Today

Even-more-maximum pressure: sanctions on Iran

After much hullabaloo America announced its “Operation Economic Outcast”, a new tranche of sanctions. It is thin gruel, and might in fact invite military reprisals from Iran. Call centres form a large part of the economy of the Philippines; surprisingly, AI is not stopping the in ... Show More

23m 25s

Yesterday

Elbows up, again: a US-Canada trade flare-up

Promising trade talks imploded after a literal 11th-hour change from the American side. We examine the new trade barriers being erected, and the complex calculation for Prime Minister Mark Carney. In Japan Gen X workers are even still bearing the costs of an economic bubble-burst ... Show More

21m 48s

Aug 21

I, robot? AI and consciousness

The rise of generative AI has put new urgency into ancient questions. What is consciousness, and can machines ever have it? We dive into the data that reveal a surge in sexually transmitted infections in Europe. And our obituaries editor considers the life of Mary de Rachewiltz, ... Show More

24m 48s

Jun 2025

Apocalypse soon? Britain ups its defence

Britain, alongside other European countries, faces rising threats to its security. But a bold new strategy to bolster its defence forces risks being underfunded. Investors may be losing faith in long-term government bonds as a safe haven (8:42). And why a surprising number of Fre ... Show More

22m 34s

Jun 2025

Can European members of NATO defend themselves without US support?

The UK government is planning major defence reforms, at the cost of welfare programmes – drawing public anger. European members of NATO are under pressure to increase their military budgets. But could they defend themselves without U.S. support? In this episode: Paul Beaver, Defe ... Show More

25m 1s

Jan 2025

The Coming IMF Bailout of Britain!

Is the UK teetering on the edge of economic chaos? With bond yields now higher than Greece’s and a rapidly weakening pound, we explore why Britain’s financial foundation is cracking. From the historical parallels of past currency crises to the implications of its overreliance on ... Show More

44m 18s

Nov 2024

UK Budget spooks bond markets

Apple reported solid revenue growth in the past quarter, and investors are worried about the additional borrowing set out in UK chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Budget. The US warned that North Korean troops are expected to enter combat alongside Rus ... Show More

9m 20s

Oct 2023

Invaluable bonds: rising borrowing costs

America may have avoided a government shutdown last month but its fiscal worries are far from over. And unease in bond markets will spill over into the rest of the world. What can governments do to stave off the financial blow? The Chinese Communist Party’s youth wing is using ra ... Show More

25m 4s

Jul 2025

What deregulation means for the UK economy

JPMorgan Chase explores lending against cryptocurrency, and the UK will have to pay in order to join the EU’s defence fund. Plus, UK chancellor Rachel Reeves blames regulation for lack of financial growth and a start-up in San Francisco might know how to create gold. Mentioned in ... Show More

10m 28s

Oct 2022

The UK’s gilt trip continues

Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on G7 countries to speed up supplies of air defence systems after another day of Russian missile attacks, and the biggest US banks will signal worries about the economy in third-quarter earnings reports and analysts expect them to set aside more than ... Show More

9m 14s

Jun 2025

What’s really behind Europe’s 5% defense push

As NATO leaders prepare to endorse a dramatic defense spending hike, Europe faces a reckoning: Where will the money come from — and will new tanks mean cuts to pensions? Host Sarah Wheaton speaks with Michelle Haas, a defense analyst at Ghent University and an associate fellow at ... Show More

44m 53s

Apr 2024

Preparing for war: Is Europe getting ready?

The war in Ukraine has increased tensions in Europe as governments across the continent look to secure a peaceful existence. Expanding military service, increasing defence spending and joining Nato are only a few options available. But the importance of self-defence becomes clear ... Show More

24m 21s

Aug 2023

A hard landing for Europe?

Investors are increasing their bets that Europe will sink into a painful economic downturn, and luxury groups are bracing for the end of the post-pandemic recovery boom. Plus, the FT’s Tokyo bureau chief Kana Inagaki explains why Nissan’s focus on regaining ground in China mig ... Show More

8m 43s