The Intelligence from The Economist

Join John Prideaux, the United States editor at The Economist, and Piotr Zalewski, a writer covering Poland, as they dive into the challenges facing Harvard University under the Trump administration. They discuss the critical implications of Poland's upcoming presidential runoff, examining its ripple effects across Europe. The conversation also explores the burgeoning trend of water sommeliers and the gourmet appreciation of water as a luxury beverage.

Oliver Carroll, Ukraine correspondent for The Economist, shares gripping insights on the emotional turmoil surrounding Ukraine’s recent prisoner swap. He discusses the chaotic exchanges and the poignant stories of families anxiously awaiting their loved ones, highlighting the joy and heartbreak intertwined in the process. The conversation extends to how these exchanges mirror the stagnation of peace talks and the growing backlash against American brands amid rising geopolitical tensions, shaping their fortunes in international markets.

Oret Ogambi, Africa correspondent for The Economist, dives deep into the pressing issues surrounding Mexico's judiciary. He discusses the alarming trend of electing judges, emphasizing its potential to compromise democracy. The podcast also sheds light on corruption and political interference that undermine public trust in the legal system. Ogambi links these challenges to broader societal and economic implications, exploring how they might affect international relations and the struggles with organized crime in Mexico.

Join Ethan Wu, Asia business and finance editor, Shoshank Joshi, Defense editor, and Anne Rowe, Obituaries editor, as they delve into Vietnam's ambitious economic transformation led by General Secretary Tholam. They discuss the challenges of avoiding the middle-income trap while navigating political reforms and rising costs. The team also examines the U.S. Army's significant restructuring efforts amid modern warfare demands, and they recount the ingenious use of duct tape during the Apollo 13 rescue, showcasing innovative problem-solving in crises.

David Rennie, Geopolitics editor at The Economist, and John Fassman, Senior culture correspondent, delve into the pressing security concerns faced by the Baltic states amidst Russian threats. They discuss the moral complexities of abandoning international landmine treaties for national defense. The conversation shifts to Baltimore's crime rate decline, highlighting community initiatives and policy reforms. Lastly, they reflect on a new biography of Mark Twain, exploring his impact on American literature and culture.

Josie DeLapp, the Middle East editor at The Economist, reveals startling insights into the underreported death toll in Gaza amidst Israel's military actions, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis. She addresses the logistical challenges of humanitarian aid distribution during ongoing conflict, especially for vulnerable populations. Additionally, the discussion touches on the Church of England's decline and its implications, as well as the health trends surrounding ginger and juice shots, dissecting whether they truly offer any benefits.

Daniel Franklin, Executive Editor at The Economist, and Callum Williams, Senior Economics Writer, dive into the nuances of the recent UK-EU deal and its implications for post-Brexit relations. They shed light on the overlooked struggles of Generation X amidst the media spotlight on younger generations. The duo also discusses the challenges faced by Nvidia, as it shifts from gaming to AI, leaving gamers dissatisfied with recent offerings. Tune in for a mix of economic insights and generational commentary!

Maria Vilcek, News Editor at The Economist, and Shalas Chitnis, Global Business Writer, dive into the captivating intricacies of Poland's presidential race. They discuss the surprising tightness of the election, highlighting voter disillusionment and the stakes for the NATO-front-line country. The conversation also shifts to the competitive landscape of weight-loss drugs, particularly the rise of Z-Bound. To add a twist of humor, they explore how our dogs often mirror our behaviors and personalities, revealing some surprising truths about our relationships with our pets.

Liz Reid, Head of Search at Google, is at the forefront of integrating generative AI into one of the world's most essential tools. She discusses the creative processes at tech and design companies, drawing parallels between innovation in the toy industry and the auto sector. Liz emphasizes that true innovation requires more than just creativity; it demands structured collaboration and user feedback. She also touches on the challenges of balancing rapid tech advancements with user experience, illustrating how learning from the past is crucial to future developments.

In this insightful conversation, Matt Steinglass, Europe correspondent for The Economist, analyzes the polarized Romanian elections and their deep ties to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Archie Hall, the British economics correspondent, examines the challenges of the UK's leveling up project in Great Yarmouth, shedding light on local frustrations with declining services. Lizzie Peet highlights the explosive growth of women's basketball in America, marked by record WNBA viewership and discussions on pay equity, showcasing the sport's rising prominence.