The Economist Asks

By The EconomistNews

The Economist Asks episodes

May 03, 2019 The Economist asks: Bret Easton Ellis
Anne McElvoy asks author and iconoclast Bret Easton Ellis about why he has decided to take on the social mores of millennials. From the #metoo movement and freedom of expression to anger on social media, he discusses the dangers of a growing generational disconnect. And he apologises for claiming millennials don’t care about literature
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28 min
April 26, 2019 The Economist asks: Ian McEwan
Anne McElvoy asks Man Booker prize-winning novelist Ian McEwan what distinguishes humans and robots in the age of AI. They discuss his new novel "Machines Like Me", a Promethean story which argues that engineers are the mythic gods of today. They also talk about why young writers should switch off their smartphones
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27 min
April 19, 2019 The Economist asks: Renée Fleming
Anne McElvoy goes backstage at New York’s newest arts centre, The Shed, to talk to the Grammy and Polar music prize-winning soprano. They discuss bending the rules of genre and gender opposite Ben Whishaw in “Norma Jeane Baker of Troy”. Also, why opera isn’t in trouble and how to reclaim the title of “diva” for the 21st century
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24 min
April 12, 2019 The Economist asks: Preet Bharara
Anne McElvoy asks the former United States attorney for the powerful Southern District of New York whether the law can still do justice in America. He explains the failure to prosecute any Wall St executives after the financial crisis and his concern about how politicised the Mueller report has become. And, Mr Bharara reveals what crime he would be tempted to commit and why he loves mafia movies.
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31 min
April 05, 2019 The Economist asks: Juan Manuel Santos
Anne McElvoy asks the former president of Colombia whether the country can sustain a lasting peace with the left-wing FARC guerrilla group. They discuss the best way to tackle the global drug trade and why Venezuela’s dictator, Nicolás Maduro, needs a “golden bridge” to give up power peacefully
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26 min
March 29, 2019 The Economist asks: Matteo Renzi
Anne McElvoy asks the former prime minister of Italy what lessons the European Union should take from the turmoil of Brexit. They discuss where the power lies in the union today, why Europe needs to make friends with China and why Westminster is looking rather Italian.
This interview was recorded at the Global Education and Skills Forum in Dubai.

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25 min
March 21, 2019 The Economist asks: Ben Shapiro
Anne McElvoy asks the controversial podcast host, and author of “The Right Side of History”, why he thinks the West needs a revival of old-fashioned values. In the wake of the mass shootings in New Zealand, they debate whether individuals, platforms or governments are responsible for controlling extreme content online. Also, does Ben Shapiro ever regret having gone too far and which presidential hopeful gets his bet for 2020 and beyond?
Music by Chris Zabriskie, “Divider” (CC by 4.0 UK)

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31 min
March 14, 2019 The Economist asks: Ricky Gervais
Anne McElvoy asks the award-winning stand-up comedian and creator of "The Office" whether there are any taboos left in comedy and if it matters when people are offended. They discuss seeing the funny side of illness, addiction, death and grief in his new comedy, “After Life”, and whether dogs might save the world
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21 min
March 08, 2019 The Economist asks: Is education the great leap forward for feminism?
Meghan Markle (the Duchess of Sussex), Annie Lennox, Adwoa Aboah, Julia Gillard and other guests discuss feminism with Anne McElvoy on International Women’s Day. They debate how to end period poverty, what men and boys can do and does the Duchess get irked by charges of supporting "trendy" causes? The event was organised by the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust
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48 min
March 07, 2019 The Economist asks: Christine Lagarde
The head of the International Monetary Fund tells Anne McElvoy what it is like to be the “firefighter” of the global financial system. They debate how realistic it is to push for multilateralism against a backdrop of tariff wars, whether Brexit will be delayed and how the IMF can help Venezuela. Ms Lagarde also reflects on the loneliness of being a woman at the top and how women need to stick together.
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26 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…