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
14 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 25min
Stars and strikes: was America’s ship-bomb illegal?
Shashank Joshi, Defence editor, navigates the contentious legality of US missile strikes in the Caribbean, raising questions about military ethics and survivor rules. Emily Steinmark, Science reporter, delves into the implications of CRISPR gene-editing with a focus on the ethical concerns surrounding embryo editing startups. Moeka Iida, East Asia reporter, sheds light on the struggle for women's inclusion in sumo, addressing cultural barriers and the male-dominated history of the sport. Together, they explore pressing issues at the intersection of law, science, and society.
30 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 19min
The great wheel: China’s Robotaxi revolution
Rachna Shambhog, Business affairs editor at The Economist, dives into China's remarkable leap in innovation. She discusses how the nation has transformed from a copycat to a leader in robotaxis, highlighting its vast scale and efficient pilot programs. The conversation shifts to China’s pharmaceutical revolution, moving from generics to cutting-edge drug development. Rachna also explores the driving forces behind this rapid innovation, including talent and adaptable regulations, and examines the global consequences of cheaper Chinese technology.
12 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 26min
Deal them back in? What we heard in Iran
Nicholas Pelham, a correspondent who has reported from Tehran, shares firsthand insights on the evolving landscape of Iranian society, where the absence of morality police has introduced cautious social changes amid ongoing fear. Adam Roberts, digital editor, discusses a significant interview with Iran's foreign minister on the possibility of reviving nuclear negotiations. They explore the underlying political complexities in Iran, including factional struggles and the supreme leader's health, providing a nuanced look at a country in flux.
Nov 29, 2025 • 46min
The Weekend Intelligence: Mise en masse
Chef Gary Thomas oversees food operations for Royal Caribbean, ensuring thousands are fed daily aboard the massive Star of the Seas. He reveals the intricate choreography in the main dining room and how staff streamline service. The podcast dives into the legacy of Escoffier's brigade system, bulk butchery techniques, and innovative AI forecasting for inventory. Gary highlights the challenges faced by the back-of-house staff and discusses the demanding nature of culinary careers, while also addressing mental health issues among crew.
32 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 29min
Fire, then fury: Hong Kong’s deadly blaze
Emma Irving, Asian news editor at The Economist, analyzes the devastating Hong Kong high-rise fire, discussing its probable causes and the community’s outcry over housing inequality. Sarah Lonyuk, an audio correspondent, explores a year of protests in Georgia, detailing government repression and the challenge of achieving coordination for change. Lastly, Anne Rowe, obituaries editor, reflects on He Yanxin, the last natural inheritor of the Nushu script, emphasizing its cultural significance and her efforts to preserve this unique women-only language.
22 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 23min
Growth negligence: Britain’s budget
In this engaging discussion, Tom Carter, Britain economics correspondent for The Economist, analyzes the UK’s stagnant growth, highlighting failures in the recent budget that may compound political risks. Robert, the Delhi bureau chief, shares insights from his interview with Yogi Adityanath, detailing his dual role in Uttar Pradesh's governance and the implications of rising religious nationalism. The conversation also touches on unconventional job interview questions that reveal personal insights, ensuring a mix of serious analysis and lighthearted exploration.
27 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 23min
Party likes it 1959: Cuba in crisis
Zen Smiley, an editor-at-large with deep insights into Cuban society, discusses the pervasive challenges facing Cuba today. He highlights the stark realities of economic collapse, shortages, and the people's increasing reliance on remittances. Smiley also explores the Communist Party's stagnant leadership, the failed 2021 protests, and the crucial role of the informal private sector. Additionally, he delves into the impact of Miami’s hardline politics on U.S. policy toward Cuba and envisions potential paths for rapid political change.
26 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 22min
Wage against the machine: the distortions of minimum pay
Guests include Callum Williams, a Senior economics writer who explores the political implications and economic distortions of minimum-wage policies. Alex Hearn, an AI writer, discusses how AI-generated cover letters saturate the job market, impacting candidate signaling and wage quality. Lastly, Rebecca Jackson, a Southern correspondent, highlights Florida's educational experiments, including micro-schools and homeschooling driven by voucher systems, examining both their potential benefits and uncertainties.
17 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 26min
Emission creep: a contentious COP closes
Katrine Bragg, the Environment editor at The Economist, dives into COP30’s lack of ambition, highlighting the absence of fossil fuel discussions and the need for parallel climate actions. Mike Bird, Wall Street correspondent, explores the precarious state of Bitcoin and its ties to tech stocks, suggesting a potential crash could ripple through the financial system. They further discuss the captivating sounds of whale communications, revealing that whales may use vowel-like structures in their calls, opening the door to understanding their language.
37 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 23min
Flee country: Britain seeks to slash migration
Sam Beale, an international correspondent for The Economist, discusses the surprising revival of military balloons, exploring their roles in modern defense and surveillance. He highlights how these balloons are being utilized in various countries, including Ukraine and Poland. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe, obituaries editor, pays tribute to historian Gillian Tindall, whose local historical narratives brought everyday lives into focus. Tindall's dedication to community history and preservation left a lasting legacy worth celebrating.
