The Economist Asks

One of the most prominent figures in China’s tech sector and author of “AI 2041” tells Anne McElvoy how artificial intelligence will have changed the world in twenty years time. They discuss the impact machine learning will have on jobs and why an algorithm could spot the next pandemic. Plus, can a robot ever replicate human emotion?

Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:

www.economist.com/podcastoffer

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The star of “Bach and Sons” tells Anne McElvoy how he brought the great German composer to life on stage. They discuss the impact of theatre closures on actors’ finances and why he reckons it’s now safe to return to the stalls on both sides of the Atlantic. Plus, how far should identity politics influence who plays which roles?

Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:

www.economist.com/podcastoffer

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can biography tell the whole truth? Anne McElvoy asks the writer how he balances the friendliness with his subjects and over-familiarity. The author of “The Code Breaker" and “Steve Jobs” reveals whether he regrets anything he has written and if he’s more critical of politicians than scientists. And, of all the historical figures he’s profiled, who would he most like to go for dinner with?

Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:

www.economist.com/podcastoffer

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can data make better parents? The author of “The Family Firm” and economics professor at Brown University tells Anne McElvoy why crunching the numbers takes the stress out of raising children. She talks about the backlash to her advocacy of re-opening schools during the Covid-19 pandemic and what damage a year out of the classroom means for pupils. And, what's her top piece of parenting advice?

Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:

www.economist.com/podcastoffer

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where is the difference between moderation and censorship on tech platforms? Anne McElvoy asks the author of “Dangerous Ideas" whether social media giants were right to ban Donald Trump and if speech should be free even if it’s offensive? The human-rights lawyer also talks about working with asylum seekers and picks a previously-censored book to take with him to a desert island. 

Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:

www.economist.com/podcastoffer

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are today’s sporting competitions fair? The four-time Olympic champion sprinter tells Anne McElvoy why he handed back his gold medal after discovering his team-mate's use of performance-enhancing drugs, and why he thinks doping will never be eradicated. Should athletes be allowed to protest on the podium? And, the man with the “golden shoes” on his fantasy sport opponent?

With acknowledgments to Team USA.

Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:

www.economist.com/podcastoffer

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The actor and director of “The Water Man” tells Anne McElvoy why he thinks Hollywood needs new stories and how grieving for his parents inspired his latest film. The star of “Selma” reveals why he left London for Los Angeles in search of bigger roles. And, does he want to be the next 007? 

Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:

www.economist.com/podcastoffer

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are economic sanctions against Russia a good idea? Anne McElvoy asks the Prime Minister of Estonia whether sanctions really punish Vladimir Putin, and why she thinks dialogue with the Kremlin shows weakness. Are all NATO members spending enough on defence? Estonia’s first female PM explains why she looks to Angela Merkel for lessons in leadership and what the golf course taught her about life.

Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:

www.economist.com/podcastoffer

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the era of globalisation over? The Economist’s editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes asks the director-general of the World Trade Organisation whether the multilateral trading system still works. Can an organisation rooted in the twentieth century prevent a trade war between the US and China in the twenty-first—and how serious a problem is vaccine protectionism? The WTO’s first African leader talks about being a champion for the continent. And, why poetry is her source of inspiration.

Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:

www.economist.com/podcastoffer

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has the #MeToo movement run into trouble? The renowned philosopher and author of “Citadels of Pride: Sexual Abuse, Accountability, and Reconciliation” talks to Anne McElvoy about the moral complexities of mass-sharing experiences of sexual assault and shaming of alleged perpetrators. Also, can rules of consent keep up with behaviour? And, as a music buff, what’s her favourite philosophical opera?

Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:

www.economist.com/podcastoffer

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.