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25 Aug 2026
23m

Even-more-maximum pressure: sanctions on Iran

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Economist Podcasts

The United States has launched an aggressive financial offensive against Iran, aiming to isolate the regime by targeting its oil exports and international trading partners, though the effectiveness of these sanctions remains uncertain given Iran's history of circumvention. Meanwhile, the Philippines' offshoring industry continues to grow despite fears of AI-driven displacement; while basic tasks are being automated, human-centric roles remain resilient and are increasingly augmented by AI tools. Finally, economic research reveals that a significant portion of wage disparities between cities is driven by a "place premium"—the inherent benefits of dense, diverse, and well-connected urban environments—rather than just individual talent. Understanding this premium helps explain why moving to specific cities can dramatically increase earnings, highlighting the importance of infrastructure and mobility in fostering broader economic prosperity.

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