The Business Year Podcast

Episode 83 - From a tool-using to a machine-serving animal: What’s at stake in the future of AI?

This week, we delve into the strange and complex world of artificial intelligence. Once only associated with wayward robots of sci-fi or the ability of a computer to beat you in a game of chess, today its uses are whispered in the same breath as other modern concepts such as Blockchain, Industry 4.0, and Big Data. In this podcast, we get into a few of the applications of AI and discuss some of the opportunities and challenges.

Episode 82 - Insuring the end-times: are we covered against rising sea levels?

This week, we look at the economic impacts of rising sea levels and the insurance sector's ability to respond to disaster.

Episode 81 - Cryptocurrencies update—Bitcoin, sovereigns, Libra, and regulation

This week, we’re revisiting cryptocurrencies. We check in on Bitcoin, delve into sovereign cryptos, take a look at Facebook's new digital currency Libra, and discuss the evolving regulatory environment.

Episode 80 - What is the Orange Economy?

The Orange Economy is the brainchild of current Colombian president Iván Duque, and forms the basis of his economic diversification strategy. Otherwise known as the creative economy, just what is it all about?

Episode 79 - The G20—what is it good for?

This week, we examine the history and purpose of the G20, things to watch out for this year, and the differences between the G20 and G7.

Episode 78 - Trade as a weapon part 2: US vs. Iran & North Korea

Continuing our look at the successes, failures, and viability of US sanctions and trade wars, this week we dive into the history of US sanctions on Iran, and discuss what may lay ahead for North Korea.

Episode 76 - What makes Jordan tick: growth sectors and challenges

The Jordanian economy has continued to expand despite a myriad of regional challenges. But which sectors are driving that growth? This week, we examine opportunities in tourism and energy, from potential in renewables to the country's top new tourism destination: Aqaba.

Episode 75 - When the well runs dry: water scarcity causes, effects, and solutions

This week, we examine the issue of water scarcity, its causes, effects, and what can be done to mitigate it. We look at the emerging “dry corridor” in Central America and Mexico and its contribution to the North America migrant crisis, how Saudi Arabia is utilizing desalination technology, and just what Pakistan can do to reduce its rampant water consumption.

Episode 74 - The Subcontinent 4: Prospects & challenges in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar

This episode, we conclude our series on the Subcontinent with a look at the prospects and challenges in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar.

Episode 73 - The Subcontinent 3: Imran Khan—policies, challenges, and expectations

This week, we look at Imran Khan, the cricketer-turned politician who, since August 2018, has been the Prime Minister of Pakistan. We dive into his entrance into politics, his policies so far, and his long-term challenges and prospects, as well as the country's military-democracy complex and what this means for Khan's presidency.