Episode Description:

Welcome to this episode of our podcast, where we delve into three thought-provoking segments that cover a range of topics. In the first segment, we explore President Joe Biden's China strategy and its impact on America's resilience and national security. While the strategy aims to limit China's access to sensitive technologies and build alternative supply chains, we examine how it may not be achieving its intended goals. Despite efforts to make supply chains more transparent, they have become more complex and opaque, and America's reliance on Chinese critical inputs remains intact. Additionally, we discuss how this policy has inadvertently pushed America's allies closer to China, undermining America's influence.

In the second segment, we shift our focus to Saudi Arabia's foray into global sports, particularly in football and golf. With a staggering $10 billion investment in players, teams, and leagues, Saudi Arabia has drawn criticism from Western fans, activists, and politicians. However, we challenge the objections raised against Saudi Arabia's involvement in sports. By highlighting the extensive trade relationships between the West and Saudi Arabia, we question whether controlling sports assets truly blinds the Western public or their governments.

Finally, in our last segment, we tackle the growing trend of building larger and burlier electric vehicles (EVs) and its implications for sustainability. As car manufacturers prioritize higher profits and cater to consumer preferences for SUVs and pickup trucks, we explore the unsustainability and safety concerns associated with this trend. From the strain it puts on the supply chain to the increased demand for low-carbon electricity and the hindrance it poses to the production of affordable electric cars, we argue that governments and car makers should encourage the production of smaller and more efficient EVs. We propose various policy measures, such as supporting charging infrastructure and implementing taxes and subsidies, to promote the development of sustainable electric vehicles.

Tune in to this episode for a thought-provoking discussion on President Biden's China strategy, Saudi Arabia's involvement in global sports, and the challenges posed by the trend of larger electric vehicles.

A selection of three essential articles read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. This week, why Biden’s China strategy isn’t working, Saudi Arabia’s plan to dominate global sport (10:20) and how green is your electric vehicle, really? (17:55) 

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.