The Economist Asks

By The EconomistNews

The Economist Asks episodes

October 11, 2018 The Economist asks: What would Churchill do in 2018?
We ask Andrew Roberts, historian and Churchill biographer, how the most famous British Prime Minister might have responded to today’s global turmoil. What can current politicians learn from his legacy - and are 21st century critics right about his flaws? Anne McElvoy hosts
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27 min
October 04, 2018 The Economist asks: What can history teach spies?
Christopher Andrew, author of "The Secret World", warns intelligence services of the dangers of historical attention span deficit disorder. He argues we can only understand Vladimir Putin — and allegations of meddling in foreign elections — in the context of the long history of Russia. And who was the Edward Snowden of the Victorian era? Anne McElvoy hosts. Music by Chris Zabriskie, “Divider” (CC by 4.0 UK)
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22 min
September 27, 2018 The Economist asks: Bishop Michael Curry
The first black presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church tells Anne McElvoy about the invitation to speak at the royal wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. Also, his views on the role of religion in a divided America and whether President Donald Trump acts in good faith
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23 min
September 20, 2018 The Economist asks: Steve Bannon
As part of the Open Future festival Steve Bannon, former White House chief strategist, discusses how his economic protectionism could result in price rises for US consumers and why he thinks that’s ok. Also, are there any ultra populists in Europe too right-wing for his movement? His advice to Boris Johnson on Brexit — and his disagreements with Ivanka Trump. Anne McElvoy hosts.
Music by Chris Zabriskie, “Divider” (CC by 4.0 UK)

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33 min
September 13, 2018 The Economist asks: Francis Fukuyama
The age of ideological struggle failed to end with the Cold War. Francis Fukuyama, who coined the phrase “the end of history”, talks to Anne McElvoy about the rise of identity politics, whether there is any force that can rival it, and which party is playing the identity game better in the American midterms. Music by Chris Zabriskie, “Divider” (CC by 4.0 UK)
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19 min
September 06, 2018 The Economist asks: What are the forces reshaping today’s Europe?
Anne McElvoy talks to historian Ian Kershaw about the continent’s rollercoaster half-century. They discuss Europe's turbulent friendships with America and Russia and the accusations of anti-Semitism against Britain's Labour party. Also, the EU needs a reboot but is Angela Merkel the person to lead it?
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23 min
August 30, 2018 The Economist asks: John McCain’s last word
Has the late Senator’s final address damaged Donald Trump? What will John McCain’s legacy be? Anne McElvoy, our senior editor, recalls our interview with the political nonconformist and war hero - and talks to Senator John Barrasso about their last visit to Vietnam, Rick Wilson, Republican strategist, and Madeleine Albright, Democrat and former Secretary of State.
Audio excerpt courtesy of Simon & Schuster. Audio from “Every Day is Extra” by John Kerry. Copyright © 2018 by John Kerry. Aired with permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc. Music by Chris Zabriskie (CC by 4.0 UK).

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20 min
August 23, 2018 The Economist asks: Can one whistleblower tame the tech titans?
Christopher Wylie tells Kenneth Cukier why he blew the whistle on Cambridge Analytica. They discuss whether platforms are doing enough to protect users’ privacy and what governments can do to safeguard independent elections

Music by Chris Zabriskie “Divider” (CC by 4.0 UK)

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21 min
August 16, 2018 The Economist asks: Who was Adam Smith?
Anne McElvoy investigates the life of the Scottish philosopher now known as the father of modern economics. What does an author who died in 1790 have to teach us about trade wars and crony capitalism in the 21st century? And which American television villain kept a copy of “The Wealth of Nations” on his bookshelf?
Music by Chris Zabriskie “Divider” (CC by 4.0 UK)

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20 min
August 09, 2018 The Economist asks: should the veil be a matter for the courts or conscience?
Masih Alinejad tells Anne McElvoy how she took My Stealthy Freedom, her viral campaign against compulsory hijab in Iran, from social media to the streets – could reform be on the way? Also, the impact of visiting Western female politicians wearing the veil and why she believes Iranian women do not want to be liberated by the West.
Music by Chris Zabriskie “Divider” (CC by 4.0 UK)

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15 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…