big part of American political culture, and they've given us plenty of memorable moments — even if their ultimate effect on the outcomes of elections are, well, debatable. They're also fairly unique on the world stage. Former Sen. and New Hampshire Gov. Judd Clegg shares an insider's take he earned by virtue of having played both John Kerry and Al Gore in Republican debate prep sessions. And Jeremy Cliffe of The Economist speaks about the relatively new phenomenon of televised prime ministerial debates in the U.K. and how they stack up with the way America handles these face-offs. This episode was produced by Alan Haburchak. 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the September 23rd 2016 edition

This week: The surprising success of landlocked Paraguay, Portland pops up in Tokyo and the joys of grammar that people all know, but don’t even know that they know 
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Money talks: Navel-gazing nations

Our economics editor John O'Sullivan reflects on the future of globalisation in a world increasingly hostile to free trade. Soumaya Keynes discusses the merits of cash transfers over food aid for Syrian refugees. And our South-East Asia bureau chief unpacks the business of mixed martial arts. Simon Long hosts. 
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Special Relationship: Unraveling the First Presidential Debate

It might be hard to make sense of the first debate between presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, but in a special edition of the podcast recorded the morning after the debate in the Mic studio at One World Trade Center, Celeste and John try to do just that. This episode was produced by Alan Haburchak. 
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Babbage: Interplanetary travel

We assess Elon Musk's ambitious intentions to make humans a multiplanetary species. As the European Space Agency's Rosetta mission ends, Dr Matt Taylor explains what information the probe will gather on its final descent and we discuss the consequences of voice-activated computers becoming integrated into our lives 
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The Economist asks: What does the past tell us about power today?

Anne McElvoy is joined by author Robert Harris to delve into power and intrigue from the Labour party to the Vatican. 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the September 30th 2016 edition

This week: Aleppo’s descent from riches to rubble, the real reasons for Hungary’s referendum and how a stealthy bit of business in the printer industry has left people crying over spilt ink 
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Money talks: Deutsche's dilemma

Patrick Lane our banking editor discusses how a hefty fine from the Department of Justice is one of many problems facing Deutsche Bank. Joel Budd says microfinance is making a comeback. And finally, Adam Roberts talks about how Norway's sovereign wealth fund sets an example for the world. Simon Long hosts. 
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Babbage: Elevated intelligence

Google launches a handful of hardware to deliver its artificial intelligence. We speak to Professor Chris Phillips about this year's Nobel prize for physics, and research analyst Alberto Noel discusses how machine learning is enhancing factory automation and what the global implications are in the world of work 
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Special Relationship: Don't Believe the Liberal Media?

The media is under siege in this election — and the phenomenon isn't limited to the campaign for U.S. president. In this episode, Celeste and John talk with two powerful news editors in the United States and Europe about covering politics in an era when people think they're entitled not just to their own opinions, but their own facts. Marty Baron, the Pulitzer Prize-winning executive editor of The Washington Post, speaks about the moral obligation — and occasional frustrations — of truth-telling, against the backdrop of an extraordinary election between two presidential candidates who are by turns openly hostile toward and suspicious of the press. And from Germany, Bild Digital Editor-in-Chief Julian Reichelt weighs in on how Europe's largest news outlet combats the "post-factual" criticisms of a radical right AND left that are waging an information war against what they call the "Lügenpresse" — the "lying press." Our producer is Alan Haburchak. 
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The Economist asks: How should we perceive reality?

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 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the October 8th 2016 edition

This week: Brazil’s record-breaking ballot spoiling, Nigeria’s blossoming trade in love literature and a glimpse inside the world of a superyacht owner 
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Money talks: Flash Crash Bang Wallop

Philip Coggan joins host Simon Long to explain the political and technological roots of the latest flash crash in the value of the pound. Also: Ryan Avent delves into the work that won the latest Economics Nobel prize 
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Babbage: Samsung's meltdown

Our technology editor examines the long-term fallout after Samsung's flagship smartphone is pulled from production. The Food and Drug Administration's approval of a new drug for muscular dystrophy proves controversial and Matt Kaplan explains why higher-class people spend less time looking at their fellow humans 
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The Economist asks: Has Alan Greenspan carried too much blame for the financial crash?

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 
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Special Relationship: Highly Debatable

With one final presidential debate left to go, the hits keep on coming for Donald Trump. The Republican nominee is now not only defending himself against accusations of prurient behavior towards women, but finds himself embroiled in a civil war with the top figures in his own party, just weeks away from the election. This week, Celeste and John break down the latest in the race for president and look ahead at what could might come next with the help of Economist Washington Bureau Chief David Rennie and Mic Politics Editor Luke Brinker. Our producer is Alan Haburchak. 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the October 15th 2016 edition

This week: China’s disgruntled police, a corruption crackdown in South Korea and an existential trip into the Amazon 
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Money talks: Countdown for Tesla

Patrick Foulis joins host Simon Long to take a look at the financial gymnastics keeping Elon Musk's business empire afloat. Also: the shadow economies that need a fuse of transparency and private equity's socialist secret 
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Special Relationship: The Struggle for Syria

With the election looming and the final debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump dominating the headlines, Celeste and John step back to focus on one of the greatest challenges the next president must face: dealing with war-torn Syria. Celeste speaks with Christina Psarra of the humanitarian aid group Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieresabout her work helping refugees and educating the public about their experience through MSF's traveling exhibition "Forced From Home." Next, former Senate majority leader and special envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell talks to John about if, how and when the wrenching conflict in Syria will end, potentially under the administration of a new president and United Nations secretary-general. This episode was produced by Alan Haburchak and Jon Marston. 
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Babbage: Prospects for new life

Scientists in Japan grow artificial mouse pups from skin cells; could the same technique one day be used for humans? Planetary scientist Dr Claire Cousins explains where we might find life on Mars as the ExoMars satellite and probe arrive at the red planet. And we explore why virtual reality has taken a foothold in China 
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The Economist asks: Should we turn our understanding of the Middle East on its head?

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 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the October 22nd 2016 edition

This week: Bhutan’s surprising success, experiments in automated consumption and why clowning is on the rise in Cuba 
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Money talks: Wall Street v Main Street

In the first of our Economist Radio specials from Washington, Money Talks examines the Wall Street versus Main Street argument playing out in the election. Our Buttonwood columnist dissects how markets might respond to a Trump win. And award-winning MIT economist, David Autor, dissects the negative consequences of free trade. 
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Babbage: Can the American election be hacked?

In the second episode of Economist Radio specials running up to the presidential election, security expert Bruce Schneier examines vulnerabilities in electoral voting systems. We hear from Dr Darren Schreiber about whether our political inclinations are hardwired. Also: what impact is big data having in this year's election? Cheryl Brumley speaks to online campaigning expert Dr Matt Hindman 
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The Economist asks: Why does Donald Trump want to be president?

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. 
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Special Relationship: Rigged Election Realities

Trailing in the polls, Donald Trump has kept up a drumbeat of warnings about a "rigged system" that's working against his chances of beating Hillary Clinton and winning the presidency. But is the U.S. election system really rigged — or riggable? Celeste and John pose the question to Dana Perino, White House press secretary under former President George W. Bush and now host of Fox News Channel's "The Five" and the "I'll Tell You What" podcast. Then we jump to Nairobi, Kenya, for a talk with Daniel Knowles, who covers the corrupt and sometimes violent politics of sub-Saharan Africa for The Economist, about what rigged elections actually look like. Our producer is Alan Haburchak. Our theme music is by Breakmaster Cylinder. 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the October 29th 2016 edition

This week: a potential independent victory in Utah, how to crack Russian hacking, and Donald Trump’s unsettling fondness for Vladimir Putin 
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Money talks: The homeless elite

Adrian Wooldridge talks about the political isolation of America’s business class. Ryan Avent assesses the future of the gig economy after a court rules against Uber in Britain. And finally: buy a pair of TOMS Shoes and the company will donate a pair to a child in need. But does it actually do good? Soumaya Keynes reports on the economics of this one-to-one scheme. 
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Babbage: Super new defibrillator ameliorates prognosis

Host Kenneth Cukier explores new research into light-based treatments for patients at high risk of fatal heartbeat irregularities. Also: a new crypto-currency promises greater privacy and how to blend wine via touch screen 
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Special Relationship: Election 2016 - Is It Really So Strange?

Just ahead of Election Day, Celeste and John put the truly bizarre 2016 U.S. presidential cycle into context, with the help of distinguished podcasters from both sides of the pond. First up: Ken Rudin, the award-winning National Public Radio and ABC News veteran best known as "The Political Junkie" and the host of a podcast by that name. Rudin draws on decades of news coverage and analysis to unpack the breathtaking electoral brawl between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Next, weighing in from the U.K.: Dan Snow, aka "The History Guy." Snow, who hosts BBC programs on his favorite subject and takes listeners on far-flung adventures via his "History Hit" podcast, contrasts the oddities of the current American presidential campaign with legendary tales of Parliament, the papacy and beyond. Our theme music is composed by Breakmaster Cylinder. Our producer is Alan Haburchak. 
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The Economist asks: Why does Hillary Clinton want to be president?

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. 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the November 5th 2016 edition

This week: Britain’s High Court and the Brexit vote, the rise of the niche smartphone and what Christianity gave to the West 
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Money talks: Basket case bounce

One casualty of campaign hyperbole in America has been the reputation of the economy. But Henry Curr challenges the view that it is down in the dumps. John O’Sullivan argues some of the world’s worst-performing economies can still turn themselves around. And finally, why the constitutional referendum in Italy matters so much to business in the country 
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The Economist asks: How did Donald Trump win the presidency?

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. 
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Babbage: Fighting falsehoods

We are joined by Martin Sweeney, co-founder of Ravelin, to explain how artificial intelligence is being used to stop fraud. Our environment correspondent discusses climate-change scepticism in America. Also, a long-standing bet about the underpinnings of the universe needs to be settled 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the November 12th 2016 edition

This week: Uber hits some potholes in Africa, mobsters take on Quebec’s maple monopoly and a victorian naturalist, both intellectually and literally omnivorous 
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Money talks: Trump bumps and slumps

Philip Coggan recaps a week of market reactions to Donald Trump's surprise victory. Simon Rabinovitch how China might use the defeat of the Trans-Pacific Partnership in America to assert its trade leadership. And Stanley Pignal assesses the fallout from India's shock announcement that it is scrapping the 500 and 1,000 rupee notes 
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Babbage: No news like fake news

Our deputy editor Tom Standage weighs in on the debate about false news in the aftermath of America's presidential election. We speak to female entrepreneurs at the Web Summit in Lisbon about gender balance in the technology industry. And a new way to measure fish stocks using DNA 
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The Economist asks: Is Canada’s liberalism a model for the world?

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 
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Tasting menu: Highlights from the November 19th 2016 edition, in audio

This week: Samsung’s leap into connected cars, an anti-corruption hotline in Sierra Leone and a concise history of nothing 
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Money talks: The fate of Trump Inc.

Our New York bureau chief Patrick Foulis argues Donald Trump should relinquish any control over his businesses before moving into the White House. Also on the show: There’s a new set of reforms worrying Europe’s beleaguered banks and why economists are not immune to fads. Simon Long hosts 
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Babbage: Snapping planets

Long-distance photography could help us understand far more about exoplanets. We report on the sense of global resilience at climate talks in Marrakech and an audacious plan to tackle air pollution using old jet engines 
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The Economist asks: What does Vladimir Putin want?

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 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the November 26th 2016 edition

This week: treasure-hunters head out West, the pizza-making robots trying to take a slice of the food industry and why camel trading is increasingly lucrative 
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Money talks: Is the anger over trade justified?

Soumaya Keynes speaks to leading economist Richard Baldwin about how to mitigate globalisation's destructive effects. Also on the show: South Africa’s debt rating is just one notch above junk. How might the country bounce back? And why golf is no longer cool in Japan. Simon Long hosts 
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Babbage: Big bomber is watching

This week: how optical navigation can help a bomb find its target without GPS. Researchers at MIT are investigating super-slippery surfaces. Also, why computers are replacing manpower in port security. Kenneth Cukier hosts 
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The Economist asks: What made the world's great universities let women in?

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? 
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Tasting Menu: Audio highlights from the December 3rd 2016 edition

This week: America finds a new way to end a marriage, badly botched currency reform in India and the rise of AirBnB for dogs 
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Money talks: How the weakest bank in Europe just got weaker

We examine Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the bank at the epicentre of the crisis in Italy. Last week OPEC moved to rescue oil prices. Will companies now rush back into exploration? And how the birth of a new motorbike in downtown New York could revitalise inner-city manufacturing 
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Babbage: What Einstein got wrong

This week: clues to dinosaur evolution lurk in the amber mines of Myanmar. Author David Bodanis tells us about Einstein’s greatest mistake. And why solar energy is due soon to pay back its carbon debt. Kenneth Cukier hosts 
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The Economist asks: Is there truth in caricature?

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 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the December 10th 2016 edition

This week: worried workers in China, ancient eclipses shedding new light on the earth’s rotation, and a spot of bother in Brazil 
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Money talks: Breitbart and the business of nationalism

The conservative website Breitbart News is expanding its business into France and Germany after a boost from the American election. Our correspondent Elizabeth Winkler considers its chances of success abroad. Also on the show: Globalisation may be in reverse in the financial world. And, fifty-years old and under pressure from China, the Asian Development Bank is evolving. Simon Long hosts. 
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Babbage: Thinking deeply

Alphabet's artificial intelligence company DeepMind doesn't make a profit, so why it is arousing long-term interest? Dr Pedro Alonso from the World Health Organisation explores advances in the fight against malaria. And the amateur enthusiast who found meteorite dust in the gutter 
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The World In 2017 Special: Invention

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? 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the December 17th 2016 edition

This week: How plastic could protect the planet, why environmentalists are cutting down trees and the strange consciousness in the tentacles of an octopus 
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Money talks: The most profitable time of the year

We look at the decline in holiday spending in America and ask what surprises 2017 could bring. And Adrian Wooldridge takes on the ghosts of capitalism past, present and future 
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Babbage: The man himself

Charles Babbage was a British polymath, mathematician and a man widely hailed as the father of modern computing. In this special episode, host Emma Duncan is joined by two renowned computer science experts to explore the life and work of the eponymous inventor 
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The World In 2017 Special: Instability

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 
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Babbage: year end review and preview of 2017

How artificial intelligence moved from the research lab into the real world, plus the challenges facing cyber security. And we explore the development of data donorship in the year ahead. Kenneth Cukier hosts 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the Christmas double issue 2016

This week: What the Norman conquest did for England’s economy, the difficulties with silence and how Mario became the world’s most beloved character 
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The World In 2017 Special: Ingenuity

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 
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Money talks: We wish you a merry reorganisation

In a Money talks special, Anne McElvoy brings in Suzane Heywood and Stephen Heidari-Robinson, authors of Reorg: How to get it right. They delve into the art and science of reorganising a business 
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The cultural review of 2016 and preview of 2017

A look back at the highlights of 2016: including gender-bending Shakespeare and “In Praise of Weiner” - a political disaster documentary 2017 is the 100th anniversary of the Russian Revolution and we discuss the "confluence": Venice Biennale, Documenta in Kassel and the Munster sculpture show Anne McElvoy is joined by The Economist’s Fiammetta Rocco and Jonathan Beckman 
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Babbage: War of the words

We explore a clutch of new words from 2016 and how technology contributes to the evolution of language. Vishal Sikka, the CEO of a technology services company explains how artificial intelligence can enhance the labour force. Also, science correspondent Matt Kaplan on a new device to sniff out disease 
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The Economist Asks: Bernard Henri Levy

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? 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the January 7th 2016 edition

This week: Why sub-national currencies flounder, Europe’s toll crisis and China’s Shakespeare is thrust into the limelight 
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Money talks: Turbulence ahead

Airlines have gone on an unprecedented shopping spree - but is their luck running out? We examine how Mexico might respond to Donald Trump's threats on trade. And can the way people buy pet insurance help the US sort out mushrooming costs in human health care? 
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Babbage: Conversational computers

When will computers truly be able to understand what we are saying? We discuss with our guest, Amazon's Alexa. Also, long-distance electrical supergrids could flood the planet with renewable energy 
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The Economist asks: Should education last a lifetime?

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 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the January 14th 2016 edition

This week: The harsh environment for startups in the Middle East, China’s bullet trains to nowhere and why an Uber for kids may struggle to reach maturity’ 
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Money talks: Davos in the spotlight

China's president has addressed the World Economic Forum, the first Chinese head of state to do so. We assess his message to Donald Trump. Plus the author of the “Second Machine Age” Erik Brynjolfsson on why governments are failing to address the downsides of automation. And Harvard’s Ken Rogoff examines the The Curse of Cash and why reducing our dependency on it might be a good thing 
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Babbage: The automation game

How quickly will robots disrupt global industries and what will the implications be? We explore with economist Andrew McAfee at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Also, neuroscientists often compare the human brain to a computer chip, so what happened when the idea was put into practice? 
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The Economist asks: Michael Sandel

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 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the January 21st 2016 edition

This week: a tobacco merger shows the industry’s resilience, Argentina’s economic woes hit the dance floors and Mumbai’s hawkers feel some legal heat 
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Money talks: An expert’s guide to Trumponomics

A leading economist has issued stark warnings about the Trump era and its impact on the American and global economy. We ask if the new president’s monetary policy is likely to succeed or fail. And with Trump being an economic populist, what will be his attitude to the Fed? 
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Babbage: Printing parts

We're now pretty good at printing body parts, so what are the possibilities and limitations? Healthcare expert George Halvorson explains the importance of language development in the first few months of life. Also, the researchers trying to tune in to the particles of dark matter 
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The Economist asks: Thomas Friedman

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 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the January 27th 2016 edition

This week: China’s new year goes global, how to make America date again and the case for rational compassion 
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Indivisible Week 2: POTUS travel ban stirs public outcry ... and lots of questions

On this episode of Indivisible, we take your calls on the recent executive order by President Trump enacting a ban on travel to the United States from certain countries with heavy Muslim populations, resulting in a burst of protests across the country over the weekend. Law professor and director of the CLEAR project Ramzi Kassem clarifies the rules in place and who stands to be affected by them. We also talk to Betsy Fisher, policy director at the International Refugee Assistance Project, about the relation between resettlement policies and counter-terrorism efforts. Hosts for this episode are WNYC's Kai Wright and Anne McElvoy from The Economist. 
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Money talks: A new boss at the helm of Exxon Mobil

With Exxon Mobil’s former chief executive now Trump’s Secretary of State, what challenges will face the new man in charge of the world's largest private oil company? India’s annual economic survey includes an idea for a Universal Basic Income (UBI). What could a UBI mean for India’s poor? And a Harvard economist examines the pay gap afflicting women in employment. 
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Babbage: Adding to reality

Augmented reality technology blends the virtual with the real world, so how might this alter the way humans interact with computers, and each other? Also, we explore how artificial intelligence can enhance selling techniques. 
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The Economist asks: Why is Donald Trump’s populism so potent?

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? 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the February 4th 2016 edition

This week: Cubans find a way to dodge a digital blockade, Japan struggles to encourage its people to gamble and the booming industry of pet healthcare 
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Indivisible Week 3: Who belongs in President Trump's America?

Another week, another threat to immigration in America. President Trump's travel ban has been suspended -- for now -- and that's leaving refugees in the lurch. They flocked to airports Monday hoping to catch flights to their new home country. But whether they get to step foot on American soil is still up in the air. In this episode of Indivisible, WNYC's Kai Wright and John Prideaux from the Economist wade into the battle over who gets to belong in America. We'll talk about whether the idea of a multicultural America is valued. We'll also talk about what religious freedom means to people in their lives. They are joined by author and Stanford professor Jeff Chang and Emma Green, who writes about the intersection of religion, culture and politics for The Atlantic. 
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Money talks: How to make money from digital entertainment

Billions worldwide have access to on demand digital entertainment. But how do you turn a profit in the attention economy? Also on the show: The People’s Bank of China is in the throes of an interest-rate tightening cycle. And who pays a higher salary - big or small companies? 
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The Economist asks: Can Trump’s grand bargain with Russia work?

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 
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Babbage: Game of drones

Robotic insects could help pollinate plants if bee numbers continue to decline. Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales on the pitfalls of crowdsourcing knowledge in an era of disinformation. And a protein's structure is key its function but hard to decipher; we explore how citizen science is solving the problem 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the February 11th 2016 edition

This week: a big brother bust up in Nigeria, dodgy stats in North Korea and the film that pits online reviewers against the Chinese government 
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Indivisible Week 4: How will President Trump's foreign policy affect the military?

Anne McElvoy from The Economist and WNYC's Kai Wright take calls from military families and veterans about how shifting foreign policy might affect their lives. The Economist's Moscow correspondent Noah Sneider weighs in on how Russians are reacting to President Trump and Leo Shane of the Military Times adds his perspective on the relationship between a new Commander in Chief and the armed forces 
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Money talks: Banks on the move

Are thousands of banking jobs set to migrate from Britain into the eurozone? Patrick Lane discusses potential destinations with host Simon Long. Also: a currency catastrophe in Zimbabwe and the decline of the executive jet 
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Babbage: Cloning time

Twenty years ago, Dolly the sheep became the first adult mammal clone. Are we on the cusp of copying humans, too? And we explore how technology is aiding refugees and migrants with their treacherous journeys to Europe 
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The Economist asks: Bill Gates

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. 
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Tasting menu: audio Highlights from the February 18th 2017 edition

This week: Electric vehicles pick up speed, the late greatness of artists and a battle over Trump brand toilets in China 
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Indivisible Week 5: The future of national security under Trump

There are big questions facing the Trump administration about its approach to national security. On Monday, President Trump named Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster to be his new national security adviser. McMaster has been critical of how the Bush administration handled the first days of the Iraq war, and his views could lead to a change of tactic in the region. On this episode of Indivisible, hosts Kai Wright and the Economist's John Prideaux take calls from Trump voters on whether they still have confidence in the President’s ability to keep us safe at home -- and abroad. Karen DeYoung, senior national security correspondent for the Washington Post, will discuss the new national security advisor and the leaks coming out of the intelligence community. Plus, on this President's Day, Harvard historian and New Yorker writer Jill Lepore will talk about President Trump’s role in American myth making and how the story of America’s founding mission has changed over time. 
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Money talks: Clean energy’s dirty secret

Could the rise of renewables be putting the traditional electricity market into a crisis? Also: Economist Diane Elson takes governments to task about the gender biases in their economic policies. And how the Brazilian government is tackling one of its biggest financial problems: pensions. 
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Babbage: Oceans of pollutants

Even the deepest reaches of the sea have been contaminated by man-made pollution. Author Alan Schwartz reveals the extent of ADHD overdiagnosis in America. And how is the scientific community reacting to President Trump? 
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The Economist asks: Is this the end of Asia's rise?

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. 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the February 25th 2017 edition

This week: Indie films struggle in the digital era, sleeper trains could soon reach the end of the line and why defensive cows protect endangered jaguars 
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Indivisible Week 6: What it means to be undocumented under Trump

Fear is running high for immigrants living in America. Trump’s administration has given immigration enforcement agencies the freedom to go after any of the 11 million people living in the U.S. without legal documentation. And they’re not wasting a single moment. Immigration raids have detained hundreds of people across the country in the past five weeks since Trump has entered office. On Monday, the Associated Press reported that the President could sign a new executive order on immigration this Wednesday -- signaling more changes could come. Anne McElvoy from The Economist and WNYC's Kai Wright host this episode of Indivisible. They take calls on how President Trump's broad changes to immigration enforcement have affected people and families across the country. Doris Meissner, senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute, offers the facts and analysis of the changes. Then, Debbie Nathan, investigative reporter for the ACLU Texas, discusses life on the border in Trump’s America. Plus, Cesar Vargas... 
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Money talks: Euro-optimism

There are a number of growing threats to Europe with Brexit and maybe another Greek disaster looming. But Eurogroup president Jeroen Dijsselbloem tells Sacha Nauta the EU is actually on the mend. Also: Why Oscar mix-ups symbolise how independent films such as Moonlight are overshadowed by the big studios. Simon Long hosts. 
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Babbage: Dragon’s blood medicine

Komodo dragon blood contains compounds that help combat human diseases. So can lizards help in the battle against antibiotic-resistant infections? Also: switch the power off and a microprocessor forgets everything but now there’s a way to give it a permanent memory. And did life on earth really begin 3,770 million years ago? Kenneth Cukier hosts 
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The Economist asks: What is consciousness?

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 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the March 4th 2017 edition

This week: Mexico’s anti-corruption tour bus, Japan’s ultranationalist kindergarten and the medicinal benefits of dragon blood 
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Indivisible Week 7: Why Does Russia Matter To The Trump Administration?

On this episode of Indivisible, hosts Jami Floyd and John Prideaux delve into the controversy surrounding Attorney General Jeff Sessions having had contact with the Russian Ambassador while Trump was still campaigning for the presidency. Jami and John are joined by law professor and president of the National Constitution Center, Jeffrey Rosen, to discuss the role of the Department of Justice in investigating the administration. And Katrina vanden Heuvel, editor of the Nation, talks about the stakes of the political fight over Russia. Then join the conversation with your calls on the issue you care about most during the Trump administration. What is getting you to pay attention to politics in ways you haven’t before? 
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Money talks: GM says ‘au revoir’ to Europe

General Motors has sold its Vauxhall and Opel brands to PSA in France. Adam Roberts our European business editor asks how the car industry is reacting to the consolidation. Also: can Snapchat succeed as a public company? And might President Trump’s accusation that China hasn't been playing by the rules have a point? Simon Long hosts. 
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Babbage: Building from the atom up

A second quantum revolution is happening at the atomic level. What will it mean for the future of computers? Also: a new battery based on aluminium provides up to ten times the power. And why yellow taxis are much less likely to get into accidents. Kenn Cukier hosts. 
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The Economist asks: What would a modern utopia look like?

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? 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the March 11th 2017 edition

This week: Quantum leaps for quantum physics, the fat cats of Istanbul and a decline in Britain’s youth crime 
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Indivisible Week 8: Can Washington Fix America's Health Care System?

The American Health Care Act could be hitting its first snag. A new report released on Monday by the Congressional Budget Office found that the proposed Republican plan would force millions of people to lose coverage -- as many as 14 million people could be left uninsured by next year. And the bill is already facing a chorus of criticism from Democrats and Republicans alike. On this episode of Indivisible, hosts Anne McElvoy and Kai Wright dig into health care in America and why a workable system has been so politically and economically fraught. They are joined by Elisabeth Benjamin from the Community Service Society of New York to take calls about how the Republican replacement plan would affect listeners across the country. 
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Money talks: Microsofter

Microsoft has reinvented itself under its new CEO Satya Nadella with a move to the cloud. Is its friendlier approach to program developers likely to pay off? Also: as the Netherlands goes to the polls, our Europe editor Matt Steinglass examines how each party’s financial manifestos were put to the test. And: many people are fed up with their banks. Now help is at a hand from Europe’s banking regulators. Simon Long hosts. 
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Babbage: Little green men

Earth has received a cluster of mysterious radio signals; some scientists believe they could be propelling alien spacecraft across the universe. So what's the verdict? Also, an outbreak of yellow fever in Brazil is decimating local monkey populations. And the true worth of spiders is revealed, in how much they eat 
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The Economist asks: What are the economics of art?

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. 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the March 18th 2017 edition

This week: Why cities should respect street-food vendors, China’s football season is greeted with grumbles and how the business model of the Olympics is running out of puff 
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Indivisible Week 9: Trump and Russia -- What does the FBI know?

We could soon be learning more about President Trump's ties to Russia. FBI Director James Comey was quizzed by the House Intelligence Committee on Monday -- where he revealed that the bureau is investigating possible links between Moscow and the White House. He also dismissed the President's claims that he was wiretapped during last year's election. On this episode of Indivisible, WNYC’s Kai Wright and John Prideaux from The Economist talk with Washington Post reporter Karoun Demirjian about Comey's testimony and other highlights from the hearing. Then, journalist Casey Michel joins the conversation to discuss his new report for People For the American Way about the far right’s connection to Putin. 
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Money talks: A most unusual company

The one-time bookseller Amazon accounts for more than half of every new dollar spent online in the US. But how did it get to be the fifth most valuable company in the world? Also: why it costs the American government more to borrow money on the bonds market than European ones. And the big brands used to account for two-thirds of the tyre market. Now China has massively deflated their share. Simon Long hosts. 
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Babbage: Uber's trail of woes

Why the ride-sharing company is in turmoil following the departure of its president Jeff Jones. Scientific publishing is slowing down progress; how might it be reformed? Also, dust devils in the Atacama desert solve one mystery—and spark another 
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The Economist asks: Tony Blair

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. 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the March 25th 2017 edition

This week: Kenya takes a stance against plastic bags, the world thirsts for exotically-priced bottled water and the chilling new health fad sweeping America 
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Indivisible Week 10: Can Trump Bring 'The Art Of The Deal' To The Presidency?

On this episode of Indivisible, historian Francis Fukuyama discusses with hosts Kai Wright and Anne McElvoy what the inability to repeal Obamacare means for President’s Trump’s ability to achieve his agenda – and whether a president who projects strength can continue to withstand failures. Plus, the Takeaway’s Washington correspondent, Todd Zwillich, offers his take on how President Trump is perceived in Washington. Listeners are invited to call-in especially if you supported Trump because of his pitch of strength. What do you think of him almost 70 days into his presidency? 
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Money talks: Luxury for the masses?

The Chinese middle class led a boom in demand for luxury goods. But a government crackdown made consumers wary about showing off their wealth. How has China’s new modesty affected the luxury business as a whole? Also: India’s power sector has until now been dependent on using dirty coal but things are changing. And sand has become a scarce resource, leading to a burgeoning trade in illegal mining. Simon Long hosts. 
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Babbage: Of machines and men

Elon Musk's new venture Neuralink wants to meld computers with the human brain. We explore how this concept could lead to artificial memory. Also, a paralysed man is able to use his own arm again after chips were implanted in his brain. And a new glove lets people detect deadly toxins with touch alone 
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The Economist asks: How do organisations counter diversity fatigue?

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. 
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Indivisible Week 11: What Do We Have To Gain From China?

On this episode of Indivisible, we look ahead at President Trump's upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. And considering Trump's comments about China in the past -- that we need to balance the trade deficit, and that China needs to be a better watchdog for North Korea -- this looks to be a contentious meeting. Hosts Kai Wright and Anne McElvoy talk about China policy with Michael Auslin, author of the book, "The End of the Asian Century," and what President Xi’s visit is likely to signal about U.S./China relations. Plus, Andrew Revkin, senior reporter on climate issues for ProPublica, discusses the Trump Administration’s effort to roll back Obama-era environmental policies and what it means for the future of leadership on climate change. What are the financial stakes of this legislation for people across America? 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the April 1st 2017 edition

This week: Cuba’s revolutionary economy is holding back tourism, Swiss watchmakers try to keep pace and why Egypt’s president loves Donald Trump. 
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Money talks: The robot era is dawning

As robots grow more nimble, humans look increasingly vulnerable. Are the machines poised to take over? Also: now that Article 50 has been triggered, is Ireland's economy set to be damaged by Brexit? And despite Japan's workforce growing by more than two million, wage gains aren't enough to hit an inflation target of 2%. Why is this? Philip Coggan sits in for Simon Long. 
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Babbage: Defending data

Security crises soar as computers meld further into our lives, but who is liable when hacking happens? We explore a potential charter to exploit the commercial value of data while also protecting privacy. And how humans can teach computers to avoid racist behaviour. 
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The Economist asks: What does John McCain think of Donald Trump’s leadership?

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. 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the April 8th 2017 edition

This week: India’s booze ban hits businesses, China announces a new megacity and a profitable way to stop computers from being racist 
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Indivisible Week 12: The Fallout From Trump's Strike On Syria

Last week President Trump exercised his military muscle for the first time, ordering a missile strike of an airfield in Syria. The Trump administration says that Assad’s regime was responsible for a chemical attack, and that the missile strike was a proportional response to a violation of the laws of war that prohibit chemical weapons. But why is this so significant? This is the first time the U.S. has attacked Syria and the Assad regime since the civil war started over 6 years ago. If you voted for Trump because he ran on prioritizing America first, what do you make of an escalation of military involvement in Syria? Also, military families or active duty personnel, do you have confidence in our Commander-In-Chief in this situation? On this episode of Indivisible, Kai Wright and John Prideaux talk to NPR’s middle east correspondent Deborah Amos and Phyllis Bennis from the Institute for Policy Studies about the implications of this military action. 
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Money Talks: The remarkable calmness of gold

Despite rising tensions and fears of inflation, gold prices have stayed relatively still. Our Buttonwood columnist explains why. Traditional carmakers look likely to band together in the face of technological disruption. Also, what Britain's economists really think about the impacts of Brexit 
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Babbage: What can science do for my garden?

The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew has unlocked the DNA sequence of thousands of plants. Is the ability to manipulate colour and smell good news for the worldwide floral industry? Also: Pests and pathogens thriving in a warmer climate could wipe out our woodlands. And is Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank the ultimate horticultural insurance policy for the planet? Kenneth Cukier hosts. 
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The Economist asks: Paul Collier

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. 
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Indivisible Week 13: Feminism In The Age Of Trump

On this episode of Indivisible, we’re talking about feminism in the age of Trump. Are we all seeing politics and life through the lens of gender more than before the election? Collier Meyerson from The Nation and Soraya Chemaly from the Women’s Media Center join hosts Kai Wright and Anne McElvoy to talk about the status of women according to the new administration and what that reflects about our culture. We’ll also discuss global feminism and what signals Trump’s election sends to women around the world. 
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Money talks: A sweet story

The EU is to abolish its quotas on sugar-beet production. Who are the winners and losers? Also: as video games get better and job prospects worse, more young men in America are spending their time in an alternate reality. Plus: are papers written by female economists clearer than ones written by men? And with a British election in the offing, our Buttonwood columnist discusses how the markets might react. Hosted by Simon Long. 
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Babbage: The new world of voice cloning

The debate over internet regulation is heating up again in America. Also on the show: genetically-engineered bacteria could be used to light up hidden landmines. And voice-cloning technology can now reproduce speech. What does this mean in an era of fake news? 
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The Economist asks: Anne-Marie Slaughter

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. 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the April 22nd 2017 edition

This week: China pushes pedal power on its city streets, fast-food restaurants in Japan look for a little more sizzle and is Argentina’s flag the wrong shade of blue? 
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Indivisible Week 14: Join The Conversation

Listeners are the guests on this episode of Indivisible. The whole hour will be open for callers to tell the hosts, Kai Wright, Anne McElvoy, and John Prideaux, how they’re feeling almost 100 days into Trump’s presidency. Whatever you may have thought on Inauguration Day -- have you changed your mind about President Trump in these past 14 weeks? Military families, do you feel you’re in good hands with this commander in chief? Democrats, Republicans and anyone else, let us know what issues you wish would be prioritized that so far have not been. 
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Money talks: How will France's election affect business?

As the presidential race narrows to two strongly contrasting candidates, we explore what a victory for each would mean for businesses. The digital revolution is making measuring GDP a bit trickier. Also, how a website that crowdsources algorithms for quantitative finance could disrupt the industry. 
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Babbage: When cars fly

Uber announces flying cars to replace taxi systems in the future. How realistic is this? Plastic-munching moths could save the world from the scourge of shopping bags. And an artificial womb could one day help premature babies to survive 
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The Economist asks: How can we improve the way we die?

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 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the April 29th 2017 edition

This week: yogic tycoons in India, sub-par propaganda in Venezuela and sinister surveillance programmes on the net 
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Money talks: Another pay rise?

Callum Williams joins presenter Simon Long to examine the merits of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s proposal for a £10 minimum wage. The Chinese investors who idolise American billionaire Warren Buffet. Why a gender gap among Economics students could cause problems down the road 
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Babbage: Soundscape of the deep ocean

A new form of bioengineering ditches the cell and could speed up innovation. Five giant tech firms are hoarding most of the world's data. Is it time to break up the oligopoly? Also, an ambient soundscape from the deepest known part of the ocean 
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The Economist asks: What’s the next great leap for education?

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 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the May 6th 2017 edition

This week: Food inspections start up in Pakistan, what the journey of a T-shirt says about African industrialisation and how to invest in art 
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Money talks: Trumponomics

Simon Long delves into what Donald Trump means for taxes, growth and trade. Also: the markets react to Emmanuel Macron's election victory in France and China develops its first large passenger jet 
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Babbage: Goodbye glaciers

Miranda Johnson explains why ice in the Arctic is melting at such an alarming rate. Philip Auerswald takes us on a 40,000-year history of human society. And an idea borrowed from lizards could make your waterproof jacket last even longer 
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The Economist asks: Can the liberal west survive?

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 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the May 13th 2017 edition

This week: Mumbai plans the world’s tallest statue, the underlying maths of life and whether the English language will survive in the European Union 
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Money talks: Bankrolling the hackers

Simon Long hears about a potential bubble in the market for Bitcoin and other crypto-currencies. Also: a report on how American ex-convicts are breaking into the job market. And, could Bollywood be eclipsed by regional rivals? 
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Babbage: Megatech: Technology in 2050

This feature-length episode dives into the technology that will shape our world over the next decades. Host Kenn Cukier and The Economist's Executive Editor Daniel Franklin are joined by experts in artificial intelligence, cyber-security, healthcare and warfare to discuss how technology will transform many aspects of our lives 
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The Economist asks: Has Silicon valley become too powerful?

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 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the May 20th 2017 edition

This week: A political fight breaks out over Rome’s Colosseum, Australians debate how to deal with sharks and what a future utopian society might think of humanity today 
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Money talks: Ford's falling fortunes

Simon Long and Philip Coggan reflect on the suicide bombing in Manchester and its impact on the markets. In the rest of the programme: as heads roll at Ford, our industry expert Simon Wright explains the problems besetting the car manufacturer. Why some African countries are reluctant to sign up to trade deals. And, how Cuba has transformed a troublesome weed into a key export. 
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Babbage: Anticipating terrorism

In the wake of the Manchester bombing, Dr Robert Wesley explains how artificial intelligence can spot extremist behaviour early. Coloured light can now be used to control how genetically-engineered organisms behave. Also, what we must to do to preserve the oceans 
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The Economist asks: What makes a terrorist?

In the aftermath of the horrific suicide bombing at the Manchester Arena on Monday, Anne McElvoy is joined by Gilles Kepel, one of Europe's leading experts on radical Islam, and deputy foreign editor Anton La Guardia to explore what motivates jihadist attacks. 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the May 27th 2017 edition

This week: Translators struggle against technological change, France embraces positive psychology and why Hong Kong’s dolphins are in peril 
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Money talks: British Airways hits turbulence

After a disastrous weekend of technical glitches for British Airways, our correspondent Charles Read estimates the long-term damage to the airline's reputation. Also: America's army of small banks are demanding lighter regulation. And Anne McElvoy travels to Portugal to find out about Economy Minister Manuel Cabral's plans for the country. Simon Long hosts. 
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Babbage: When AI makes music

Can computer-generated composition compete with human creativity? 3D printing is adopting traditional techniques to give us reinforced floors. And cricket adds yet more technology into the game: what does this mean for the sport's hallowed commentators? 
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The Economist asks: Are we too dependent on big data?

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. 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the June 3rd 2017 edition

This week: Miami’s homeowners try to fend off climate change, why queens are more warmongering than kings and how the horse shaped the history of mankind 
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Money talks: Super Mario to the rescue

As the European Central Bank meets in Estonia this week, is it time for Mario Draghi to withdraw support from the Eurozone economy? Emerging Markets Editor Simon Cox on why the BRICs label is still relevant. And, how investors are taking care of the planet. Simon Long presents 
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Babbage: Battle of the maps

Companies are striving to control an evolving digital infrastructure that will guide everything from self-driving cars to drones. Veteran investor Bill Janeway explains the parallels between artificial intelligence and electricity. Also, a Braille-controlled camera system offers an efficient way to guide the blind 
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The Economist asks: Is Brexit a disaster for trade?

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. 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the June 10th 2017 edition

This week: Competitive climbing is getting a leg-up, a new camera system to lead the blind and the green-fingered Jesus trying to save the world’s plants 
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Money talks: A poison chalice for GE’s new boss

Patrick Foulis asks if a break-up is on the cards as General Electric appoints a new CEO. Also, Uber is on a collision course as it grapples with management problems. Why confidence among European companies is sky high. And tension in global trade in aluminium. Hosted by Philip Coggan. 
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The Economist asks: Ken Rogoff about Trumponomics and free speech battles on campus

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 
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Babbage: Civilian drones take flight

Most drones today are either cheap toys or expensive weapons. But innovative commercial uses are emerging in the middle, says our deputy editor Tom Standage. Also, physicist Geoffrey West on his theory of scale and how it relates to cities. And do pollsters deserve their bad reputation? 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the June 17th 2017 edition

This week: Civilian drones lift off, South America’s lithium hotspots and why there is now gender parity in hurricanes 
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Money Talks: The scandal that won’t go away

Barclays and four of its former executives have been charged with fraud, a throwback to the 2008 financial crisis when the bank raised billions from Qatari investors. But what happened nine years ago? And why have the company's actions been investigated? Also, how buyers are striking a hard deal at the Paris Air Show. And why meddling by Saudi Arabia’s Muhammad bin Salman in Aramco might scupper the world’s biggest IPO. Hosted by Simon Long. 
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Babbage: Taxi for Travis

What next for Uber following the departure of the company's CEO Travis Kalanick? A pathogen that causes cystic fibrosis is being used to fight tuberculosis. Also, the head of Bloomberg's venture capital fund Roy Bahat on the complexities of AI replacing jobs 
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The Economist Asks: Is it moral to be wealthy

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. 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the June 24th 2017 edition

his week: Japan’s government grapples with its own smoking policy, political road rage hits Zambia and whether women really do talk more than men 
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Money talks: The Italian bailout job

Italy has been forced to bail out two banks at a cost of as much €17bn euros ($19bn). Is that the end of the bleeding in Italy's financial sector? Also, as the iPhone turns ten, we look at how Apple is evolving. And Catherine Mann, Chief Economist at the OECD, tells us how to government can help workers made jobless by globalisation. Hosted by Simon Long. 
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Babbage: Printing the future

3D printing is finally revolutionising the mass production of everything from trainer soles and teeth to metal car parts. We explore a new realm of fake news, as creating convincing video and audio of false events becomes far easier. Also, how to stop rogue icebergs from wreaking havoc. 
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The Economist asks: What’s new about our morality?

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. 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the July 1st 2017 edition

This week: The chocolate curtain dividing Europe, frozen treats behind battle lines and how science got women wrong 
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Money talks: Vorsprung durch Angst

Germany is admired for a stable economy and holding on to blue-collar jobs but derided for its persistent trade surpluses. Our economics editor John O’Sullivan examines what Chancellor Merkel’s government might do next. Also, how “total immersion” could drive the masses to virtual reality. And why banks are de-risking to avoid penalties. Hosted by Simon Long. 
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Babbage: Fluid intelligence

Zapping the brain with a weak electric current enhances its visual cortex. Is this a way to help squeeze more value out of our grey matter? Also, how a new miniature phone camera is making us rethink every aspect of photography. And why whales have become so good at filtering food. Hal Hodson hosts. 
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The Economist asks: Is big data fundamentally racist?

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 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the July 10th 2017 edition

This week: Ethiopia’s cunning pirates, how to use Twitter to study dialects and Colombia’s colourful future in ecotourism 
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Money talks: A stormy time for America’s GDP

A new report has established a link between America’s annual GDP and climate change. But can weather shifts really affect an entire country’s economy? Also, why China is likely to lead in artificial intelligence. And the Big Mac index and its purchasing-power parity. Hosted by Philip Coggan. 
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Babbage: The power of young blood

Scientists are investigating the apparent benefits of infusing young blood into the body of an older animal. Author and academic Tim Wu explains why our attention is such a vital commodity. And virtual reality is breathing new life into old rollercoasters 
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The Economist asks special: The World If…

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. 
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Tasting menu: Audio highlights from the July 15th 2017 edition

This week: Russia’s dissident superheroes, how climate change will affect America’s GDP and the stories and techniques behind fine-art photography 
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Money talks: Goodbye Benito

Brazil’s rigid labour market regulations were transplanted wholesale from Benito Mussolini’s Italy back in 1943. Now President Michel Temer has approved  an overhaul. Will it encourage job creation? Also, an exorcist in Paris fighting “bad spirits”. And why President Trump is playing hardball in renegotiating NAFTA. Hosted by Andrew Palmer. 
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