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
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.
Dec 9, 2021 • 22min
Ain’t no party: scandals hobble Britain’s government
Anne McElvoy, a Senior Editor at The Economist, and Max Rodenbeck, the South Asia bureau chief, delve into the ongoing political turmoil in Britain under Boris Johnson's leadership, marred by scandals and dwindling public trust. They also discuss a groundbreaking archaeological find in Tamil Nadu, which redefines India's civilizational timeline and sparks a fresh dialogue on Tamil identity. Lastly, the rich biodiversity of Beijing's birdlife takes center stage, showcasing an unexpected layer of urban ecology and conservation efforts.
Dec 8, 2021 • 23min
CDU later: Angela Merkel’s successor
In this discussion, Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chief for The Economist, and Stephanie Studer, China correspondent, dive into the shifting landscape of German politics with Olaf Scholz at the helm. They explore the historic transition away from Angela Merkel's leadership and the challenges facing Germany's foreign policy. The conversation shifts to China, examining the societal barriers confronting single mothers amidst a push for higher birth rates. They also consider the double-edged sword of mental health apps, weighing their accessibility against privacy concerns.
Dec 7, 2021 • 23min
Off the warpath: America 80 years after Pearl Harbour
Anton LaGuardia, The Economist's diplomatic editor, and Daniel Knowles, the Midwest correspondent based in Chicago, explore America's 80 years of influence since Pearl Harbor. They discuss how the attack transformed the nation into a military giant and its current geopolitical struggles, especially with China. Knowles delves into the political complexities surrounding car ownership and urban mobility, revealing tensions between national priorities and local policies. The conversation reflects on evolving work environments post-pandemic and the future of American car culture.
Dec 6, 2021 • 22min
The first sentence of the story: Aung San Suu Kyi
In this discussion, Charlie McCann, Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist, dives into the dire situation in Myanmar following Aung San Suu Kyi's recent sentencing, highlighting the resilient spirit of the Burmese people amidst ongoing unrest. Piotr Zilevsky, Turkey correspondent, sheds light on the controversial leadership of Interpol's new president and the potential threats posed by authoritarian influences. They also touch on the innovative idea of seasteading as a radical approach to escaping governmental constraints and addressing environmental issues.
Dec 3, 2021 • 21min
Taiwan thing after another: the Solomon Islands
Dominic Ziegler, an Asia-Pacific specialist, explores the geopolitical complexities of the Solomon Islands' pivot to China amidst rising local tensions and governance issues. Natasha Loader, health policy editor, sheds light on the hurdles faced by UK families in obtaining medical cannabis for children with epilepsy, despite legal allowances. The conversation also touches on cultural shifts in Saudi Arabia, prompted by significant events like the Formula 1 race, potentially signaling a transformation in social norms concerning alcohol consumption.
Dec 2, 2021 • 24min
Roe blow? SCOTUS weighs abortion rights
Stephen Mazey, The Economist's Supreme Court correspondent, and Tamara Jolks-Boer, U.S. policy correspondent, dive into pressing topics like the Supreme Court's potential rollback of Roe v. Wade and the significant implications for reproductive rights. They also explore Puerto Rico’s surprising resilience during the pandemic, showcasing its successful vaccination efforts amid natural disasters. Additionally, they discuss an intriguing new theory suggesting Earth’s water may originate from cosmic dust, highlighting a fascinating connection between space and life.
Dec 1, 2021 • 20min
The house that Jack built: Twitter’s founder departs
Alexandra Sewitch-Bass, a senior correspondent for politics and technology, shares insights on the significance of Jack Dorsey's departure from Twitter and the challenges new CEO Parag Agrawal may face. Richard Enzer, who covers Eastern Europe, analyzes Ukraine's improving military readiness amidst rising tensions with Russia. The discussion also touches on the historical context of the conflict and implications for Eastern European stability, alongside insights into the world’s costliest cities like Tel Aviv.
Nov 30, 2021 • 23min
Centrifugal forces: Iran nuclear talks resume
Roger McShane, Middle East editor for The Economist, discusses the challenging dynamics of the resumed negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, emphasizing the diplomatic complexities and potential risks of escalation. Tim Cross, Technology editor for The Economist, dives into Apple's groundbreaking self-repair initiative, reflecting the rise of the right-to-repair movement and reshaping the consumer tech landscape. They also touch on the emotional challenges that museums face regarding cultural preservation, particularly during crises.
