This episode of The Economist podcast explores key global events of 2024, including major elections in India, Senegal, and the United States, as well as ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza, alongside significant strides in AI. Central to the discussion is the "Country of the Year" award, which has become a point of contention between Bangladesh and Syria. While Syria's efforts to overthrow the Assad regime marked a significant achievement, it was Bangladesh's peaceful, student-led revolution and stabilization under an interim government that ultimately won the award, showcasing tangible progress and a clearer move towards democracy. Additionally, the podcast features a segment on the “underground railroad” for pets, highlighting the dual narrative of human irresponsibility in abandoning animals and the heartwarming rescue initiatives happening across the United States.
