Land of the rising shun? Immigration and Japan’s politics

This episode of The Intelligence from The Economist covers two main topics: political instability in Japan following recent election losses by the ruling LDP party, and Iceland's evolving defense strategy within NATO amid rising geopolitical tensions. The first segment analyzes the factors contributing to the LDP's declining grip on power, including scandals, the rise of social media-led populism, and economic concerns. The second segment explores Iceland's unique position as a NATO member without a standing army, discussing the increasing pressure for Iceland to invest more in its defense capabilities and infrastructure, and the domestic debate surrounding the potential creation of an army. Finally, the podcast discusses the debate around company culture and remote work, and how forcing employees back into the office impacts productivity, job satisfaction, and employee turnover.