The Economist Asks

By The EconomistNews

The Economist Asks episodes

September 20, 2019 The Economist asks: Inside Huawei
In his palatial headquarters, Ren Zhengfei, founder and CEO of the Chinese telecommunications giant, explains how the American boycott has hurt Huawei and how he will fight back. He outlines plans to sell Huawei’s 5G technology to Western companies, allowing them to compete on a level playing field. David Rennie, The Economist’s Beijing bureau chief, and Patrick Foulis, our business affairs editor, also ask Mr Ren about the US-China trade war, unfettered access to the internet in China and the protests in Hong Kong. And, does he plan to retire any time soon? Anne McElvoy hosts
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29 min
September 12, 2019 The Economist asks: Margaret Atwood
The author of “The Testaments” and “The Handmaid’s tale” debates whether her novels are speculative fiction and how women's rights have evolved since she began writing in the early 1960s. Anne McElvoy asks Margaret Atwood whether she benefitted from a “Trump bump”, if #MeToo is an invincible weapon and what makes a “bad” feminist? Also, does she admire the Queen?
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32 min
September 06, 2019 The Economist asks: Malcolm Gladwell
The prolific author and podcaster explains why people so often misunderstand strangers and the consequences when they do, from police injustice to Ponzi schemes. Anne McElvoy asks Malcolm Gladwell why humans are so bad at distinguishing lies from the truth, whether judges should be replaced with AI, and if true strangers still exist in the age of social media
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28 min
August 30, 2019 The Economist asks: Should billionaires call the shots on solving global problems?
At glitzy gatherings across the world, former heads of state, corporate bosses and celebrities champion the power of philanthropy to change the world. Anand Giridharadas, author of “Winners take all”, argues this is a charade and the 1% have little interest in changing the system. Anne McElvoy challenges him on the nature of the problem with elite do-gooding. Should billionaires give their money to different causes, or pay more tax and let governments choose how to spend it? And would governments necessarily use the money any better? This event was organised by Intelligence Squared.
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29 min
August 23, 2019 The Economist asks: What’s the recipe for the restaurant of the future?
Over iced coffee and crullers at Union Square Cafe in New York, Anne McElvoy asks restaurateur Danny Meyer about his recipe for restaurant success—from Michelin-starred 11 Madison Park to the fast-food chain Shake Shack. They talk about how #MeToo has changed the politics of the kitchen and why he would rather diners left smaller tips. And, when any dish can be delivered at the tap of an app, is there still magic in eating out?
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26 min
August 16, 2019 The Economist asks: Who will decide the fate of Hong Kong?
Former Chief Secretary of the territory, Anson Chan, has called on leader Carrie Lam to withdraw a controversial law which sparked a wave of protests. Anne McElvoy asks her whether Hong Kong’s special status is under threat and, 30 years after the Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing, if history might repeat itself? Anne also speaks with our Asia columnist, Dominic Ziegler, who has been reporting on the story since it began
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26 min
August 09, 2019 The Economist asks: Is LA the model for a more diverse America?
Eric Garcetti, the mayor of Los Angeles, argues America’s second largest city benefits from being a melting pot. Anne McElvoy asks him how he is faring in tackling the city’s housing crisis and why he is not running for the Democratic nomination in 2020. They address allegations of racism in the White House and, in the wake of two mass shootings, how to curb gun violence in America. Also, could smooth jazz prevent traffic jams?
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32 min
August 02, 2019 The Economist asks: Should race matter on stage?
Wendell Pierce, best known for his roles in the television dramas “The Wire”, “Suits” and “Jack Ryan”, plays Willy Loman in a new production of “Death of a Salesman”, moving to London’s West End in the autumn. Anne McElvoy caught up with him backstage in July and asked him about whether casting an all-black Loman family changes the nature of the play, his thoughts on America's troubled racial history, and how that history shapes his views of the current president of the United States
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31 min
July 26, 2019 The Economist asks: How should filmmakers depict Nazi Germany?
Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck hoped never to make a film about the Third Reich. Anne McElvoy asks the Oscar-winning director of “The Lives of Others” what changed his mind. His new film, “Never Look Away”, was inspired by the life of the artist Gerhard Richter, who unwittingly married the daughter of an SS doctor responsible for the death of his aunt. Von Donnersmarck responds to criticisms of the film from Richter, and from those who say he stylises violence. And, how does his nation's relationship with the past shape European politics today?
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22 min
July 19, 2019 The Economist asks: Anna Wintour
For more than 30 years as editor-in-chief of Vogue, Anna Wintour has been the gatekeeper of high style. Anne McElvoy asks if the fashion business can genuinely deliver sustainability and shift catwalk stereotypes. They discuss why Wintour personally avoids social media and the consequences of Donald Trump’s tweets about non-white congresswomen. Also, she addresses why Melania Trump has not been asked to appear on Vogue's cover since becoming first lady
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30 min

About The Economist Asks

From the publisher's feed

One question posed to a high-profile newsmaker, followed up with lively debate. Anne McElvoy hosts The Economist's chat show. Recent guests include Henry Kissinger, Chris Patten and Maggie…