The Intelligence from The Economist
The Economist
Join Jason Palmer and Rosie Blau for noise-cancelling news and analysis from The Economist's global network of correspondents. Every weekday this award-winning podcast picks three stories shaping your world—the big shifts in politics, business and culture, plus things you never knew you needed to know. On Saturdays, download The Weekend Intelligence to dive deep into a single story, vividly told. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription.For more information about Economist Podcasts+, including how to get access, please visit our FAQs page at https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts
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Episodes
Mentioned books
19 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 26min
Chainsaw out of gas? Milei’s experiment wobbles
Hal Hodgson, America's editor at The Economist, provides insight into the challenges facing Argentina's President Javier Milei, including a troubling election loss and family scandals that jeopardize economic reforms. He also discusses U.S. support for the peso amid increasing market volatility. In an archival interview, the legendary Jane Goodall shares her groundbreaking discovery of chimpanzees using tools and reflects on her early fieldwork in Tanzania, emphasizing her passion for conservation and community involvement.
36 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 25min
Space invaders: Russia’s NATO nose-thumbing
Shashank Joshi, the Defence editor at The Economist, discusses Russia's recent airspace incursions, describing them as strategic moves to test NATO's resolve. He outlines potential responses from NATO and the risks of escalation. Meanwhile, John McDermott reports from Madagascar, where widespread protests are driven by deep poverty and government corruption. He highlights stark inequalities and the impact of Soviet-era policies on current governance. The conversation also touches on the surprising benefits of sunlight for mood and health.
11 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 23min
Shut happens: US federal funding stops
John Prideaux, a contributor focused on US politics, shares insights on the recent government shutdown, highlighting its effects on federal workers and economic markets. He discusses Trump's threat of 'irreversible cuts' and the limited timeframe for resolution. Meanwhile, Alex Hearn, The Economist's AI expert, reveals alarming security flaws in generative AI, including the risks of prompt-injection attacks and data mismanagement. They also offer advice on preventing workplace conflicts, emphasizing the importance of informal resolutions.
25 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 25min
Your peace or mine? Prospects for Gaza deal
Join Greg Karlstrom, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, as he dives into the recent US-brokered peace proposal for Gaza. He dissects the plan's initial steps, including ceasefires and aid surges, while tackling Netanyahu's hesitations around Palestinian Authority involvement. The conversation explores Hamas's potential acceptance and their concerns about losing leverage. Karlstrom also assesses the political hurdles in implementing the deal, raising questions about who will enforce disarmament and peacekeeping.
57 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 24min
Fortunes of war: is Russia’s economy slowing?
Callum Williams, a Senior economics writer at The Economist, discusses the surprising resilience of Russia's labor market despite sanctions and hints at a deceleration of growth. He delves into how fiscal stimulus has masked the true impact of these sanctions and examines the effectiveness of new measures. Joining him is Alice Su, a Senior international correspondent, who highlights innovative protest tactics in China, the rise of demonstrations driven by economic grievances, and the government's response to dissent, combining creativity and digital diaspora influence.
33 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 23min
Under different thumbs: a scant TikTok deal
Tom Wainwright, Media editor at The Economist, dives into the complexities surrounding TikTok's ownership and security concerns. He outlines potential American buyers and the implications of foreign influence on the app's algorithms. The discussion also touches on critical questions about data safety and the effect of U.S. laws on divestment timelines. In addition, the podcast tackles the alarming rise of dengue fever linked to climate change, with insights on its urban spread and preventive measures.
36 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 21min
Home truths: Ukraine’s internal strains
Chris Lockwood, Europe editor at The Economist, dives into Ukraine's complex challenges, highlighting deepening military and economic issues amidst a frozen front line. He discusses Ukraine's struggle with manpower shortages and increased drone reliance, revealing the pressing need for foreign aid as the country faces a budget shortfall. Lockwood also addresses political strains, including signs of democratic backsliding and the implications of martial law on upcoming elections, painting a vivid picture of Ukraine's current turmoil.
41 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 22min
On warhead be it: Saudi Arabia and Pakistan
Shashank Joshi, Defence editor at The Economist, sheds light on the newly revealed military alliance between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, delving into its nuclear implications. Don Wineland, China business expert, discusses how Chinese brands navigate naming challenges abroad to avoid awkward mishaps. The conversation also touches on how authoritarian regimes handle satire, revealing the role of political jokes as a form of dissent and their impact on public sentiment. Expect insights into geopolitics and branding strategies that are both fascinating and relevant.
62 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 25min
States of disarray: the UN at 80
Coffers running low and an increasingly absent principal member: the United Nations has never looked so precarious. We discuss its future amid uncertain geopolitics. The generative-AI explosion has mostly been driven by so-called large language models—but small ones look ever more attractive. And we meet the determined students who, against the odds, still want to drive London’s famed black cabs.Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
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26 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 24min
One nation, under God, divisible: Charlie Kirk’s memorial
Adam Roberts, Digital Editor at The Economist, delves into the political aftermath of Charlie Kirk's memorial, revealing tensions between Trump's combative rhetoric and the widow's call for forgiveness. Tim Cross, Senior Science Writer, discusses intriguing new research highlighting sunlight's overlooked health benefits beyond vitamin D. The conversation also touches on a cultural shift in pop music, where artists are increasingly critiquing mediocrity in men rather than portraying them as outright villains.
