The Intelligence from The Economist

Vinjeru Mkandawire, a business and economics news editor; Kennett Werner, a Washington correspondent; and Charlotte Howard, The Economist’s United States editor, preview America’s midterms. They examine a possible Democratic wave, Trump’s influence, election interference and delayed results. Young investors turn from property to stocks, while Harry Houdini’s publicity machine offers timeless lessons in fame.

Tom Sasse, The Economist’s South Asia bureau chief, examines Narendra Modi’s 25-year rise, India’s Hindu-majoritarian shift, economic record and mounting democratic strain. Daniella Raz, a US politics correspondent, tours overlooked midterm battles involving abortion, insurance and federal workers. Ann Wroe, an acclaimed biographer and obituaries editor, recalls Cicely Gemmell’s colorful years serving Winston Churchill.

The world’s richest person does not say much nice about philanthropy, and his foundation does not say much about itself. Our correspondent digs deeper. The next stop for our midterm-elections series is Kansas, where a Republican-seeming Democrat has an unlikely shot at the Senate. And an examination of the received wisdom about how many steps to walk in a day.Guests and host:Avantika Chilkoti, global business writerDaniel Knowles, Midwest correspondentSam Wikeley, science correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Elon Musk, Musk Foundation, philanthropyAmerica’s midterm elections, Kansaswellness, walking, received wisdomListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Binyamin Netanyahu has underperformed but so has his main opponent, Gadi Eisenkot. Who will form a government? We decipher what the messy results mean for Israel. Our American-midterms series heads south to Georgia. And how film critics and audiences have agreed to disagree.Guests and host:Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondentRebecca Jackson, Southern correspondentDoug Dowson, data journalistỌrẹ Ogunbiyi, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered:Israel, Binyamin Netanyahu, Gadi EisenkotAmerica’s midterm elections, Georgia, Jon OssoffFilm critics, cinema, the box officeListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Miles Kruppa, The Economist’s technology correspondent, examines Anthropic’s potential blockbuster IPO, soaring computing costs and the tension between AI safety and profits. West Coast correspondent Aryn Braun reports on Alaska’s closely fought Senate race and the fishing industry’s role. Science writer David Adam explores the race to replace cesium and redefine the second with far more precise atomic clocks.

Ana Lankes, The Economist’s Brazil bureau chief, explores Lula da Silva’s historic fourth-term comeback, the role of welfare and social media, Bolsonaro-era scandals, and the challenges ahead. Rebecca Jackson, a Southern correspondent, examines Texas Republicans’ defensive midterm battle and shifting voter concerns. Lizzy Peet, a US business researcher, unpacks why branded merchandise has become a powerful tool for identity, community and publicity.

Ann Wroe, The Economist’s obituaries editor and a literary biographer, explores Jeffrey Archer’s unlikely journey from political hopeful to bestselling author, fraudster and convicted perjurer. The discussion also examines Nigeria’s hunger, violence and electoral politics, alongside Europe’s struggle to reduce dependence on Starlink and American space technology.

Gregg Carlstrom, The Economist’s Middle East correspondent, examines MBS’s faltering Saudi ambitions, security risks and strained American ties. Shera Avi-Yonah, a U.S. business correspondent, reports on Sam Bankman-Fried’s prison reflections and the future of effective altruism. Vishnu Padmanabhan, an Asia correspondent, explores toxic haze, wildfires and El Niño’s threat to Southeast Asia.

Anton La Guardia, The Economist’s diplomatic editor, examines whether Europe can shoulder Ukraine’s financial and military burden as American support wanes. Shera Avi-Yonah, a U.S. business correspondent covering innovation and science, explores private research institutions filling gaps between academia and startups. The discussion also turns to Europe’s rising museum thefts, fragile security and the price of public access.

Sophie Pedder, The Economist’s Paris bureau chief, examines how France’s riots are reshaping politics and strengthening the extremes. John McDermott, chief Africa correspondent, explores Zimbabwe’s record tobacco harvest and white farmers’ cautious return through joint ventures. Andrew Palmer, columnist and Boss Class presenter, offers a satirical take on the legal fine print surrounding AI and extinction.