Russia, China, artificial intelligence, and inflation are all global issues that will remain in the headlines in the coming year. They’re also some of the risks highlighted in an annual report by the Eurasia Group, a political risk consultancy. We talk with the organization’s founder, Ian Bremmer, about what’s on the horizon in 2023. And, new figures show that auto sales dipped significantly in 2022. 

Salesforce announced yesterday that it would slash office space and lay off around 10% of its staff. The move comes after the cloud services company expanded rapidly during the pandemic. We look at what the moves say about how the firm may be changing. Also, a look at the FDA’s order allowing pharmacies to sell abortion medication. And, we talk with The Verge’s Alex Heath about this year’s CES tech show in Las Vegas.

From the BBC World Service: Exactly one month ago the U.S., European Union and allies like the U.K., Canada, Japan and Australia announced a price cap on Russian oil imports. On the same day, a European Union ban on all seaborne imports of Russian oil came into force too. We look at the impact so far, and what’s likely to happen after a similar move against refined exports like diesel in February. Plus, we hear from the Turkish grocery delivery business Getir on the prospects for the sector.

Now that the holidays are over, many people are going to be returning gifts and other items that didn’t quite fit the bill. But for many online retailers, accepting and processing returns is costly and undercuts profits. We take a look at what makes the process so expensive. Plus, Twitter is reversing course on its policy of disallowing political advertising. And, we ask Chris Farrell what the pandemic may have taught employers about supporting workers’ mental health.

From the BBC World Service: Pakistan’s economy appears to be teetering on the brink. Inflation is at almost 25%, its debts continue to spiral and the country is running out of foreign currency. Now the government has taken drastic measures to try and save cash. Markets, shops, wedding halls and restaurants will have to close early every evening to conserve energy. We get the view from business. Plus, there’s been more disruption in Bolivia’s economic heartland. And, women’s cricket in India is coming of age with pay parity and lucrative commercial deals.

Southwest is trying to put this holiday’s flight cancellation disaster behind it, but it may be facing a new obstacle: legal trouble. A passenger is suing over the compensation provided by the airline. We delve into the lawsuit and what it could mean for the beleaguered carrier. And, a look at why Chinese companies listed on American stock exchanges are opening themselves to inspection by U.S. regulators.

New reports from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta found that employers are continuing to raise wages in a tight labor market. Inflation, however, is complicating matters. Also, a look at why the frequency of corporate dealmaking — which includes IPOs and mergers — slowed in 2022. And, we sat down with Dina Temple-Raston, host of the podcast “Click Here,” to talk about the rise of ransomware and malware attacks last year. 

General Electric, one of the nation’s most recognizable industrial firms, is spinning off its health care business into a separate company. We delve into the latest move by the ailing conglomerate, which has spun off multiple businesses since the Great Recession. Also, we sat down with both the CEO and the president of Charge Enterprises, a company that’s one of the players in the growing electric vehicle charging industry.

From the BBC World Service: China reacts furiously as countries around the world impose testing for its travellers. Morocco has become the first country to impose a full ban on all those arriving from China, whatever their nationality. Meanwhile, we hear from a migrant rescue ship in the Mediterranean after Italy introduced new rules designed to cut the number of arrivals. Plus, the Irish Prime Minister says mistakes were made on all sides over the U.K.’s exit from the European Union.