The Intelligence from The Economist
Palace intrigue: the Kremlin after the mutiny
Fri Jul 21 2023Description
The episode covers a devastating monsoon season in India, a mutiny and cracks in the Kremlin, challenges of climate change in India, and film releases and audience preferences.
Insights
Increasing Frequency of Extreme Weather Events
The devastating monsoon season in India highlights the increasing frequency of extreme weather events caused by climate change.
Weakening of Putin's Regime
The mutiny led by Yevgeny Priguzhin has weakened Putin's regime and exposed the decay of the Russian state.
Importance of Ties with Putin
Yevgeny Priguzhin's survival can be attributed to his close ties with Putin and his importance within Putin's regime.
Widening Cracks within the Kremlin
The mutiny in Belarus and the response to it have revealed widening cracks within the Kremlin and the army.
Challenges of Climate Change in Indian Cities
Indian cities, including Bangalore, are struggling to adapt to worsening climate risks due to increased urbanization and construction on flood-prone land.
Efforts Falling Short in Flood Prevention
Despite government investments, efforts to prevent floods in India are falling short due to deforestation and other factors.
Contrasting Film Releases
Barbie and Oppenheimer are two highly anticipated films with contrasting styles and themes, offering audiences escapism through comedy or exploration of nuclear physics.
Audience Preferences in Turbulent Times
In times of turmoil, audiences tend to prefer frivolous films like Barbie for escape rather than serious ones like Oppenheimer.
Comedy as a Form of Escapism
Comedy films provide people with a couple of hours of freedom from their problems, offering a temporary escape from reality.
Life in Plastic and Its Impact
The release of Barbie, a film offering escapism, could be seen as weird for our world, emphasizing the contrast between fantasy and reality.
Chapters
- Devastating Monsoon Season in India
- Mutiny and Cracks in the Kremlin
- Challenges of Climate Change in India
- Film Releases and Audience Preferences
Devastating Monsoon Season in India
00:04 - 08:36
- India has been hit by a devastating monsoon season, highlighting the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
- Record-breaking monsoon rains in India have caused floods and landslides, resulting in destruction and death.
- Delhi experienced its worst rainfall in 41 years, causing schools to close and bringing the city to a standstill.
- Climate change is increasing the likelihood of extreme weather events like these heavy monsoons. India is adapting to these risks by implementing measures such as early warning systems.
Mutiny and Cracks in the Kremlin
08:07 - 16:12
- The mutiny led by Yevgeny Priguzhin against Putin's regime has left many questions unanswered about Putin's standing and the state of the Kremlin.
- The response to the mutiny has weakened Putin and exposed the decay of the Russian state.
- The details of the deal between Priguzhin and Putin are unknown, but it appears that most of Priguzhin's business empire remains intact.
- Priguzhin's survival can be attributed to his close ties with Putin and his importance within Putin's regime.
- Putin is hesitant to go after Priguzhin or other key figures in his regime due to fears of further cracks within his core constituency.
- The number of fighters remaining in Priguzhin's Wagner group is uncertain, but there are enough for him to potentially cause further trouble.
- The mutiny has revealed widening cracks within the Kremlin and the army.
- The mutiny in Belarus revealed cracks widening in the Kremlin and the army.
- The Russian system failed to stop the mutiny and even Putin propagandists remained silent until the Kremlin figured out its message.
- Ordinary Russians are skeptical of both sides but sympathize with criticisms of the country's leadership and corrupt television.
- The rifts in the Kremlin may not make Russian fighting less effective, but if Ukraine breaks through, they could have a significant political impact.
Challenges of Climate Change in India
15:47 - 23:21
- Climate change is causing an increase in global temperatures and rainfall during monsoons in the Indian subcontinent.
- Indian cities, including Bangalore, are struggling to adapt to worsening climate risks.
- Increased urbanization and construction on flood-prone land contribute to flooding in cities.
- Deforestation in rural areas removes natural barriers to floods and landslides.
- The government is investing in flood prevention measures, but efforts are falling short.
Film Releases and Audience Preferences
23:04 - 24:48
- Barbie and Oppenheimer are two highly anticipated films with contrasting styles and themes.
- Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer explores nuclear physics and challenges narrative conventions.
- Greta Gerwig's Barbie offers escapism through comedy and dreamlike settings.
- In times of turmoil, audiences tend to prefer frivolous films for escape rather than serious ones.
- Comedy provides people with a couple of hours of freedom from their problems.
- Life in plastic is fantastic, and this could be weird for our world.