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
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.
Jul 23, 2021 • 23min
A dangerous games? A muted start to the Olympics
Noah Snyder, The Economist's Tokyo bureau chief, shares insightful perspectives on the Tokyo 2020 Olympics amidst a state of emergency. He discusses the disheartening atmosphere with no spectators, raising questions about the legacy of these Games. Snyder highlights local athletes' unique struggles without home crowd support and ongoing controversies surrounding COVID-19 and financial implications. The conversation also touches on broader issues of justice related to Northern Ireland's history, creating a thought-provoking exploration of resilience.
Jul 22, 2021 • 23min
Three-degree burn: the warmer world that awaits
Katrine Braek, The Economist's environment editor, and Tom Gardner, a correspondent focused on Sudan's political landscape, dive into the pressing realities of climate change and regional politics. They explore what a 3°C warmer world entails, framing it as a call to action against escalating extreme weather. Meanwhile, Gardner examines Sudan's complicated path to democracy, highlighting the tensions among military leaders as they navigate toward upcoming elections. The discussion also touches on Liverpool's recent removal from UNESCO’s heritage list, reflecting on the city's evolving identity.
Jul 21, 2021 • 20min
Changing horses mid-streaming? Netflix’s next act
Tom Wainwright, The Economist’s media editor, dives into Netflix's evolving strategies amid lukewarm quarterly results. He discusses the streaming giant's promising international growth and innovative ventures like gaming and live events. Additionally, Wainwright sheds light on the troubling censorship of LGBT accounts in China, tied to rising nationalism, and reveals how researchers are mapping urban microbial ecosystems to inform public health policies. His insights paint a vivid picture of the challenges and opportunities in today's media landscape.
Jul 20, 2021 • 20min
Joint pain: a rare rebuke of China’s hackers
John Priddo, the United States editor for The Economist and host of Checks and Balance, dives into pressing global topics. He discusses the joint accusation against China by Western nations for major hacking campaigns, particularly a notable breach of Microsoft. The conversation shifts to Africa's burgeoning space programs, spotlighting countries innovating in satellite technology. Priddo also tackles Australia’s alarming mouse plague crisis, detailing its economic repercussions and challenges faced by farmers dealing with rodent infestations.
Jul 19, 2021 • 21min
In a flash: floods devastate Europe
Devastating floods in Europe, particularly Germany, showcase the urgent link between climate change and political strife as elections loom. Meanwhile, Syria's regime struggles financially, increasingly relying on trafficking a popular party drug, Captagon, amid ongoing turmoil. On a brighter note, New England is experiencing a rise in kelp farming, highlighting its environmental benefits and economic potential. New farmers are embracing seaweed as a sustainable resource, aiming to incorporate it into local diets and tackle bureaucratic hurdles.
Jul 16, 2021 • 23min
A pounder of a quarter: American banks report
Alice Fullwood, Wall Street correspondent, shares insights on American banks reveling in increased profits despite falling revenues, driven by pandemic shifts. She highlights bankers' cautious optimism about future performance amid investor concerns. Georgia Banjo, foreign affairs correspondent, tackles Jamaica's intricate marijuana laws, revealing the struggles of local farmers transitioning to legal cultivation amidst enduring law enforcement challenges. Their discussions paint a vivid picture of the evolving financial and cultural landscapes.
Jul 15, 2021 • 22min
Loot cause: South Africa’s unrest
John McDermott, Chief Africa correspondent for The Economist based in Johannesburg, discusses the recent unrest in South Africa sparked by the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma. He delves into the ethnic divisions and societal challenges, including corruption and economic inequality. The conversation also touches on COVID-19 booster shots, debating their necessity amid vaccine disparities globally. Additionally, the decline of Major League Baseball's popularity among younger fans is examined, along with innovative strategies to revitalize the sport.
Jul 14, 2021 • 21min
Texas hold-’em-up: a voting-rights standoff
John Priddo, the U.S. editor for The Economist, shares insights on the fierce tussle over voting rights in Texas, where Democratic lawmakers have fled to Washington to block controversial legislation. Tim Cross, the technology editor, highlights the alarming rise of ransomware attacks, discussing their financial fallout and how they’ve evolved into a serious threat to vital industries. The conversation also touches on Britain’s eels and conservation efforts amidst their declining populations, revealing a poignant connection to culture and nature.
Jul 13, 2021 • 20min
Flight attendance: airlines after the pandemic
Joining the discussion is Simon Wright, The Economist's industry editor, who delves into the airline industry's tumultuous post-pandemic landscape. He analyzes which carriers are set to thrive amidst recovery challenges and contrasting market behaviors. The conversation shifts to rising Latin American migration patterns, highlighting human stories in the quest for refuge. Additionally, the charming revival of Japan's public bathhouses emerges, as they reinvent themselves for a hipster audience while navigating the delicate balance between tradition and modernity.
