Tasting menu from Economist Radio

To understand the future of Silicon Valley, look across the Atlantic, where the European Union is pioneering a new way of controlling big tech. Plus, the hackers perfecting the art of getting free stuff, and why civilisations create the gods that suit their needs. Josie Delap hosts. This is the last episode of “Tasting menu”. For highlights from The Economist every Thursday, search for “Editor’s Picks”, from Economist Radio, wherever you listen to podcasts

After Theresa May’s deal was decisively rejected for a second time, Brexit will almost certainly be delayed. It is time for Parliament to seize the initiative. Plus, how sharing a plate of food could help international diplomacy. And, the world wide web has turned 30—what does its future hold? Lane Greene hosts

A new “scramble for Africa” is taking place. This time Africans themselves stand to benefit the most. Also, a dispatch from the frozen Antarctic, and what the samba-dancers of Rio de Janeiro reveal about Brazil’s neglected history – and its present. Christopher Lockwood hosts

India’s prime minister Narendra Modi may be hoping brinkmanship against Pakistan will fire up voters ahead of April’s elections. Both countries must stop playing with fire. Plus a tour of the neglected treasures of ancient Peru—and is there such a thing as a perfect guide to the English language? Anne McElvoy hosts

The Chinese economic model of steroidal state capitalism is facing a global backlash and offering diminishing returns. Can President Xi be persuaded to reform? Plus, how gumbo tells the story of the American South and why a good astronaut needs a sense of humour. Lane Greene hosts

After three decades in the wilderness, socialism is back. Millennial socialists offer a sharp critique of what has gone wrong in Western societies—are they right? Also, why atomic clocks, like wine, get better with age and government-sanctioned science fiction hits big screens in China. Anne McElvoy hosts

Despite wildfires and polar freezes, energy firms are planning to increase fossil fuel production. The climate consequences could be grave. Also, the challenge of putting the morals back into McDonald’s. And the next express beauty trend – botox-to-go. Anne McElvoy hosts

The world’s democracies are right to seek change in Venezuela. The question is how. Plus, why Christian pilgrims are flocking to Abu Dhabi, the joy of missing out, and who really was Wild Bill Hickok? Anne McElvoy hosts

The global flow of money and goods is stagnating. The world needs to prepare for a new era of “slowbalisation”. Plus, why more people are braving the bullring in America. And we introduce “The Intelligence”, a new daily current-affairs podcast from Economist Radio. Josie Delap hosts