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
Nov 25, 2021 • 23min
You put your left side in: Germany’s shake-about
Will Caldwell, a writer for 1843 magazine, shares insights from his ride-along with a British lorry driver, revealing the daunting challenges of the profession and the severe shortage affecting supply chains. The conversation also touches on Germany's political landscape, highlighting the rise of a center-left coalition under Olaf Scholz and the implications for Europe. Additionally, Caldwell discusses Maine's innovative “right to food” law, advocating for local food production and its potential impact on the community.
Nov 24, 2021 • 22min
America’s sneezing: diagnosing global inflation
In this engaging discussion, Simon Rabinovich, The Economist’s U.S. economics editor, sheds light on America's inflation woes. Robert Guest, the foreign editor, critiques the diminishing U.S. influence, noting how mid-sized autocratic powers are seizing the opportunity. Lane Green, the language columnist, intriguingly connects language and color perception, exploring why some cultures lack a word for blue. Together, they unravel the intricate ties between inflation, geopolitical shifts, and linguistic quirks.
Nov 23, 2021 • 22min
New bid on the bloc: Europe and vaccine mandates
David Rennie, Beijing bureau chief, and Wendelin von Bredow, a European affairs writer based in Berlin, dive into the complexities of vaccine mandates in Europe. They discuss Austria's decision and the resultant public unrest in Belgium and the Netherlands. The conversation shifts to the troubling situation of Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai, raising concerns about her safety amid censorship. Additionally, they touch on the ambitious Guggenheim project in Abu Dhabi, highlighting its cultural significance and the UAE’s growing role in the global art scene.
Nov 22, 2021 • 21min
Left, right and no centre: Chile’s elections
Ana Lengas, an Argentina and Chile correspondent for The Economist, dives into the polarized Chilean elections, revealing how extreme candidates are reshaping the political landscape. She discusses the challenges of constitutional reform amid deep voter divisions. Kinley Salmon, the Africa correspondent, shares insights from Mali, where Western efforts against jihadism are faltering. Together, they highlight pressing governance issues and the dynamics of insecurity in both regions, as well as the fight for equality in gaming, showcasing the rise of women in esports.
Nov 19, 2021 • 22min
State of profusion: governments just keep growing
Colin Williams, a senior economics writer at The Economist with expertise in government spending, joins Avantika Chulkati, an international correspondent and philanthropy expert. They discuss the constant expansion of government size and spending influenced by globalization and public demand. The conversation shifts to Mackenzie Scott's revolutionary $8.6 billion philanthropic approach, which empowers smaller charities. Lastly, they explore the impact of Morocco's penal code on tourism, highlighting tensions between tradition and economic considerations.
Nov 18, 2021 • 22min
Georgia undermined: protests and a hunger strike
Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia and Eastern Europe editor for The Economist, dives into the political unrest in Georgia surrounding former President Mikheil Saakashvili's hunger strike and the rising authoritarianism. Hal Hodson, the publication's Technology correspondent, reveals the alarming growth of Chinese state-sponsored industrial espionage, detailing the implications for U.S.-China tensions. They also explore the nuances of evolving language with words like 'green-light' and 'gaslight', shedding light on linguistic variations.
Nov 17, 2021 • 20min
Defrost setting: the Xi-Biden summit
David Rennie, Beijing bureau chief for The Economist, shares insights on the recent Xi-Biden summit, where leaders discussed strained US-China relations, focusing on sensitive topics like Taiwan and climate change. Matt Steinglass, Europe correspondent, highlights the urgent need for Europe to modernize its rail network, grappling with the past glory of its transport systems while facing climate targets. Additionally, they discuss South Korea's cultural obsession with body profile photos, revealing societal pressures on youth and the thin line between personal achievements and appearance.
Nov 16, 2021 • 20min
White flagged: Cuba’s muted protests
In this insightful discussion, Roseanne Lake, The Economist's Cuba correspondent, analyzes the government's crackdown on protests in Cuba and the symbolic significance of white roses for the resilient movement seeking reform. Meanwhile, Greg Karlstrom, the Middle East correspondent, shares insights on Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030, focusing on the challenges and potential of diversifying the economy through tourism and innovative agricultural practices. The conversation weaves together themes of repression, courage, and the future of economic development.
Nov 15, 2021 • 20min
Peronists’ peril: Argentina’s elections
Michael Reid, a seasoned Latin America correspondent for The Economist, shares insights on Argentina's political turmoil after the recent elections, revealing the opposition's surprising gains over the Peronist Party amid economic crises. Georgia Banjo, a foreign affairs correspondent, delves into the ethical complexities surrounding assisted dying legislation as it becomes more accepted worldwide. They also touch on the historical failures of electric vehicles in the early automotive market, highlighting issues of infrastructure and public perception.
Nov 12, 2021 • 20min
The heat is on: COP26’s final hours
The climate summit in Glasgow is in its last official day, but looks sure to overrun as negotiators thrash out an agreement. When the talking’s over, what will count as success? The rise of film franchises and streaming is taking the shine off Hollywood’s top stars. And we hatch a tale of unusual births among North America’s biggest birds.For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer
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