09 Jan 2026
27m

Shah caller: Iran’s protests are different this time

Podcast cover

Economist Podcasts

The podcast presents a fresh perspective on current global events. It examines the recent unrest in Iran, noting the protests' economic roots and the regime's fragile state. Unlike the 2022 protests focused on social issues, these are driven by jobless young men, a traditionally pro-regime demographic now disillusioned. The state's limited options for economic fixes and potential internal challenges to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei are also discussed. Furthermore, the podcast explores China's increasing political, economic, and military pressure on Taiwan, the Philippines, and Japan, detailing tactics like weather balloons, naval activity, and potential cable cutting. It also presents an obituary of plasma physicist Nino Loureiro, whose fusion energy research was cut short by a former classmate.

Outlines

Part 1: Introduction, Iran Unrest

Part 2: China's Strategy, Regional Tensions

Part 3: Science, Legacy, and Conclusion

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