As Russia’s relations with the west deteriorate Moscow is seeking fresh alliances across Africa say Henry Foy, Nastassia Astrasheuskaya and David Pilling. With Moscow often sidestepping demands for reform or protection of human rights, this is starting to raise concern in western capitals.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Russia’s relations with the west deteriorate Moscow is seeking fresh alliances across Africa say Henry Foy, Nastassia Astrasheuskaya and David Pilling. With Moscow often sidestepping demands for reform or protection of human rights, this is starting to raise concern in western capitals. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Putin's pivot to Africa

Wells Fargo has lurched from one scandal to another but customers have stayed loyal, say Robert Armstrong and Laura Noonan. Can the bank once seen as the best managed in America recover its premium valuation? Produced by Caroline Grady Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wells Fargo has lurched from one scandal to another but customers have stayed loyal, say Robert Armstrong and Laura Noonan. Can the bank once seen as the best managed in America recover its premium valuation? Produced by Caroline Grady Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Wells Fargo: repairing a damaged brand

Data brokers face heightened scrutiny in Europe as public opinion shifts on questions of privacy and businesses face tougher data protection legislation, say Aliya Ram and Madhumita Murgia. Will recent operational changes at data brokers be enough to convince regulators? Produced by Caroline Grady Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Data brokers face heightened scrutiny in Europe as public opinion shifts on questions of privacy and businesses face tougher data protection legislation, say Aliya Ram and Madhumita Murgia. Will recent operational changes at data brokers be enough to convince regulators? Produced by Caroline Grady Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Data brokers: regulators tackle the 'privacy deathstars'

George Soros

The Financial Times has chosen George Soros as its Person of the Year and here editor Lionel Barber and deputy editor Roula Khalaf explain why the billionaire philanthropist and liberal standard bearer merits the title, particularly in 2018. Presented by Robert Shrimsley and produced by Anna Dedhar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Financial Times has chosen George Soros as its Person of the Year and here editor Lionel Barber and deputy editor Roula Khalaf explain why the billionaire philanthropist and liberal standard bearer merits the title, particularly in 2018. Presented by Robert Shrimsley and produced by Anna Dedhar Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Person of the Year 2018: George Soros

The November sentencing of British academic Matthew Hedges to life in prison for spying caused a rare public spat between the UK and UAE and although he was subsequently pardoned it has led UK and US institutions to reassess their links to oil-rich Gulf states, say Andrew England and Simeon Kerr. Does foreign funding influence research on the region and damage the reputation of institutions or enhance academic ties? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The November sentencing of British academic Matthew Hedges to life in prison for spying caused a rare public spat between the UK and UAE and although he was subsequently pardoned it has led UK and US institutions to reassess their links to oil-rich Gulf states, say Andrew England and Simeon Kerr. Does foreign funding influence research on the region and damage the reputation of institutions or enhance academic ties? Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

The university challenge

Nintendo, Sony’s Playstation, and Microsoft’s Xbox dominate the cut-throat computer game business. But, says Leo Lewis, these console makers look under threat in the era of streaming. Will the cloud win, or can consoles, with higher quality, more complex games, keep their place? Produced by Harry Robertson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nintendo, Sony’s Playstation, and Microsoft’s Xbox dominate the cut-throat computer game business. But, says Leo Lewis, these console makers look under threat in the era of streaming. Will the cloud win, or can consoles, with higher quality, more complex games, keep their place? Produced by Harry Robertson Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

The end of the games console?

In October, Angela Merkel announced she would be stepping down as leader of the Christian Democratic Union, the party she has headed for nearly two decades. The race to succeed her is now well underway, says Guy Chazan. Three candidates have emerged in a battle that will decide whether the party stays its course or turns to the right. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Harry Robertson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In October, Angela Merkel announced she would be stepping down as leader of the Christian Democratic Union, the party she has headed for nearly two decades. The race to succeed her is now well underway, says Guy Chazan. Three candidates have emerged in a battle that will decide whether the party stays its course or turns to the right. Produced by Anna Dedhar and Harry Robertson Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Who will replace Merkel as head of the CDU?

The Reserve Bank of India is embroiled in an intense political battle with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, say Simon Mundy and Henny Sender. The government has long pressured the RBI to do more to boost growth, but a possible economic slowdown has seen Mr Modi ramp up his attacks. Can the RBI’s legally fragile independence hold? Produced by Harry Robertson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Reserve Bank of India is embroiled in an intense political battle with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, say Simon Mundy and Henny Sender. The government has long pressured the RBI to do more to boost growth, but a possible economic slowdown has seen Mr Modi ramp up his attacks. Can the RBI’s legally fragile independence hold? Produced by Harry Robertson Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

The battle between Modi and India's central bank

After Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, the west imposed sanctions to isolate the country economically. But, says Henry Foy, the reality has not matched the rhetoric. Moscow has pivoted towards China and Saudi Arabia and its energy ties with the EU remain strong. Produced by Harry Robertson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, the west imposed sanctions to isolate the country economically. But, says Henry Foy, the reality has not matched the rhetoric. Moscow has pivoted towards China and Saudi Arabia and its energy ties with the EU remain strong. Produced by Harry Robertson Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Why sanctions are failing to isolate Russia

Western governments have a new nightmare coming from China, which has decreed that new private sector technologies, such as robotics and AI, must be shared with the military, say Kathrin Hille and Richard Waters. Washington fears Beijing is gaining an advantage in a new arms race. Produced by Harry Robertson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Western governments have a new nightmare coming from China, which has decreed that new private sector technologies, such as robotics and AI, must be shared with the military, say Kathrin Hille and Richard Waters. Washington fears Beijing is gaining an advantage in a new arms race. Produced by Harry Robertson Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

The threat of Chinese ‘military-civil fusion’

An audio version of the best of the Financial Times's Big Reads — in-depth reporting from FT correspondents around the world. Listen to longform stories that explore and explain key themes in world news, science and business. Produced by Anna Dedhar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Low quality by ostensibly smart people who have not bothered to put any effort into putting together a decent podcast. The voice of the introductory and closing narrator/host makes your ears bleed — iris shockingly horrific. Then I have to listen to a reporter, an actual journalist, repeatedly pronounce the word “nuclear” as “nukular”. Again, shockingly bad. The whole thing is generally terrible, and the tragedy is that it could so easily be good, if anyone cared.

Good potential, unfulfilled

The podcast was clearly a rough draft as the boring monotone speaker repeated many lines and could be heard shuffling papers.

Amateurs

An audio version of the best of the Financial Times's Big Reads — in-depth reporting from FT correspondents around the world. Listen to longform stories that explore and explain key themes in world news, science and business. Produced by Anna Dedhar. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

FT Big Read

Has the party ended for high-end housing developers, asks Judith Evans. After a five-year boom,  they are feeling the chill as apartments in their gleaming towers stand empty, with many failing to sell despite offered discounts and gifts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has the party ended for high-end housing developers, asks Judith Evans. After a five-year boom, they are feeling the chill as apartments in their gleaming towers stand empty, with many failing to sell despite offered discounts and gifts Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Real estate: The global luxury condo glut

Martin Wolf

We are at the end of both an economic era and a geopolitical one, says Martin Wolf. What lies ahead? Will the post-world-war period led by the US descend into deglobalisation and conflict, or will a new order emerge with non-western powers such as China and India playing a bigger role in stability? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are at the end of both an economic era and a geopolitical one, says Martin Wolf. What lies ahead? Will the post-world-war period led by the US descend into deglobalisation and conflict, or will a new order emerge with non-western powers such as China and India playing a bigger role in stability? Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Martin Wolf: The west's global order unravels

The Vix index is known as Wall Street's 'fear gauge' and was once just a measure of market movements. But volatility has itself become a tradable asset and financial engineers have used the index to create high-risk products and strategies that can act as siren calls to unwary investors, says Robin Wigglesworth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Vix index is known as Wall Street's 'fear gauge' and was once just a measure of market movements. But volatility has itself become a tradable asset and financial engineers have used the index to create high-risk products and strategies that can act as siren calls to unwary investors, says Robin Wigglesworth Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Market risk: Gambling on volatility

Matthew Garrahan, the FT's Global Media Editor, looks at how the US presidential election has catapulted the conservative website from the fringes and how it now plans to tap into the wave of populism sweeping European politics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matthew Garrahan, the FT's Global Media Editor, looks at how the US presidential election has catapulted the conservative website from the fringes and how it now plans to tap into the wave of populism sweeping European politics Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Breitbart News: from populist fringe to the White House and beyond

As inequality grows, welfare costs soar and technological disruption escalates, many people are growing warmer to the idea of a guaranteed basic income for everyone, say John Thornhill and Ralph Atkins. Switzerland, which votes on the UBI in June, is not the only country considering a new social model Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As inequality grows, welfare costs soar and technological disruption escalates, many people are growing warmer to the idea of a guaranteed basic income for everyone, say John Thornhill and Ralph Atkins. Switzerland, which votes on the UBI in June, is not the only country considering a new social model Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Universal basic income: Levelling the playing field

The UK prime minister's grip on power is fragile, says George Parker. Weakened by the election, vulnerable to rebellion  at home and diminished in Europe, can she survive long enough to negotiate the withdrawal from the EU? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK prime minister's grip on power is fragile, says George Parker. Weakened by the election, vulnerable to rebellion at home and diminished in Europe, can she survive long enough to negotiate the withdrawal from the EU? Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Brexit: Theresa May's struggle

America is building up a genetic database but there are concerns about the risk of the information leaving the country, says David J Lynch. Genomics is one of the most exciting fields of medical research but it is also the latest area where Chinese investment is raising security fears in the US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

America is building up a genetic database but there are concerns about the risk of the information leaving the country, says David J Lynch. Genomics is one of the most exciting fields of medical research but it is also the latest area where Chinese investment is raising security fears in the US Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Biotechnology: The US, China and gene data security

More than $1.8bn has been raised this year by initial coin offerings by developers who want to create a generation of internet platforms that give power to the users not the tech giants, says Richard Waters. But regulators are eyeing the cryptocurrency markets and sceptics see another bubble Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More than $1.8bn has been raised this year by initial coin offerings by developers who want to create a generation of internet platforms that give power to the users not the tech giants, says Richard Waters. But regulators are eyeing the cryptocurrency markets and sceptics see another bubble Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Digital coin mania

Thousands of Venezuelans are fleeing disease, violence and economic collapse — creating the worst refugee crisis in recent Latin American history. The FT's Gideon Long and Andres Schipani report from Colombia and Brazil, where communities and humanitarian groups are struggling to cope. Produced by Joshua Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thousands of Venezuelans are fleeing disease, violence and economic collapse — creating the worst refugee crisis in recent Latin American history. The FT's Gideon Long and Andres Schipani report from Colombia and Brazil, where communities and humanitarian groups are struggling to cope. Produced by Joshua Oliver Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Venezuela's mounting refugee crisis

Having started out in a Madrid theatre just over 12 months ago Podemos has ridden a wave of anti-establishment feeling in Spain to top opinion polls. But can it convert that support in to an election win? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having started out in a Madrid theatre just over 12 months ago Podemos has ridden a wave of anti-establishment feeling in Spain to top opinion polls. But can it convert that support in to an election win? Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Spanish politics: Mass appeal of Podemos

Big US food groups have missed a major shift in the nation's tastes, says Gary Silverman. Brands as famous as Campbell's Soup are now languishing on the back shelves of supermarkets while a more health-conscious millenial generation seeks fresher, more natural foods. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big US food groups have missed a major shift in the nation's tastes, says Gary Silverman. Brands as famous as Campbell's Soup are now languishing on the back shelves of supermarkets while a more health-conscious millenial generation seeks fresher, more natural foods. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Craft versus Kraft

Hillary Clinton

More than two and a half years before the 2016 election, the scaffolding to support a Hillary for president campaign is already substantially built. Richard McGregor reports from Washington DC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More than two and a half years before the 2016 election, the scaffolding to support a Hillary for president campaign is already substantially built. Richard McGregor reports from Washington DC. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Hillary Clinton and the permanent campaign

Xi Jinping, China’s leader since 2012, came from humble beginnings. How has he grown to have such power in such a short time and what does he want to do with it? James Kynge, the FT’s Emerging Markets Editor, talks to Kerry Brown, Professor of Chinese politics at King's College, and Tom Mitchell, FT Beijing Bureau Chief. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Xi Jinping, China’s leader since 2012, came from humble beginnings. How has he grown to have such power in such a short time and what does he want to do with it? James Kynge, the FT’s Emerging Markets Editor, talks to Kerry Brown, Professor of Chinese politics at King's College, and Tom Mitchell, FT Beijing Bureau Chief. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Xi Jinping’s China: Power play

A dramatic decline in bond yields has added to the pressures of longer lifespans and falling birth rates to create a looming social and political pensions crisis, say John Authers and Robin Wigglesworth.  In this report they examine the outlook for retirees. You can also listen to John and Robin discuss the pensions squeeze at podcast.ft.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A dramatic decline in bond yields has added to the pressures of longer lifespans and falling birth rates to create a looming social and political pensions crisis, say John Authers and Robin Wigglesworth. In this report they examine the outlook for retirees. You can also listen to John and Robin discuss the pensions squeeze at <a href="http://podcast.ft.com/2016/08/22/explaining-the-global-pension-crisis/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcast.ft.com</a>. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Pensions: The dark future

Chinese businesses are expanding in some of the European countries hit hardest by the crisis. Tobias Buck, the FT's Madrid bureau chief, looks at a thriving community of entrepreneurs in Spain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chinese businesses are expanding in some of the European countries hit hardest by the crisis. Tobias Buck, the FT's Madrid bureau chief, looks at a thriving community of entrepreneurs in Spain. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Why Chinese migrants are doing so well in Spain

A growing number of business advisers are seeking the  flexibility and creativity of working for themselves independent of the big brands, says Andrew Hill, the FT's management editor.  But the disruptive edge where McKinsey meets Uber has perils as well as attractions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A growing number of business advisers are seeking the flexibility and creativity of working for themselves independent of the big brands, says Andrew Hill, the FT's management editor. But the disruptive edge where McKinsey meets Uber has perils as well as attractions Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Gig economy: Corporate consultants break free

Kraft Heinz

Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett and 3G were taken aback by the harsh rejection of the takeover offer they had backed but people close to the Anglo-Dutch group say the deal made no financial or strategic sense for them. Arash Massoudi and James Fontanella-Khan tell a tale of miscalculation and culture divide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warren Buffett and 3G were taken aback by the harsh rejection of the takeover offer they had backed but people close to the Anglo-Dutch group say the deal made no financial or strategic sense for them. Arash Massoudi and James Fontanella-Khan tell a tale of miscalculation and culture divide Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Beating the billionaires: How Unilever fought off Warren Buffett, 3G and Kraft Heinz

The Brexit shock not only sent Italian bank shares sliding and raised doubts over reform of the industry. It also sharpened the conflict between Rome and the EU over state aid rules and put the political survival of Prime Minister Matteo  Renzi at risk, say Rachel Sanderson, Alex Barker and Claire Jones Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Brexit shock not only sent Italian bank shares sliding and raised doubts over reform of the industry. It also sharpened the conflict between Rome and the EU over state aid rules and put the political survival of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi at risk, say Rachel Sanderson, Alex Barker and Claire Jones Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Italian banks: Rome and Brussels on collision course

Electric cars are the future, and so are the batteries that power them. Yet, these batteries are dependent on cobalt, which has linked the electric vehicle industry to one of the most unstable countries in the world, and to practices like child labour. This, along with the metal’s high cost, has started a race to replace cobalt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Electric cars are the future, and so are the batteries that power them. Yet, these batteries are dependent on cobalt, which has linked the electric vehicle industry to one of the most unstable countries in the world, and to practices like child labour. This, along with the metal’s high cost, has started a race to replace cobalt. Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Cobalt: the crisis facing electric vehicles

Six years after the deal that is still seen as a test case for Beijing's industrial ambitions, the Swedish carmaker is back in profit, say Richard Milne and Christian Shepherd. But there are still challenges for the marque and its Chinese owner as Volvo tries to catch up with its rivals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Six years after the deal that is still seen as a test case for Beijing's industrial ambitions, the Swedish carmaker is back in profit, say Richard Milne and Christian Shepherd. But there are still challenges for the marque and its Chinese owner as Volvo tries to catch up with its rivals Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Volvo: Geely's gamble

The best podcast episodes of the most interesting stories and things. From skyping someone while they're in space, to tracking down and meeting a telephone scammer in person, to the story of a Galapagos. These episodes will keep you and all your friends entertained and captivated for hours. Learn something new in every episode! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes: Interesting Stories & Things

The best podcasts about ourselves as well as the world through the lense of Science. Specific topics include things about our brain, emotions to biology, physics and more!