WAC: Global I.Q. with The Economist

The Turkish economy outpaces the rest of the world but will domestic tensions threaten its future growth? Turkey’s economy grew an annual 10.3 percent in the second quarter of 2010, matching China’s economy as the fastest growing in the world. However, controversial government policies, media censorship and intensifying conflict with the Kurdistan Workers' Party are causing fissures among the Turkish people. What does the future hold for Turkey?

Despite the global recession, many emerging countries are experiencing unprecedented growth. China, India and Brazil top this list and are attracting foreign investment as their expanding middle classes look for new ways to spend their incomes. Sub-Saharan Africa is another promising prospect as Nigeria’s economy is expected to overtake South Africa’s by 2020.

As many Latin American countries commemorate the 200-year anniversary of their independence, the region has much to celebrate. The majority of the area’s economies have strengthened in recent times, demonstrating resilience during the global recession because of sound macroeconomic policies and increased foreign investment.

Nearly two years after the collapse of Lehman Brothers, the World Affairs Council and The Economist will examine key questions about the policies and leaders of the global economic recovery.

Council President Jim Falk and Jonathan Ledgard, East Africa Correspondent and U.S. Technology Correspondent for The Economist, discuss World Cup and the future of Sub-Saharan and South Africa.

How are the global financial crisis, unprecedented government intervention and events in Europe affecting American markets and the future of capitalism? Matthew Bishop of The Economist discusses his latest book, The Road From Ruin, and shares his thoughts on the current economic crisis, the strength of the Euro and other topics.

Director for the Americas, Economist Intelligence Unit

The global financial crisis that crippled most Western nations proved to be less damaging to Asian countries, which are now leading the world into recovery. Last year, China surpassed Germany as the world’s largest exporter, and many experts predict that it is on the path to becoming the world’s second largest economy in 2010. As eastern nations sit poised for growth, join Council President Jim Falk and Economist Intelligence Unit Director for the Americas Nigel Holloway as they explore the rise of Asia and what it means for the West.

Occurring just before the world's leaders gather in Davos for the World Economic Forum, this audiocast discussion between Jim Falk, president of the WACDFW, and The Economist’s U.S. Technology Correspondent Martin Giles will provide a sneak preview of the magazine’s special report on social networking. They will examine the trends behind these profound social media changes and consider their implications for individuals, businesses and governments.

Jim Falk, president of the WACDFW, and The Economist’s Executive Editor Daniel Franklin focus on issues and events that will set the agenda in the coming year, from China’s overtaking of Japan as the world’s second-largest economy to the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Brazil Bureau Chief, The Economist

China correspondent

Banyan columnist, The Economist