The Intelligence from The Economist
The Economist
Get a daily burst of illumination from The Economist’s worldwide network of correspondents. Our reporters dig past the headlines to get to the stories beneath—and to stories that aren’t making headlines, but should be. A unique perspective on the issues and events shaping your world.Sign up for Economist Podcasts+ at http://www.economist.com/podcastsplus-intelligence.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
Episodes
Mentioned books
33 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 23min
Internet dating: will AI kill the web?
Wendelin von Bredow, Senior Germany correspondent at The Economist, dives into the evolving landscape of the internet influenced by AI. He discusses the shift from traditional web navigation to AI-driven interactions and its impact on content creation. As AI redefines how we access information, he highlights the decline in web traffic for publishers and its implications. He also touches on Austria's political shift with the rise of a new chancellor and intriguing contrasts between politics and tourism in North Korea.
22 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 23min
Kyiv reprieve: Trump loses patience with Putin
Chris Lockwood, Europe editor at The Economist, and Annie Crable, news editor at The Economist, dive into the shifting tides of U.S.-Russia relations. They discuss Donald Trump's frustration with Vladimir Putin's lack of a ceasefire, revealing new military support for Ukraine. The conversation then pivots to the perfume industry, highlighting the ongoing investigations into potential price-fixing and the dominance of major corporations. Lastly, they explore the cognitive benefits of being bilingual, emphasizing its positive impact on brain health.
45 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 21min
Old-school Thai: is another coup coming?
Avantika Chilkoti, a Global Business Correspondent at The Economist, discusses political turmoil in Thailand following the Prime Minister’s suspension. She highlights the urgent need for fresh elections to prevent economic stagnation and speculates about potential military intervention. The conversation also explores how celebrities like Kim Kardashian are reshaping business landscapes by launching their brands, along with fascinating insights into the evolutionary adaptations of sea slugs that could inspire medical advances.
9 snips
Jul 12, 2025 • 39min
The Weekend Intelligence: The hunt for Austin Tice
In this discussion, Gareth Browne, a Middle East correspondent, investigates the mysterious disappearance of American journalist Austin Tice in Syria, unveiling the grim realities of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Joining him is Clarissa Ward, a CNN correspondent who offers insights from her conversations with Tice before his abduction. They delve into Tice's evolution from Marine to journalist, the precarious nature of truth in conflict zones, and the emotional connections forged through shared experiences in a war-torn landscape.
22 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 23min
At your services: Britain’s economic bright spot
Archie Hall, Britain’s economics correspondent for The Economist, discusses the paradox of Britain's sluggish growth paired with the booming service sector that makes it appealing for international contracts. He also shares insights about Austin Tice, a missing American journalist and the implications of his case. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe, the obituaries editor, shares the rollercoaster life of televangelist Jimmy Swaggart, detailing his rise to fame and fall from grace, showcasing the fragility of public personas.
31 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 22min
Migration roots: the broken asylum system
Join Robert Guest, Deputy Editor at The Economist, known for his global reporting on asylum issues, and Andrew Miller, writer of Backstory, as they tackle the urgent need to reform the outdated asylum system. They discuss personal stories from individuals like Miguel and Sukra, shedding light on the stark bureaucratic challenges faced by migrants. Shifting gears, they explore the fierce competition for AI talent in Silicon Valley, revealing how tech giants are changing hiring strategies amid layoffs in traditional coding roles.
9 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 22min
Sprawl of duty: Trump’s tariff drama
Rachana Zingde, a Business affairs editor at The Economist, and Ana Lankas, Brazil bureau chief at The Economist, dive into the implications of Trump's delayed tariffs and how they influence international relations and the U.S. economy. They also discuss Brazil's fading football dominance, exploring the reasons behind its recent struggles and the need for strategic reforms. Lastly, they touch on the transformation of traditional lawns, showcasing a shift towards biodiversity and ecological awareness in green spaces.
16 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 21min
The French reconnection: Macron in Britain
Fraser McIlwraith and Dominic Ziegler delve into the recent state visit by President Emmanuel Macron to the UK, revealing the complex fabric of Franco-British relations post-Brexit. They discuss the shift from tension to collaboration, particularly in defense and policy-making regarding Ukraine. The duo also highlights the troubling rise of illegal gold mining in Latin America and its gang-related consequences. Additionally, they celebrate the centennial of Britain's iconic Shipping Forecast, reflecting on its cultural impact and the evolution of maritime communication.
15 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 21min
Trump card: can he broker a Gaza deal?
Anshul Pfeffer, Israel correspondent for The Economist, and Anne Rowe, the obituaries editor, discuss the critical ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. They delve into the challenging dynamics at play, including the roles of mediators and key figures like Netanyahu and Trump. The conversation also touches on the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, alongside a sobering look at China's shifting alcohol culture amid government crackdown and changing consumer behaviors. And they reflect on John Robbins’ remarkable journey from ice cream heir to health advocate.
7 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 28min
Oh Keir! Labour’s torrid first year
Matthew Holhouse, British politics correspondent; Vishnu Padmanabhan, Asia correspondent; and Tom Lee-Devlin, Business editor, delve into the Labour government's struggles in its first year, marked by policy failures and waning public support. They analyze internal conflicts within Labour alongside significant global events in Bangladesh, highlighting the political upheaval and youth activism. The discussion also touches on Ferrari's remarkable market resilience and challenges as it transitions to electric vehicles, questioning the balance of exclusivity and sustainability.
