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
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 6, 2021 • 22min
Coming in harder: Iran’s new president
Monawara Begum, a former trafficking victim turned leader of a Bangladeshi brothel, shares her inspiring journey of resilience and empowerment. She discusses her advocacy for women's rights in the face of adversity, highlighting the formation of the Nari Mukti Sangha organization. The podcast also dives into Iran's election of hardline president Ebrahim Raisi, dissecting the implications for regional tensions and international relations. Plus, it touches on advancements in athletic footwear that could alter the future of competitive sports.
Aug 5, 2021 • 21min
No consent of the governed: Andrew Cuomo on the brink
Andrew Cuomo, the former Governor of New York, candidly discusses the fallout from sexual harassment allegations as he faces intense pressure to resign. He reflects on the independent investigation confirming misconduct and the political landscape that could reshape his legacy. Meanwhile, the podcast explores LinkedIn's challenges in China, including the delicate dance of compliance with censorship laws, and the unique power dynamics of MMA in Chechnya, where sports serve to reinforce a dictator's influence over the youth.
Aug 4, 2021 • 22min
No port, still a storm: Lebanon a year after the blast
Greg Karlstrom, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, details Lebanon's ongoing political and economic crises while Margaret Kadifa shares personal stories rooted in her grandmother's experiences of Beirut's tumultuous history. They discuss the catastrophic Beirut port explosion, revealing it as a symptom of deeper systemic issues. The conversation dives into the economic turmoil highlighted by Lebanon's surprisingly affordable Big Mac, and the interview paints a vivid picture of resilience amidst chaos, showcasing the struggle for accountability in a beleaguered nation.
Aug 3, 2021 • 22min
Block off the old chips? Nvidia’s fraught merger
Tamsin Booth and Johnny Williams offer fascinating insights into the tech and spiritual landscapes. They discuss Nvidia's ambitious bid to acquire ARM amidst regulatory hurdles that could reshape the semiconductor industry. Booth highlights the impact of GPUs on computing, while Williams explores America's shift toward religious unaffiliation, focusing on the rising number of individuals identifying as 'nothing in particular.' The conversation also celebrates the growing surf culture in China, especially among women, showcasing empowerment through sport.
Aug 2, 2021 • 21min
No-sanctuary cities: the Taliban’s latest surge
Edward Carr, The Economist's deputy foreign editor, offers insights into the Taliban's territorial advances in Afghanistan amidst the U.S. withdrawal, highlighting the growing despair of Afghan civilians. Meanwhile, Charlie McCann, Southeast Asia correspondent, discusses the recent racial tensions in Singapore that disrupted its long-standing harmony, shedding light on systemic inequalities and historical context. The podcast also touches on the decline of chewing gum, linking changing consumer habits and pandemic influences to its fading cultural icon status.
Jul 30, 2021 • 23min
Neither borrower nor renter be: America’s coming foreclosures
In this engaging discussion, Alice Fullwood, Wall Street correspondent and housing market expert, teams up with Matt Steinglass, Europe correspondent, to tackle pressing issues. They delve into the looming housing crisis as pandemic protections expire, exposing the struggles of vulnerable families facing foreclosure. Additionally, they explore a compelling exhibition in the Netherlands that confronts the country’s colonial past and the innovative marketing behind the polarizing Marmite brand, sparking discussions on heritage and consumer behavior.
Jul 29, 2021 • 23min
Good news, ad news: Facebook’s big bucks and bets
Ludwig Ziegler, U.S. technology editor for The Economist, discusses Facebook's impressive profits and its ambitious leap into the metaverse, sparking discussions on community versus profit. Meanwhile, Michael Reid, Senior editor for Latin America, dives into the challenges facing Peru's newly elected, inexperienced president, Pedro Castillo, as he navigates a polarized Congress and public skepticism. They also touch on the publishing industry's efforts to diversify romance literature, reflecting broader cultural changes.
Jul 28, 2021 • 23min
Borderline disorder: the UN’s refugee treaty at 70
Brooke Unger, a migration specialist at The Economist, and Sam Colbert, the Canada correspondent, discuss the inadequacies of the 70-year-old UN Refugee Convention amid the current refugee crises. They highlight the challenges for asylum seekers in Europe and the shifting political landscape regarding refugees. Colbert also explores Vancouver’s bold proposal to decriminalize drug possession, a response to alarming overdose rates, while examining local activism and public health implications. The conversation is a compelling blend of humanitarian issues and innovative policy responses.
Jul 27, 2021 • 21min
Alight in Tunisia: a democracy in crisis
Join Roger McShane, The Economist's Middle East editor, and John Hooper, the Vatican correspondent, as they dive into Tunisia's political turmoil. They discuss the president's controversial decision to dismiss the prime minister and suspend parliament, sparking both hope and concern. The conversation shifts to the Vatican's groundbreaking trial involving high-ranking officials charged with serious financial misconduct, potentially unearthing the Church's hidden financial practices. Their insights connect democracy, governance, and accountability in today's shifting landscapes.
Jul 26, 2021 • 22min
The blonde leading: Britain’s two years under Boris Johnson
Adrian Wooldridge, a British politics columnist, joins Su Lin Wong, a China correspondent based in Hong Kong, to dissect Boris Johnson's leadership over turbulent two years. They discuss how his tenure has been a mix of bold decisions and significant missteps, particularly in his handling of COVID-19 and Brexit. Wong highlights the harrowing impact of Beijing's national security law on universities in Hong Kong, stifling student activism and academic freedom. Meanwhile, they explore the surprising rise of alcohol-free beer, transforming from niche to mainstream.
