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
Jun 29, 2021 • 22min
Bear necessities: learning to handle Russia
Tensions in the Black Sea escalate as NATO's military exercises draw international attention. While some leaders push for tougher measures against Russia, others advocate for dialogue. In South Korea, a rising conservative leader captures the voice of disaffected young men rejecting feminist values. Meanwhile, in football, players are redefining self-expression through daring haircuts, illustrating how personal appearance can impact confidence and performance on the field. The complex interplay of global politics, gender dynamics, and grooming trends makes for a riveting discussion.
Jun 28, 2021 • 21min
Third time’s the harm: Africa’s crippling covid-19 wave
Join John McDermott, The Economist’s chief Africa correspondent, as he reveals the stark reality of Africa's COVID-19 crisis, detailing the severe impact on health systems and the vaccine race against time. Tamara Jilks-Boer, the U.S. policy correspondent, dives into the reading crisis in America, championing the phonics method, which shows promise in improving literacy. Plus, discover how smartphones are shaking up the film industry, enabling innovative storytelling from both veterans and novices alike.
Jun 25, 2021 • 22min
Iraq to its foundations: a chance to remake the state
Robert Guest, Foreign editor at The Economist and Iraqi politics expert, discusses Iraq’s upcoming elections and the potential for transformative governance amidst ongoing challenges. Erin Braun, a Mountain West correspondent, highlights the dire impacts of the severe megadrought in the American West, stressing the urgent need for water management solutions. Kenneth Kukia reflects on the historical context of the Corn Laws and the evolution of free trade advocacy, emphasizing its significance in shaping modern economic policies.
Jun 24, 2021 • 22min
Bench marks: weighing recent SCOTUS rulings
Stephen Mazey, The Economist's Supreme Court correspondent, shares insights on how recent rulings reflect the ideological shift in the court, especially with Justice Amy Coney Barrett's influence. Kenley Salmon, the Africa correspondent, discusses Mauritania's struggles against corruption and societal divides, touching on historical injustices and prospects for reform under new leadership. The conversation also hints at the philosophical legacy of Ludwig Wittgenstein, exploring his thoughts on language and their lasting impact.
Jun 23, 2021 • 19min
Hunger strikes: North Korea’s food shortages
Lena Shipper, the Seoul bureau chief for The Economist, dives into North Korea's alarming food crisis marked by severe shortages due to pandemic policies and crop failures. She discusses the regime’s rare acknowledgment of its struggles and the implications for both citizens and international relations. The conversation also touches on the challenge of securing humanitarian aid amidst ongoing sanctions and domestic control. Additionally, the rise of conspiracy theories in America, particularly among religious communities, adds an intriguing twist to cultural dynamics.
Jun 22, 2021 • 22min
Drop it when it’s hot: the Fed’s consequential hint
Alice Fullwood, Wall Street correspondent for The Economist, discusses the recent signals from the Federal Reserve that sent markets into chaos, exploring the broader impacts on global economies. Matt Steinglass, the Europe correspondent based in Amsterdam, highlights the rebound in drug use post-pandemic, focusing on the increased potency of drugs and the rise of organized crime. They also touch on the complexities of inflation strategies in business and the unexpected productivity dips from remote work amid more virtual meetings.
Jun 21, 2021 • 21min
A vote with no confidence: Ethiopia’s untimely election
Tom Gardner, the Addis Ababa correspondent for The Economist, shares his insights on the dire humanitarian crisis in Tigray and the challenges facing Ethiopia's electoral process amidst conflict. John Hooper, the Italy and Vatican correspondent, discusses Italy's ambitious climate goals and the societal hurdles it faces in achieving them. They also touch on the impressive recovery of humpback whales off Australia’s coast, contrasting this success with the alarming extinction rates of local mammal species.
Jun 18, 2021 • 23min
Press to exit: Hong Kong’s media arrests
Su Lin Wong, the China correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on the alarming decline of press freedom in Hong Kong, following a dramatic police raid on the pro-democracy newspaper, Apple Daily. She discusses the chilling effects of the national security law on journalists. Avantika Chulkati shares her experiences reporting from the world's largest slums, underscoring the stark contrasts in urban poverty exacerbated by the pandemic. Together, they reveal the struggles and resilience of marginalized communities facing oppressive political and economic conditions.
Jun 17, 2021 • 21min
A hardline act to follow: Iran’s presidential election
Nicholas Pelham, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, discusses the tightening grip of hardline clerics on Iran’s political landscape and the resulting voter disillusionment. Meanwhile, Natasha Loder, health policy editor, shares groundbreaking insights on monoclonal antibody therapies that significantly improve survival rates for severe COVID-19 patients. The conversation intertwines the state of Iranian democracy with advancements in healthcare, touching on the pressing need for effective treatments and the revival of cultural traditions.
Jun 16, 2021 • 23min
Present, tense: Biden and Putin meet
In this discussion, James Bennett, a senior editor at The Economist, and Mathieu Favas, a finance correspondent, delve into Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin's pivotal meeting, highlighting the intricate geopolitical issues that are at stake. They explore the rising tensions around cybersecurity and the evolving strategies of Russian threats. The conversation then shifts to the cryptocurrency market, analyzing Bitcoin's dominance amidst growing competition and El Salvador's groundbreaking decision to embrace Bitcoin as legal tender. They also touch on the intriguing French property scheme, 'viagé', underscoring its peculiar investment dynamics.
