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Liberté, égalité, désordre: chaos in France

Liberté, égalité, désordre: chaos in France

Economist Podcasts · Oct 8, 2025

France's political chaos deepens, San Francisco's robo-taxis create a new market, and a tribute to 'bonkbuster' author Jilly Cooper.

France's Political Chaos Drives Higher Personal Savings, Not Consumer Price Panic

Despite relatively low inflation, French political instability is causing widespread economic uncertainty. This leads businesses to delay hiring and investment, and prompts ordinary citizens to increase their savings rates as a hedge against an unpredictable future.

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Liberté, égalité, désordre: chaos in France

Economist Podcasts·4 months ago

Robo-Taxis' 'Conservative' AI Driving Defines Their Niche for Non-Urgent Travel

The cautious and sometimes slow nature of current driverless AI makes it unsuitable for passengers in a hurry. This technological limitation has created a specific market: users who prioritize a calm, private experience over speed, such as for a relaxed evening out rather than a time-sensitive commute.

Liberté, égalité, désordre: chaos in France thumbnail

Liberté, égalité, désordre: chaos in France

Economist Podcasts·4 months ago

San Francisco's Robo-Taxis Create a Premium Market Tier, Not Replace Human Drivers

Contrary to displacement fears, driverless taxis like Waymo are carving out a new, expensive market segment. They cater to a different customer base—likely former private car users—thereby increasing overall demand for ride services rather than just cannibalizing the traditional taxi market.

Liberté, égalité, désordre: chaos in France thumbnail

Liberté, égalité, désordre: chaos in France

Economist Podcasts·4 months ago

Author Jilly Cooper Resonated by Voicing Women's Domestic, Not Just Sexual, Frustrations

Jilly Cooper's popularity stemmed from more than her famously steamy novels. Her writing captured the dual burden of women in a post-sexual but pre-domestic revolution world, reflecting anxieties about housekeeping and social pressures alongside romance, making a generation feel truly seen.

Liberté, égalité, désordre: chaos in France thumbnail

Liberté, égalité, désordre: chaos in France

Economist Podcasts·4 months ago