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
Nov 29, 2021 • 21min
Priority letter: the Omicron variant
Slovea Cankova, The Economist's healthcare correspondent, offers sharp insights into the Omicron variant's global impact and the critical need for ongoing research. Mike Bird, the Asia business and finance editor, reveals Vietnam's burgeoning class of billionaires and how government support is fostering competitive firms. Fascinatingly, they draw parallels between bees' natural social distancing and human responses to pathogens, showcasing lessons from the natural world amid ongoing health crises.
Nov 26, 2021 • 23min
A cut-rate theory: Turkey’s currency spiral
Piotr Zalewski, The Economist's Turkey correspondent, discusses Turkey's economic crises driven by President Erdogan's unconventional policies, highlighting severe inflation and a plummeting lira. Sarah Burke sheds light on the upcoming Honduran elections, characterized by deep political distrust and the looming threat of unrest. Anne Rowe honors the legacy of Rossana Banti, a passionate anti-fascist, recounting her courageous actions during Nazi-occupied Italy and her enduring influence on leftist ideals.
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.
