

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

Sep 3, 2021 • 24min
Taking the fifth: Venezuela’s talks
Stephen Gibbs, The Economist's Venezuela correspondent, shares firsthand insights into the complex political landscape of Venezuela, emphasizing the potential for fair elections amid international pressures. Tim Judah discusses Madagascar's dire situation, detailing how drought and the pandemic have exacerbated hunger and poverty, particularly in the south. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe reflects on the impactful life of Gino Strada, a renowned war surgeon who dedicated his work to healing in conflict zones.

Sep 2, 2021 • 21min
Reeling and dealing: how to engage the Taliban
Ed McBride, Deputy Foreign Editor for The Economist, shares his expertise on the Taliban's control in Afghanistan post-U.S. withdrawal. He discusses the diplomatic challenges of engaging with the Taliban while exploring their potential alliances with global powers like China and Russia. Additionally, McBride tackles the ongoing African swine fever crisis in China, which threatens the pork industry and market stability. He also reflects on Judy Chicago's impactful activist art, highlighting its role in addressing social injustices.

Sep 1, 2021 • 21min
Out for blood: the Theranos trial
Join Tom Easton, The Economist's American business editor, as he unpacks the dramatic rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes and her dubious blood-testing startup, Theranos. Hal Hodson, the technology correspondent, discusses the global shift in primate research, highlighting the ethical dilemmas faced in the West versus practices in China. Discover how jury selections have become a battleground in Holmes' trial and dive into provocative themes of animal rights advocacy and its implications on future research.

Aug 31, 2021 • 20min
CDU later? Germany’s topsy-turvy election
Tom Nuttall, The Economist's Berlin bureau chief, explores the unpredictable landscape of Germany's elections, spotlighting the decline of Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats. He discusses potential coalition scenarios and the impact of recent debates on voter perceptions. The conversation shifts to the alarming rise of ghost guns in America and the legal loopholes that allow their proliferation. Additionally, Nuttall touches on how changing band names reflect societal sensitivities, illustrating the intersection of culture and contemporary issues.

Aug 30, 2021 • 21min
Banks note: the Jackson Hole meeting
Ryan Avent, The Economist's trade and economics editor, dives into key discussions from the Jackson Hole Summit. He emphasizes the need for central bankers to ease inflation concerns while scaling back cash flow. The conversation shifts to Albania's Vjosa River, facing environmental challenges from hydropower projects. Additionally, Avent explores the captivating discovery of dinosaur footprints in Bolivia, revealing a growing local interest in paleontology. These diverse topics showcase the interconnectedness of economic policies, environmental conservation, and scientific exploration.

Aug 27, 2021 • 22min
The terror of their ways: Kabul and global jihadism
Edward Carr, Deputy Editor of The Economist, dives deep into the chaos engulfing Kabul and its implications for global jihadism. He discusses the Taliban's struggles to maintain order amid escalating suicide bombings and how jihadist groups worldwide are adapting to this turmoil. Carr also touches on the controversial fluctuations of OnlyFans' content policies, revealing the fraught relationship with payment processors. Additionally, he highlights the exciting advancements in 3D-printed homes, examining their potential for affordable, sustainable housing.

Aug 26, 2021 • 19min
To all, appearances: Israel’s PM in Washington
Charlie McCann, Southeast Asia correspondent based in Singapore, dives into the shifting dynamics of U.S.-Israel relations during Naftali Bennett's meeting with Joe Biden. He discusses Indonesia's anti-corruption struggles, detailing how President Joko Widodo's reform ambitions are being stifled by the very institutions meant to combat corruption. McCann also highlights the alarming global ramifications of vaccine inequality, stressing how disparities in vaccine access may reshape international relations and impact emerging economies.

Aug 25, 2021 • 21min
Delta‘s force: Australia’s covid plans crumble
Matt Steinglass, The Economist’s Europe correspondent, delves into Australia’s COVID-19 challenges amid the Delta variant surge. He highlights the country's drastic shift from a strict zero-COVID approach to managing infections post-vaccination. The discussion shifts to the newly established European Public Prosecutor's Office, aimed at tackling corruption and fraud among EU member states. Steinglass also touches on Japan's vibrant seasonal snack culture, showcasing how it influences consumer behavior and dining experiences.

Aug 24, 2021 • 21min
How you like them: Apple’s decade under Tim Cook
Ludwig Stiegler, The Economist's U.S. technology editor, discusses Apple's impressive growth under Tim Cook but warns of potential challenges ahead. Su Lin Wong, the China correspondent, highlights the crackdown on civil liberties in Hong Kong, particularly against labor unions and pro-democracy movements. The conversation explores the evolution of Apple’s strategies in a competitive landscape and the dire implications of Hong Kong's security laws on societal freedoms.

Aug 23, 2021 • 20min
Annexed question, please: Ukraine’s summit on Crimea
Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defense editor, dives into Ukraine's pressing issues regarding Crimea's occupation and the geopolitical intricacies surrounding it. He highlights President Zelensky's efforts to rally global attention. Susanna Savage, The Economist's correspondent on Bangladesh, discusses alarming enforced disappearances of opposition voices in the country. She emphasizes the human rights crisis faced by dissenters. Additionally, they touch on the historical underrepresentation of women in space, marking recent strides towards greater inclusivity.