DeepSummary
The episode begins with a discussion about the death of Alexei Navalny, a prominent opposition leader in Russia who was imprisoned and recently killed, likely by the Putin regime. An editor from The Economist, Arkhario Strawsky, provides insights into Navalny's defiant attitude towards death, the regime's motivations for killing him now, and the potential impact his death may have on the opposition movement in Russia.
The conversation then shifts to the slowing demand for electric vehicles, particularly in Britain where sales have stagnated after initially rising rapidly due to government subsidies and early adopters. Factors such as high upfront costs, the phasing out of subsidies, and delays in banning new petrol/diesel car sales are cited as reasons for the slowdown. However, increasing competition and binding government targets for car makers may help revive the market.
The episode concludes with a discussion about a stage performance of the film "The Shawshank Redemption" in Beijing, China. Despite the film's themes of unjust imprisonment and redemption being potentially sensitive topics, the production has been allowed to run, though the film itself was never officially released in China. The segment explores the significance of such a performance and what it may signal about loosening censorship for stage productions in China.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Alexei Navalny's death is a significant blow to the Russian opposition movement, but his legacy and defiant attitude towards the Putin regime may continue to inspire resistance.
- Britain's electric vehicle market has hit a plateau after initial rapid growth, due to factors like high costs, reduced subsidies, and delays in banning new petrol/diesel cars.
- Competition, pricing, and binding government targets may help revive electric vehicle demand in Britain.
- The staging of "The Shawshank Redemption" in Beijing, despite the film's themes of unjust imprisonment, suggests a potential loosening of censorship for stage productions in China.
- The themes of "The Shawshank Redemption" resonated with Chinese audiences, who drew parallels between the film's depiction of a restrictive prison and the controlled environment in China.
- Navalny's death was likely a calculated move by Putin to eliminate a perceived threat to his regime, underscoring the authoritarian nature of his rule.
- The future of the Russian opposition movement remains uncertain in the wake of Navalny's death, but his legacy and ideals may continue to inspire resistance.
- Electric vehicle adoption in Britain and other Western markets faces challenges as the early wave of demand wanes, requiring new strategies to attract mass-market consumers.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Sometimes it makes me sad, though, Andy being gone. I have to remind myself that some birds aren't meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright. And when they fly away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to lock them up does rejoice.“ by Morgan Freeman (as Red)
- “Electric cars now need to appeal to the mass market, and that won't be easy.“ by Vinjiru Ukandawire
- “Of course, you can't help but thinking that China is just like Shawshank prison. We have high walls and prison guards everywhere.“ by Unnamed audience member
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Episode Information
Economist Podcasts
The Economist
2/19/24
At last President Vladimir Putin’s regime has succeeded in silencing the country’s most prominent opposition figure. What happens next? Demand for electric cars is weakening, particularly in Britain; we ask how to recharge the market (11:47). And what is remarkable about a stage production of “The Shawshank Redemption” in China (19:44).
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