This is part of a new mini-series called The Briefing Room Explainers.

Even though we're not on BBC Radio 4 at the moment (we'll be back at the end of March) we are going to keep publishing podcast episodes for the next few weeks.

These explainers are highly relevant mini episodes, covering some of the themes, ideas and terms which are currently in the news. They’re short versions of previous episodes of the Briefing Room.

Guests:

Duncan Weldon, economist and author of 200 Years of Muddling Through.

Sam Lowe, Partner at consultancy Flint Global

Presenter: David Aaronovitch

Producers: Charlotte McDonald, Kirsteen Knight and Beth Ashmead Latham

Studio Manager: Neil Churchill

Editor: Richard Vadon

Production Co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman