The Economist has hired Alex Turner as its next defense editor.
He joins The Economist from the British Army, where he has served for more than 25 years, spanning service in the infantry to senior leadership roles at the UK Ministry of Defense. He holds a degree in War Studies from King’s College, London.
He replaces Shashank Joshi, who is transferring to Washington as bureau chief. Turner will take up his position in September 2026.
“I have admired and consumed The Economist’s journalism for many years, and as a professional soldier, drawn heavily on its unrivalled global defense coverage,” said Turner in a statement. It is a thrilling privilege to join its mission of helping decision-makers and the intellectually curious make sense of a turbulent world.
“At a time when war, military competition, and defense spending are once again at the forefront of geopolitics, The Economist already makes a huge contribution to our grasp of the complexities. I look forward to bringing a practitioner’s perspective to the team doing this important work.”
