Introducing Drum Tower

Donald Trump is back in office, this time with less pearl-clutching in Washington. We examine his inaugural address and his first executive orders as glimpses into what his second term holds—for America and the world (12:23). And why millennials and Gen Z are so besotted with expensive stuffed animals (18:37). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Quiet skies, returned Israeli hostages, Gazans going back home: there is much to celebrate, for the moment. We examine the path to a more robust and lasting peace. Britain’s minimum-wage rise is good news for those who earned less—but those who earned not much more are feeling more squeezed (9:45). And the medical merits of hypnosis are at last becoming recognised (16:50). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos’s space-exploration company, successfully launched a rocket into orbit on its first attempt. That marks a new frontier in the private space industry. Donald Trump has threatened mass deportations of illegal immigrants. What will happen when he takes office (12:56)? And celebrating Peter Fenwick, a neuropsychiatrist and expert on near-death experiences (21:55).  Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 15 months of fighting, a ceasefire in Gaza may soon be agreed. What does the deal entail – and could it last? Our correspondent has uncovered new information about Donald Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, and her relationship with Syria’s former dictator, Bashar al-Assad. And why Gen-Z has gone mad for matcha.  Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After dramatic scenes in South Korea, President Yoon Suk Yeol has been detained on insurrection charges, stemming from his attempt to impose martial law in December. But, says our correspondent, the political and economic fallout is not over. The craze for plastic surgery reaches some surprising body parts (7:46). And a visit to the world’s most disciplined primary schools – in Japan (16:40). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.