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The World Ahead from The Economist

English, Political, 1 season, 57 episodes, 21 hours, 47 minutes
About
This future-gazing series examines an assortment of speculative scenarios, what-if conjectures and provocative prophecies. Not all of them will come to pass, but thinking about possible futures can help us understand the present, and catch glimpses of the world ahead.
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The World Ahead 2023: The art of forecasting

We turn the spotlight on forecasting itself, and look back on the predictions we made for 2022. How accurate were we? How do “superforecasters” look into the future? And how can forecasters account for irrational world leaders when predicting major events? Charlotte Howard, The Economist’s executive editor, talks to Tom Standage, editor of The World Ahead, and Warren Hatch, the CEO of Good Judgement, a “superforecasting” platform and partner of The Economist.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.
1/23/202323 minutes, 33 seconds
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The World Ahead 2023: Watch the mega-states

Where is American politics heading in 2023? Alexandra Suich Bass, The Economist's senior correspondent for politics, technology and society, and our Lexington columnist, James Bennet, look outside Washington, DC, to the four mega-states to take the political temperature. Will divided government and razor-thin majorities cause politics to grind to a halt in the coming year? And will the presidential election of 2024 be a re-run of 2020? Tom Standage hosts.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.
1/16/202325 minutes, 12 seconds
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The World Ahead 2023: Bigger elephant, leaner dragon

When it comes to demographic shifts, 2023 is going to be a big year. India will overtake China to become the world’s most populous country in 2023—and China’s population will start to shrink. What are the pros and cons of growing and shrinking populations, and what can governments do in response? Tom Standage asks Brooke Unger, The Economist’s international correspondent, and Lena Schipper, South Asia bureau chiefPlease 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.
1/9/202319 minutes, 26 seconds
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The World Ahead 2023: China's challenges

As president Xi Jinping begins his third five-year term, China’s path forward is uncertain. Covid-19 is tearing through the country after it relaxed its strict “zero-covid” policies. China also faces slowing economic growth and rising geopolitical tensions with America. Are China’s days of rapid catch-up growth behind it? And how might the war in Ukraine change China’s calculus on Taiwan? The Economist's China Editor, Roger McShane, senior China correspondent, Alice Su, and senior Asia correspondent, Dominic Ziegler, give their views.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.
1/2/202326 minutes, 31 seconds
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The World Ahead 2023: Understand this

We analyse the new buzzwords and jargon that could be making their way into the collective consciousness over the next 12 months. Host Tom Standage, Lane Greene, The Economist's language columnist, and Aryn Braun, West Coast correspondent, quiz each other on the meaning of deadpool, cool pavement, aridification, TWaT city, Yimby, battery belt, passkeys, horizontal escalation and the doughnut effect.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.
12/19/202223 minutes, 25 seconds
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The World Ahead 2023: Fuelling the future

Europe faces a painful energy crunch this winter, as it tries to make do with less Russian gas. Will this crisis “accelerate the green-energy transition”—and what role can companies and consumers play in reducing consumption? Host Tom Standage asks The Economist's environment editor, Catherine Brahic and global energy and climate innovation editor, Vijay Vaitheeswaran. Also, hydrogen hype is rising again—will this time be different?We hope you enjoy listening to this podcast as much as we enjoy making it. We're always thinking of ways to improve and to do that we would like to know more about our listeners. Please help us by filling out this short questionnaire. 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.
12/12/202224 minutes, 18 seconds
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The World Ahead 2023: The coming recession

What are the prospects for the world economy in 2023? Economies face volatile energy prices and inflation at its highest level in decades. The Economist's economics editor, Henry Curr, and deputy business affairs editor, Rachana Shanbhogue, explain the dilemma facing central bankers around the world. Also, what are the global effects of a strong dollar and high American interest rates?We hope you enjoy listening to this podcast as much as we enjoy making it. We're always thinking of ways to improve and to do that we would like to know more about our listeners. Please help us by filling out this short questionnaire. 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.
12/5/202219 minutes, 29 seconds
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The World Ahead 2023: Conflicting possibilities

How will the war in Ukraine play out in 2023? The Economist’s foreign and defence editors discuss the possible scenarios for the conflict with Russia. The best one for Ukraine is also the most dangerous. Tom Standage hostsPlease 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.
11/28/202221 minutes, 57 seconds
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The World Ahead: The future of green travel

Can flying be made sustainable? Host Tom Standage travels to the year 2042 to find airlines making growing use of “synthetic” aviation fuel, made using carbon dioxide extracted from the atmosphere, which allows for carbon-neutral flights. Back in the present, Nat Keohane, former White House policy adviser, and Catherine Brahic, The Economist’s environment editor, discuss how sustainable fuels and broader carbon markets could help reduce the environmental impact of flying.For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
6/27/202229 minutes, 26 seconds
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The World Ahead: The future of education

Will personalised learning replace teachers? Host Tom Standage travels to the year 2042 to find children being taught by personalised learning assistants powered by artificial intelligence, and funded by corporate advertising. What does this mean for schools? Back in the present, Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy, and Mark Johnson, The Economist’s education correspondent, debate how technology will change education, and the merits of the “flipped classroom”.For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
6/20/202222 minutes, 56 seconds
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The World Ahead: The future of health care

How much preventative health monitoring is too much? Host Tom Standage travels to the year 2042 to find large-scale monitoring of people’s health as part of a shift from treatment to prevention⁠—and a debate about whether regular medical scans should be made compulsory. What role will wearable devices play, and how might new diagnostic tools affect health inequality?For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
6/13/202225 minutes, 7 seconds
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The World Ahead: The future of food

Are there some things we shouldn’t eat? Host Tom Standage travels to the year 2042 to find that animal-based meat is being pushed aside in favour of cultured meat grown in vats, a new industry dominated by three companies. He samples food grown from the cells of endangered animals and hears from a food activist. Back in the present day, we ask The Economist's Jon Fasman and Liz Specht, vice president of Science and Technology at the Good Food Institute, a non-profit group focused on reimagining protein production, to assess the likelihood of this imagined scenario. For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
6/6/202227 minutes, 4 seconds
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The World Ahead: Technologies to watch

The rapid development and roll-out of coronavirus vaccines has been a reminder of the power of science and technology to change the world. Host Tom Standage considers some of the technologies to watch in 2022, from 3D-printed housing and heat pumps to flying electric taxis and meetings in the metaverse. 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.
1/24/202219 minutes, 57 seconds
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The World Ahead: Following the money

Inflation in America has reached its highest level in four decades. What is the outlook for 2022? Host Tom Standage asks former US treasury secretary Larry Summers. Meanwhile, China is pushing ahead with its plans for a “central bank digital currency”. How do such digital coins stack up against cryptocurrencies?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.
1/17/202228 minutes, 9 seconds
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The World Ahead: On the borderline

China is unlikely to reopen its borders in 2022 as it continues its zero-covid policy. What will the long-term impact of the pandemic be on tourism and business travel? Meanwhile, the tourist map of South-East Asia will look very different in 2022 as the number of destinations adopting the “sandbox” model is set to grow. Tom Standage hosts. 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.
1/10/202217 minutes, 44 seconds
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The World Ahead: COP-out?

After a major UN climate summit, momentum behind climate policy often falters. But will that happen in 2022 in the wake of COP26? Climate cooperation is leading to some unlikely alliances and new reports on the impact of global warming underline greater urgency. Will significant action follow? Tom Standage hosts.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.
1/3/202232 minutes, 13 seconds
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The World Ahead: The new space race

Space was one of the only tourist destinations in 2021 that boomed. What are the prospects for extraterrestrial travel in 2022? Host Tom Standage talks to Sian Proctor, the first African-American woman to pilot a spacecraft, who took part in the first all-civilian orbital mission. And, how does science fiction relate to the new reality of space exploration?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.
12/20/202123 minutes, 40 seconds
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The World Ahead: Working it out

Why will 2022 be the year of the worker? Workers around the world suffered hardship in 2020 and 2021, but labour markets across the rich world have outperformed expectations.For workers the work from home experiment has gone fairly well and they have more bargaining power than they have had for years. But how can employers ensure that the future of work is fair for all? Tom Standage hosts. 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.
12/13/202124 minutes, 35 seconds
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The World Ahead: Year three

In wealthy and well-vaccinated countries, year three of the pandemic will be better than year two. But in countries that are poorer, less well vaccinated or both, the deleterious effects of the virus will linger. A disparity of outcomes between rich and poor countries will emerge. Meanwhile, tests and treatments for “long covid” are on the horizon and the mRNA technology used in some covid vaccines could be applied to other diseases. So could there be a “covid dividend”?Host Tom Standage talks to The Economist's Edward Carr, Natasha Loder and Slavea Chankova.For full access to print, digital and audio editions, subscribe to The Economist at www.economist.com/podcastoffer.And we would love to hear from you—please take a moment to complete our listener survey at economist.com/worldaheadsurvey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12/6/202126 minutes, 54 seconds
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The World Ahead: The eagle and the dragon

The rivalry between China and America will intensify in 2022 as each side strives to demonstrate the superiority of its system of government. As China uses its stage-managed Communist Party congress to cement Xi Jinping in power, Joe Biden and the Democratic Party are expected to face a drubbing in America’s mid-term elections. Editor-in-Chief Zanny Minton Beddoes, US editor John Prideaux and host Tom Standage assess the competition between the two superpowers. For full access to print, digital and audio editions, subscribe to The Economist at www.economist.com/podcastofferAnd we would love to hear from you—please take a moment to complete our listener survey at economist.com/worldaheadsurvey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
11/29/202122 minutes, 53 seconds
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The World Ahead: Let food be your medicine

As scientists learn more about the gut microbiome, what role could personalised nutrition play in the future of health care? We imagine a scenario where biohackers injected themselves with mRNA, the technology used in some coronavirus vaccines. And, could an artificial intelligence ever win the Nobel prize for medicine? Tom Standage hosts. 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.
7/26/202126 minutes, 59 seconds
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The World Ahead: The heat is on

As heat waves become more frequent and deadly around the world, we consider how two cities in India might weather a deadly one in 2041. Kim Stanley Robinson, science-fiction writer and author of “The Ministry for the Future”, tells us how heat waves could spur humanity’s response to climate change. And we imagine a future in which dementia is preventable and treatable. How might that come about? Tom Standage hosts  Subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastoffer  Music by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC by 4.0) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
6/28/202126 minutes, 27 seconds
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The World Ahead: Preparing for the next catastrophe

The coronavirus pandemic took the world by surprise. But experts had been predicting something similar for decades. Which other threats deserve more attention—from solar flares and rogue AI to antibiotic resistance? And how has the pandemic affected efforts to prepare for them? Also, the mission to crash a space probe into an asteroid, and how it could help protect the Earth in future. Tom Standage hosts. Subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastoffer  Music by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC by 4.0) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5/31/202125 minutes, 58 seconds
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The World Ahead: Government via Siri

Governments’ efforts to move their services and operations online have been accelerated by the pandemic. Host Tom Standage finds out which countries are leading the way, and which are lagging behind. What are the barriers that must be overcome, and where is e-government heading next? Subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastoffer  Music by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC by 4.0) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
4/26/202122 minutes, 32 seconds
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The World Ahead: Live and direct

How have live events, including sports, music and conferences, changed in response to the pandemic—and which changes will endure, both for in-person and remote attendees? And what do empty stadiums reveal about referees’ bias? Tom Standage hosts. Subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastoffer  Music by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC by 4.0) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
3/29/202123 minutes, 11 seconds
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The World Ahead: When cities breathe out

Covid-19 has dented the prosperity, populations and popularity of big cities around the world. But adapting to shocks is what great cities do. How will urban centres change in the post-pandemic world and what are the political implications of a shift towards more remote working from suburban areas? Tom Standage hosts. 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.
2/22/202120 minutes, 13 seconds
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The World Ahead: Lockdown lessons

The pandemic has forced universities to move teaching online. Tom Standage asks if attitudes are shifting among students, and academics, towards remote learning. What could this mean for the future of higher education? How would it affect the business models of some universities? And how might online-learning tools evolve in a future, as lifelong learning becomes the new normal? 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.
1/25/202125 minutes, 20 seconds
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The World Ahead: Joe Biden’s in-tray

Looking ahead to 2021, we consider Joe Biden’s domestic-policy agenda: faced with a pandemic and an economic crisis, where will he start? To what extent will the new president be able to heal America’s deep cultural divides and how will state-level politics influence his policies? Also, how will the Republican party evolve in 2021? Tom Standage hosts. 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.
12/28/202023 minutes, 42 seconds
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The World Ahead: Post-coronanomics

What is the outlook for the world economy in 2021, and how much lasting damage has been done in 2020? Carmen Reinhart, chief economist at the World Bank, explains how this crisis compares with previous ones. We find out how China’s rapid rebound is taking it back to the future. And, we predict the impact of Joe Biden’s policies on US-China trade relations. Tom Standage hosts.  Subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions: www.economist.com/podcastoffer  Music by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC by 4.0) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
11/30/202022 minutes, 52 seconds
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The World Ahead: A shot in the arm

What are the prospects for coronavirus vaccines and the challenges involved in rolling them out around the world in 2021? The Economist's health policy editor explains what regulatory and logistical obstacles must be overcome as vaccines move from the laboratory to the clinic. And the CEO of Gavi, the vaccine alliance, explores how political and economic factors will govern vaccine distribution. Tom Standage hosts. 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.
10/26/202022 minutes, 52 seconds
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The World Ahead: The future of work

With work habits around the work changing because of covid-19, host Tom Standage considers the future of the office. What lessons can be learned from companies like GitHub, where most employees are remote? What can providers of flexible workspaces, such as IWG, reveal about trends in office use? What does team-building look like in a world where remote working is more widespread? And what are the implications for pay, housing costs, equality and labour laws? Music by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC by 4.0)Read more speculative scenarios at "The World If" and 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.
9/28/202021 minutes, 15 seconds
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The World Ahead: Peak plane?

In this episode we consider the future of travel. What if aviation doesn’t recover from covid-19? We find out how one airline is turning crisis into opportunity, consider how to make flying greener—and examine how the combination of the pandemic, and growing concern about climate change, is affecting attitudes to travel. Tom Standage hosts Music by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC by 4.0)Read more speculative scenarios at "The World If" and 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.
8/31/202022 minutes, 24 seconds
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The World Ahead: Red, white and green

In this climate-themed episode we imagine how the Republican party might pivot on environmental policy and go green for 2024. We consider how climate scientists map out different scenarios for the trajectory of global warming. Also, a journey to 2050 to see how oil companies have reinvented themselves to suck CO2 out of the atmosphere. Tom Standage hosts.Music by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC by 4.0) Read more from at "The World If" and 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.
7/27/202024 minutes, 23 seconds
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The World Ahead: Bus to the future

What is the future of public transport in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic? Also, the United Nations’ Assistant Secretary-General on how countries should prepare for future disasters. And could a “carbon surveillance” system help save the planet? Tom Standage hosts Music by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC by 4.0) 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.
6/29/202028 minutes, 25 seconds
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The World Ahead: After Kim Jong-un

The North Korean leader’s recent disappearance for three weeks led to intense speculation about his health. What would happen if Mr Kim's regime collapsed? Peter Singer, an author and political scientist, explains how his novel, set in the near future, is helping policymakers respond to artificial intelligence. And how feasible is wireless charging for electric cars? Tom Standage hostsMusic by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC by 4.0)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.
5/25/202025 minutes, 1 second
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The World Ahead: Viral acceleration

The covid-19 pandemic has triggered an economic crisis, but how will this change the way people use technology—and which of these changes will last? Host Tom Standage speaks to guests from Ark Invest, the Brookings Institution and Alphabet’s drone-delivery company, Wing, to explore which technologies stand to benefit from an acceleration in the pace of adoption.  Music by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC by 4.0) Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/radiooffer or here for The World in 2020  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
4/27/202024 minutes, 54 seconds
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The World Ahead: Pandemic predictions

As the covid-19 situation worsens, host Tom Standage explores what the pandemic reveals about the perils of prediction and what other future threats we might be overlooking. Also, what a simulation of a future mission to Mars could teach us about self-isolation on Earth today. And, the hit video game “Plague, Inc” is teaching players about the dynamics of pandemics—and how to stop them. Music by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC by 4.0)Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/radiooffer or here for The World in 2020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
3/30/202025 minutes, 20 seconds
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The World Ahead: NPT threats

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty turns 50 this year, but the celebrations may be short-lived. Also, the challenges facing Canada’s prime minister, Justin Trudeau, as he tries to keep both China and America happy. And why the future of video-gaming may play out in the cloud. Tom Standage hosts.    Music by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC by 4.0) Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/radiooffer or here for The World in 2020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2/24/202021 minutes, 5 seconds
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The World Ahead: Deep green sea

New environmental rules have been introduced to control pollution at sea, but might they do more harm than good—and how can shipping be made greener in the long term? Also, a look at the future of nursing, as 2020 has been designated the year of the nurse. And how Xi Jinping is playing a long game to improve Chinese football in the decades to come. Tom Standage hosts.  Music by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC by 4.0) Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/radiooffer or here for The World in 2020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1/27/202021 minutes, 36 seconds
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The World Ahead: Tax me if you can

2020 will be a key year for determining how big multinational and technology companies are taxed, but can a global deal be reached? Also, to what degree will the Olympics boost Japan’s international standing next year and will a new event called sport climbing catch on? Finally, the science fiction guide to the future. Anne McElvoy hosts  Music by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC by 4.0) Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12/30/201924 minutes, 5 seconds
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The world ahead: Small COP, big COP

On the eve of the 2019 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP25) in Madrid, we ask what delegates hope to achieve. Also, how can online games help in the fight against fake news? And host Tom Standage interviews an artificial intelligence called GPT-2 about its views on the big themes of 2020. Music by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC by 4.0) “The World in 2020”, our future-gazing annual, is now available at shop.economist.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
11/25/201924 minutes, 9 seconds
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The world ahead: Libra in the balance

As doubts surround the launch of Facebook’s Libra, will 2020 really be the year of digital currencies? We find out what shopping is like when payments are automatic and invisible. And, how China provides a glimpse of how people will handle their finances in the future. Tom Standage hosts Music by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC by 4.0)Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/radiooffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10/28/201921 minutes, 9 seconds
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The world ahead: A different dystopia

With recent protests taking place against president Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi, The Economist’s foreign editor, Robert Guest, considers what might happen if Mr Sisi's regime collapses. We discuss the global cannabis revolution, as medical use opens the way to wider liberalisation. And, instead of worrying about too many robots in the workforce in the future, should we be worrying that there will be too few?Music by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC by 4.0)____________________Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:www.economist.com/radiooffer____________________ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
9/30/201924 minutes, 49 seconds
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The world ahead: Clash of the titans

With tensions rising in the South China Sea, we consider how a potential clash between America and China might play out—and why the world should pay more attention to this region. And host Tom Standage takes a ride in a self-driving car in London, to see how Europe is faring in the race to build autonomous vehicles.Music by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC by 4.0). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8/26/201922 minutes, 48 seconds
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The world ahead: Sunshady business

If efforts to cut emissions fall short, might some nations resort to solar geoengineering — building a sunshade in the stratosphere — to buy more time? Also, what if Facebook blocked Europeans from using its services? Tom Standage hostsMusic by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC by 4.0) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
7/29/201918 minutes, 46 seconds
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The World ahead: In the Sharenthood

What if America decided to pull out of NATO? And a trip to 2029 to report on a landmark case in which parents are required to pay damages for sharing images of their children online, and refusing to take them down when the children grow up. Tom Standage hostsMusic by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC by 4.0) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
6/24/201929 minutes, 11 seconds
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The world ahead: Food for thought

After the successful stockmarket flotation of Beyond Meat, maker of the Beyond Burger, we assess the potential impact of meat substitutes on global meat consumption. Also, is space tourism about to take off? And what can be done to preserve indigenous languages for future generations. Tom Standage hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
5/27/201922 minutes, 7 seconds
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The world ahead: When the drugs don't work

In this edition of The world ahead we examine a possible future where antibiotics no longer work. What causes such antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and what can be done to remedy it? And in another health-care scenario, we examine technology's potential to address the global shortage of medical staff. Anne McElvoy hostsMusic by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC by 4.0) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
4/29/201921 minutes, 39 seconds
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The world ahead: Slow social

In this episode we discuss why, after years of trying to make their products as addictive as possible, social-media companies are now heading in the opposite direction. We look forward to key dates later this year for elections, Chinese anniversaries and historic figures. And we ask what the former headmaster of Eton College is bringing to China’s educational system. Tom Standage hostsMusic by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC x 4.0) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
3/22/201924 minutes, 45 seconds
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The world ahead: Shifting sands of the Sahel

In this episode of our future-gazing podcast we discuss how an often-ignored region in Africa seems set grow in prominence, for the wrong reasons. Professor Stephen Hsu discusses the implications of genomic risk-scoring in health care. And we look at the rise of the couture designer in China. Tom Standage hostsMusic by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC x 4.0) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2/22/201922 minutes, 2 seconds
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The world ahead: Regulating AI

In this episode we discuss what the future holds for the regulation of artificial intelligence. Is populism on the rise in Canada and will it impact Justin Trudeau's chances of re-election? And does China’s new record-breaking bridge really bring it closer to Hong Kong? Anne McElvoy hostsMusic by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC x 4.0) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1/24/201921 minutes, 48 seconds
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The world ahead: Will you (not) marry me?

Why will civil partnerships become more common – among straight people? What will the future look like for CCTV surveillance? Also, the business opportunities in North America for retailing cannabis. Simon Long hosts. Music by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC x 4.0) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12/21/201817 minutes, 46 seconds
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The world ahead: Move over, baby boomers

What will America's political landscape look like once millennials outnumber the baby-boom generation? 2019 will also see a triumphant return to the moon. And how Japan is hoping to attract even more tourists. Anne McElvoy hosts. Music by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC x 4.0)  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
11/27/201821 minutes, 5 seconds
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The world ahead: Universal lessons

What would it look like if every child around the world attended school? And we also consider how far the ‘gig economy’ can go. Also, we ask the question: what foodstuff will be sustaining mankind in the future? Hal Hodson hosts Music by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC by 4.0) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10/25/201817 minutes, 14 seconds
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The world ahead: Xi’s world order

What would the world look like if China made the international rules? Also, what if actors were replaced by digital versions of themselves? We also consider how the future is framed for eyewear. Anne McElvoy hostsMusic by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC by 4.0) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10/4/201819 minutes, 12 seconds
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The world ahead: Generation XX

What would the world look like if 50% of CEOs were women, and what would have to change to make this possible? We also consider a future in which drones police the oceans, making it harder to get away with lawlessness at sea. Tom Standage hosts Music by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC by 4.0) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8/15/201814 minutes, 55 seconds
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The world ahead: Trailer

Coming soon: a new future-gazing series from The Economist that examines an assortment of speculative scenarios, what-if conjectures and provocative prophecies. Thinking about possible futures can help us understand the present, and catch glimpses of the world ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
7/5/20181 minute, 20 seconds