The Intelligence from The Economist

The Economist
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Oct 28, 2021 • 22min

Competitive spirit: tech after the pandemic

Ludwig Siegaler, a US technology editor in San Francisco, and Tim Judah, The Economist's Balkans correspondent, dive into how the pandemic has shifted the landscape of the tech industry, slowing growth for major players while small firms thrive. They discuss Serbia's military build-up, revealing its ambition to be a regional power amid rising geopolitical tensions. Additionally, fascinating insights into the rapid evolution of tuskless elephants in Mozambique highlight human impact on nature.
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Oct 27, 2021 • 21min

Winter is coming: Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis

Max Rodenbeck, South Asia bureau chief for The Economist, sheds light on Afghanistan's dire humanitarian crisis following the Taliban's takeover. He discusses the severe hunger affecting over 23 million people and the urgent need for international aid. The conversation also touches on India's ambitious digital transformation, which, while innovative, leaves many citizens behind. As the podcast navigates through these pressing issues, it highlights the complexities of modern governance and the evolving landscape of the clothing rental industry.
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Oct 26, 2021 • 23min

Trouble in Khartoum: Sudan’s coup

Michael Reid, The Economist's Bayo columnist on Latin America, brings insights into Ecuador and the political turmoil echoing in Sudan. He discusses the military coup in Sudan that has toppled hopes for democracy, highlighting the troubling rise of coups in Africa. Turning to Ecuador, Reid examines President Guillermo Lasso’s struggles amidst rampant violence and ongoing corruption challenges. The conversation also touches on the nuances of language learning, including why you might have an accent in a foreign tongue, making for a compelling exploration of leadership and identity.
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Oct 25, 2021 • 20min

You shall not pass: standardising vaccine passports

Avantika Chilcotty, an international correspondent for The Economist, dives into the chaos of global vaccine passports and the pressing need for standardization to facilitate international travel. Joanna Lillis, covering Uzbekistan, shares insights on President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's political maneuvers and economic reforms since 2016, amidst lingering democratic challenges. The conversation also touches on the exciting entry of The Economist into the NFT space, exploring the complexities of this digital frontier and its implications for the art world.
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Oct 22, 2021 • 22min

Flu into a rage: Brazil’s Bolsonaro inquiry

Shashank Joshi, the Defense editor for The Economist, discusses the implications of China's hypersonic missile advancements, particularly their potential to disrupt global security. Anne Rowe, the Obituaries editor, reflects on the measured leadership of Colin Powell, emphasizing his thoughtful approach to complex challenges. The podcast also critiques President Bolsonaro's negligent response to the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing the toll on vulnerable populations and the political fallout from a recent congressional investigation.
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Oct 21, 2021 • 24min

States of emergency: Nigeria

Kinley Salmon, The Economist's Africa correspondent, and Tamsin Booth, the technology and business editor, dive into Nigeria's dire security landscape overrun by criminal gangs and jihadists. They discuss alarming kidnappings of schoolchildren and the struggle between governance and chaos. Meanwhile, Booth provides insights into Samsung's new leader tackling challenges in the semiconductor market amidst a backdrop of corporate intrigue. The conversation also touches on the cinematic adaptation of 'Dune', exploring its complex themes and narrative depth.
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Oct 20, 2021 • 20min

Gas-trick distress: a visit to Ukraine

Robert Guest, the Foreign editor for The Economist, joins Stanley Pignol, a European business and finance correspondent, to discuss Ukraine's resilience amid Russian aggression. They explore the implications of energy security and the politics surrounding the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. The talk also delves into the challenges of renewable energy, particularly the need for robust international power networks to address supply issues. Additionally, they touch on the decline of Canadian football and the sport's struggle to remain relevant.
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Oct 19, 2021 • 21min

Meeting them where they are: a British MP’s murder

Joe Rockman, Britain correspondent for The Economist, dives into the tragic murder of MP Sir David Amess, illuminating the dangers MPs face while engaging with constituents. He discusses the emotional impact on fellow politicians and the fragility of public service safety. The conversation shifts to advancements in detecting drug-resistant tuberculosis, highlighting cutting-edge research that promises better identification methods. Finally, Rockman explores the surprising revival of Andy Warhol's art in Iran, reflecting on culture's resilience amidst political challenges.
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Oct 18, 2021 • 20min

Chinese draggin’: growth slows

Sophie Petter, The Economist's Paris bureau chief, dives into the complexities shaping China's economic landscape and the impending French presidential elections. She discusses the slow GDP growth in China, driven by regulatory shifts and a struggling property sector. In France, Petter analyzes Emmanuel Macron's chances for re-election amid unpredictable opposition like Marine Le Pen. The conversation also touches on innovative approaches to enhance meeting efficiency, proposing a jury-style format to spark better decision-making.
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Oct 15, 2021 • 23min

Port, and a storm: sectarian violence in Lebanon

Greg Karlstrom, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, shares his expert insights on the recent surge in sectarian violence in Lebanon, highlighting its historical roots and implications. Anne McElvoy, a Senior Editor at The Economist, discusses the recent Nobel Peace Prize awarded to journalist Dmitry Muratov, emphasizing the importance of press freedom. The conversation dives into how autocratic regimes manipulate sports investments for image, paralleling Lebanon's political turmoil with global issues of governance and media resilience.

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