Here's Why

Here's Why China Uses Its Coast Guard to Push Territorial Claims

China's Coast Guard has become one of the world's largest maritime law-enforcement agencies. Its fleet of more than 600 vessels is a key part of Beijing's maritime strategy, routinely patrolling disputed waters and clashing with ships from neighboring countries. So why is China using the Coast Guard, rather then the navy for these missions? Our China defense reporter Josh Xiao joins Stephen Carroll to discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's Why The Fed Is Saying Less

Kevin Warsh wants to be a quieter kind of Federal Reserve Chair. His first statement leading the rate-setting committee was half the length of the previous one from his Jerome Powell. He's no longer placing a dot on the chart of interest rate projections, and wants a task force to overhaul the central bank's communication. What does the Fed saying less mean for markets and monetary policy? Our Federal Reserve reporter Enda Curran joins Stephen Carroll to discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's Why Social Media Bans Are Driving Change

In 2025, Australia introduced a world-first ban on under-16s accessing social media. At least a dozen other countries are planning similar measures, backed by parents worried about the harmful effects platforms can have on their children. While the effectiveness of age-related bans is still unclear, policymakers are stepping up pressure on tech companies. Bloomberg Opinion columnist Parmy Olson joins Stephen Carroll to discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's Why Defense Spending Isn't Delivering

Around the world, governments are pouring more than two trillion dollars into defense. The money is flowing, but the results are mixed. Bloomberg Economics's Defense Lead Becca Wasser joins Stephen Carroll to explain why.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's Why Golden Visas Are Being Polished

Countries from New Zealand to Portugal have revamped their golden visa offerings, in an effort to continue to attract wealthy investors to move there. While securing these visas is getting more difficult in some places, governments continue to use them as a tool to boost their economies. Our reporter Charlie Wells joins Stephen Carroll to discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.