18 Feb 2026
22m

The Robin Hood state: taxes are getting more progressive

Podcast cover

Economist Podcasts

The podcast examines wealth redistribution through progressive tax systems, revealing that welfare states globally have become more progressive since the 1990s, effectively counteracting the rise in pre-tax inequality in many countries. It also explores the phenomenon of Colombian mercenaries in global conflict zones, driven by a lack of veteran support and exacerbated by political tensions, leading the Colombian government to grapple with diplomatic fallout and internal security concerns. Finally, the podcast analyzes the trajectory of the Spanish language in the United States, suggesting that despite its current boom, factors like declining immigration and generational language shift may lead to its eventual plateau and decline, challenging the notion of a permanently bilingual America.

Outlines

Part 1: Global Welfare and Redistribution

Part 2: Tax Policy and Economic Efficiency

Part 3: Colombian Mercenaries and Veteran Issues

Part 4: Language and Cultural Assimilation

Sign in to continue reading, translating and more.

Open full episode in Podwise