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
Oct 1, 2021 • 21min
The courage of two convictions: Nicolas Sarkozy
Sophie Petters, Paris bureau chief, delves into the tumultuous legal journey of Nicolas Sarkozy, emphasizing the shift towards accountability in French politics. Charlie McCann, Southeast Asia correspondent, shares the eye-opening story of a Burmese hipster turned freedom fighter, navigating the challenges of resistance post-coup. They discuss the impact of technological access on political awakening in Myanmar and reflect on the evolving landscape of music production amid the rise of AI, highlighting the cultural implications of these changes.
Sep 30, 2021 • 23min
Nobody’s fuel: Britain’s shortages
Duncan Weldon, British economics correspondent, and Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent, discuss the UK's troubling supply shortages. They explore how Brexit, labor issues, and pandemic demands contribute to this crisis, leaving Britons scrambling for essentials. In Tunisia, they analyze the implications of appointing the country's first female prime minister amid political turmoil. Finally, they touch on the rise of micro-stay hotels in India that offer privacy for unmarried couples, reflecting changing societal attitudes.
Sep 29, 2021 • 19min
Suga-free Diet: Japan’s next leader
In this discussion featuring Noah Snyder, The Economist's Tokyo bureau chief, and Kinley Salmon, the Africa correspondent, listeners delve into the political landscape of Japan. Snyder analyzes Kishida Fumio's potential leadership challenges and public trust issues. Salmon sheds light on the striking financial practices of Nigeria's megachurches, exploring the mix of spirituality and wealth. The podcast also touches on the vinyl record shortage affecting smaller bands, raising questions about the music industry's evolving dynamics.
Sep 28, 2021 • 22min
A run for its money: funding crunches in Congress
Idris Kaloun, The Economist's Washington correspondent, shares insights on the precarious financial situation in the U.S. Congress. He discusses the looming budget deadlines and their potential impact on Biden's social-spending reforms. The conversation also dives into South Korea’s controversial legislation on fake news, highlighting its risks to journalistic freedom. Lastly, Kaloun touches on a French art initiative that seeks to engage audiences amidst global uncertainties, blending politics and creativity in a compelling narrative.
Sep 27, 2021 • 20min
Colour schemes: Germany’s coming coalition
Germany is bracing for a new three-party coalition after a nail-biting election, igniting discussions about the future of its political landscape. The show also spotlights innovative mRNA technology being repurposed to tackle the age-old challenge of an HIV vaccine. Meanwhile, intriguing revelations about Tyrannosaurus Rex suggest these ancient giants had their own courtship rituals, complete with love bites. The mixture of politics, science, and evolutionary insights makes for a fascinating listen!
Sep 24, 2021 • 23min
Clubs seal: China’s view as alliances multiply
David Rennie, the Beijing bureau chief for The Economist, offers a deep dive into China's evolving foreign alliances, particularly regarding the Quad and AUKUS. He discusses how these diplomatic ties impact China's global standing. Meanwhile, Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chief, reflects on Angela Merkel's legacy as she steps down, highlighting the challenges her successor faces in infrastructure and climate policy. The podcast also celebrates the cultural significance of baklava in the Middle East, tracing its sweet journey across borders.
Sep 23, 2021 • 22min
Same assembly, rewired: the United Nations meets
Daniel Franklin, executive and diplomatic editor at The Economist, dives into the shifting dynamics of the United Nations General Assembly. He discusses the impact of leadership changes on global unity and the urgent need for collaboration on climate and humanitarian crises. Concerns about a potential 'Twindemic' of flu and COVID-19 are examined, highlighting seasonal challenges. The conversation takes a linguistic turn, exploring the evolution of the word 'like' and its cultural implications, especially regarding stereotypes in communication.
Sep 22, 2021 • 19min
The homes stretch: Evergrande
Don Wineland, The Economist’s China business and finance editor, brings his expertise to discuss the Evergrande crisis, China's massive debt dilemma threatening the property market. He unpacks the potential ripple effects on the Chinese economy and global investors. The podcast also dives into Britain's unexpected surge in youth population and its implications for education and job markets. Additionally, it examines how the pandemic has transformed office attire, signaling a shift in work culture.
Sep 21, 2021 • 20min
Running to stand still: Canada’s election
Emma Hogan, America's editor for The Economist, and Georgia Banjo, a foreign correspondent specializing in child labor, dive into the aftermath of Canada’s recent election. They discuss how Prime Minister Trudeau's weakened position shapes the nation amid rising far-right sentiments. The conversation highlights the troubling resurgence of child labor spurred by the pandemic and the need for innovative solutions. They also explore a quirky yet fascinating project on potty-training calves, merging environmental sustainability with animal welfare in a creative twist.
Sep 20, 2021 • 21min
Potemkin polls: Russia’s elections
Arkady Ostrovsky, The Economist's Russia editor, provides sharp insights on the recent elections, revealing how United Russia's proclaimed victory was tainted by fraud and opposition resilience. Avantika Chilcotty discusses the Gates Foundation's evolving role post-divorce, assessing its significant contributions to global health amidst questions about efficiency. The conversation also touches on innovative approaches to improving tea flavor through microbiomes, blending politics and philanthropy with a touch of science.
