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Trailer: The Modi Raj
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Narendra Modi is one of the most popular politicians on the planet. India’s prime minister is eyeing a third term atop the world’s biggest democracy.
A tea-seller’s son, Mr Modi began life an outsider. The man behind the political phenomenon remains hard to fathom. India has become an economic powerhouse during his ten years in charge. But he’s also the frontman for a chauvinistic Hindu nationalist dogma.
Can Mr Modi continue to balance both parts of his agenda and finish the job of turning India into a superpower? The Economist’s Avantika Chilkoti finds out what makes him tick.
Launching June 2024.
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Hong Kong’s looted Chinese antiquities
31:04|China has strict laws protecting its cultural artefacts. Even so, they pop up all over the world. Hong Kong serves as a major gateway for the illicit trade of smuggled Chinese antiquities. Why does the territory still have an ancient English legal principle that gives dodgy goods a clean bill of health?Guests and hosts:Emma Irving, news editor at The EconomistJiehao Chen, co-host of “Drum Tower” Topics:Chinese antiquitiesHong Kong’s black marketRepatriation of cultural relicsTranscripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
China’s tightening AI regulations
36:22|China is becoming more cautious about AI. Since the start of the year the government has tightened controls on domestic labs, intervening in cross-border deals and restricting the movement of its best talent. Now it is limiting how Chinese citizens interact with some chatbots. Is this the beginning of a new era for China’s AI industry? Guests and hosts:Sarah Wu, co-host of “Drum Tower” David Rennie, The Economist’s geopolitics editor and Telegram columnist Joshua Spencer, The Economist’s Asia news editor Topics:Chinese AI Open-weight AI models AI companions Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
Hong Kong’s retail therapy
31:16|Hong Kong was once a shopper’s paradise. Today the city’s residents are more likely to head to mainland China to spend. As Hong Kong’s economy recovers from the double-punch of the pandemic and protests, officials are taking a novel approach to get customers spending again. Guests and hosts:Sarah Wu, co-host of “Drum Tower” Simon Cox, The Economist’s China economics editor Topics:Hong Kong economyStanley, Hong KongShenzhen effect Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
Inside China’s manosphere
35:07|Like its Western counterparts, China’s manosphere has its ugly, hostile corners. But China is also home to a large number of traditionally-minded men whose views on gender are supported by the Chinese government. Add to that a generation of women who are better-educated and more assertive than their forebears and the stage is set for a battle of the sexes. How worried are China’s leaders? Guests and hosts:Sarah Wu, co-host of “Drum Tower” Jeremy Page, co-host of “Drum Tower” Topics:ManosphereChinese gender politics Bride pricesTranscripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
Inside the world’s most important exam (part two)
33:03|Study hard, score well, and you’ll get a good job. For decades that was the promise of the gaokao, China’s university-entrance exam. But as China’s job market stagnates and youth unemployment soars, that social contract is beginning to fray. In the second of two episodes, Drum Tower explores whether taking the gaokao is still the best way for China’s young people to get ahead. Guests and hosts:Jiehao Chen, co-host of “Drum Tower” Mark Johnson, senior editor at The Economist Topics:GaokaoChinese education system China’s economy Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
Inside the world’s most important exam (part one)
35:22|China’s university-entrance exam is notoriously difficult. Admired for its meritocratic ideals, the gaokao is also criticised for its pressures and inequalities. But for millions of teens, it is still their gateway to better education, career opportunities and social mobility. In the first of two episodes, Drum Tower speaks to students about what it’s like to prepare for and take the gaokao.Guests and hosts:Jiehao Chen, co-host of “Drum Tower” Mark Johnson, senior editor at The Economist Topics:GaokaoChinese education system School exams Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
South China Seaside: a highlight from our archive
29:54|Selfies are in, bikinis are out and swimming is optional. For centuries, the Chinese turned their backs to the sea, but now millions are embracing it. In this episode from the Drum Tower archive, our correspondent hits the sand in Shenzhen and meets a microcosm of Chinese society. Guests and hosts:Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics:Dameisha Beach in Shenzhen, ChinaDomestic tourism in China Chinese beach culture Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
Why China still sucks at football
35:48|A record 48 teams qualified for this year’s World Cup, but not China. In fact, the country's most prominent representative is Ma Ning, a referee. So why, despite lavish spending and a leader who's reportedly a fan of the sport, is China so bad at football? Guests and hosts:Jiehao Chen, co-host of “Drum Tower” Jeremy Page, co-host of “Drum Tower” Topics:The World Cup Chinese football Xi Jinping Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
The Californication of Chinese diets
31:00|As China's middle class gets richer, it's also getting choosier. Alongside pork and noodles the urban elite are now tucking into salmon, avocados and blueberries. The Chinese Communist Party, which is keen to promote healthier lifestyles and food security, sees an opportunity. But first, it must reckon with a food system that millions of its own citizens don't trust.Guests and hosts:Sarah Wu, co-host of “Drum Tower” Jeremy Page, co-host of “Drum Tower” Topics:Chinese dietsFood securityChina’s middle-classTranscripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.