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
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Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 23, 2021 • 24min
No safety in numbers: security in Haiti
Join Haitian asylum seeker Jerome Louis, who shares a gripping personal tale of migration and the harrowing realities of deportation back to Haiti. Writer Oliver Bolo dives into the staggering phenomenon of unaccounted banknotes, exploring their dual role in the economy and criminal activity. The conversation unveils the dire security crisis in Haiti, marked by gang violence and political turmoil, while spotlighting the urgent need for solutions in a country struggling for hope and stability.
Dec 22, 2021 • 24min
Relocation, relocation, relocation: America’s internal migration
Join Alexandra Sewage Bass, a Senior Correspondent at The Economist specializing in migration, and David Rennie, the Beijing bureau chief offering global insights. They dive into America’s unprecedented internal migration trends, comparing today's shift from cities to suburbs with the 1950s. The discussion touches on socioeconomic impacts and cultural divides, particularly between the northern and southern regions. They also explore the complexities of personal identity and even trace Julius Caesar's historical inaccuracies in France, blending history with modern perspectives.
Dec 21, 2021 • 24min
All about that base: Japan’s security policy
Noah Snyder, Tokyo bureau chief for The Economist, dives into Japan's evolving security policy in response to rising tensions, particularly concerning China. He discusses Japan's strategic military enhancements and the creation of new bases, reflecting a significant shift from its pacifist post-war stance. Snyder also touches on the complexities of Japan's public opinion and U.S. alliances while addressing the challenges faced by Japan's defense forces in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
Dec 20, 2021 • 24min
Back to the USSR: Russia and Ukraine
Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia and Eastern Europe editor for The Economist, and Callum Williams, Senior economics writer for The Economist, delve into the historical roots of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, tracing back to the fall of the Soviet Union. They discuss how Russia's refusal to accept Ukraine's independence has shaped current tensions. Switching gears, they explore the evolution of dining, from basic food vendors to experiential restaurants, altered by pandemic-related shifts. They also recommend noteworthy books that engage with today's critical social issues.
Dec 17, 2021 • 23min
Centre of no attention: Chile’s presidential election
Ana Lánquez, The Economist's correspondent on Argentina and Chile, sheds light on the polarized political landscape of Chile's upcoming presidential runoff. She discusses the stark choices facing voters, the candidates' evolving platforms, and the lasting impact of Pinochet's legacy. On a different note, the conversation shifts to the challenges of electric vehicle adoption, focusing on the urgent need for charging infrastructure to overcome consumer doubts. It's a captivating blend of political analysis and discussions on sustainable innovation.
Dec 16, 2021 • 21min
Money printer slow brrr: the Fed turns down the taps
Simon Rabinovich, U.S. economics editor for The Economist, sheds light on the Federal Reserve's rapid tapering of bond-buying to combat inflation. Mia Ridge, US news editor, discusses the alarming rise of loneliness among American men, linked to shrinking social circles and mental health challenges. The conversation also touches on the dominance of older artists in holiday music charts, reflecting changing trends in music consumption. Together, they explore these pressing issues that reveal deeper societal shifts in America.
Dec 15, 2021 • 24min
In full swing: Ethiopia’s shifting civil war
Tom Gardner, Addis Ababa correspondent, and Mathieu Fabas, Finance correspondent, delve into the complexities of Ethiopia's civil war, highlighting the turmoil in the Amhara region and the shifting power dynamics. They also discuss the escalating battle between cryptocurrency firms and regulators, addressing the lack of a cohesive regulatory approach. Additionally, they touch on evolving gender roles in North Korea, where economic empowerment is reshaping marriage dynamics, with women increasingly becoming the primary breadwinners.
Dec 14, 2021 • 24min
Twister of fate? Tornadoes and climate change
In this engaging discussion, Oliver Morton, Briefings and Essays Editor at The Economist, and Greg Karlstrom, the Middle East correspondent, delve into pressing global issues. They explore the complex relationship between the recent tornado outbreaks in America's Upland South and climate change, highlighting the challenges of drawing clear connections. Additionally, they discuss the evolving landscape of citizenship in Gulf states, where reforms are sparking debates on privilege and socio-economic inequality amidst a changing societal backdrop.
Dec 13, 2021 • 20min
Protein shake-up: getting to know Omicron
Hal Hudson, a science writer for The Economist, discusses the Omicron variant's rapid emergence and significant mutations impacting vaccine efficacy. He emphasizes its ability to evade antibodies while the cellular immune system remains protective. The conversation also delves into Southeast Asia’s methamphetamine crisis and the ineffectiveness of punitive treatment centers. Hudson explores a unique initiative in Madagascar involving mouse lemurs, highlighting their promise in modeling human diseases like Alzheimer’s, bridging the gap between conservation and medical research.
Dec 10, 2021 • 24min
Unsafe as houses? Evergrande and China’s big plans
Don Wineland, China business and finance editor, discusses the fallout from Evergrande's default and its implications for China's financial landscape. As domestic regulations shift, foreign investors face new challenges and opportunities. Matt Steinglass, Europe correspondent, highlights cultural responses to the migrant crisis in Poland, drawing parallels to Chopin's history. He examines how a concert aims to ease tensions surrounding refugees, while both guests explore Bolivia's untapped lithium reserves and the hurdles impeding its development.
