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 15, 2021 • 21min
Patrons’ taint: Brazil’s pork-barrel politics
In this discussion, Sarah Maslin, the São Paulo bureau chief for The Economist, dives into Brazil's fraught political landscape. She examines President Jair Bolsonaro's fall from grace and his reliance on traditional patronage despite campaigning against it. The conversation also touches on the implications of scandals like 'Tractorgate' and explores how pork-barrel politics skew governance. Maslin provides insights into societal complexities, including the visibility of racial issues and their intersection with political discourse.
Jun 14, 2021 • 22min
Promises, promises: the G7’s fuzzy climate pledges
Katrine Braik, The Economist's environment editor, dives into the G7's ambiguous climate pledges that often fall short on details, especially as the COP26 meeting approaches. Tom Noddle, the Berlin bureau chief, sheds light on Germany's complex reparations deal with Namibia, addressing painful colonial legacies and the contentious nature of this agreement. They also discuss Iranian musicians creatively navigating political hurdles, showcasing their resilience and the evolving streaming landscape.
Jun 11, 2021 • 23min
Staying powers? The G7’s changing role
Daniel Franklin, Executive and diplomatic editor at The Economist, and Rob Gifford, Senior editor at The Economist, dive deep into pressing global issues. They discuss the G7 summit's challenges and America’s foreign policy shift amidst climate change and pandemic responses. A landmark legal ruling in Britain sparks debates on free speech and gender rights, emphasizing the need for respectful dialogue. The allure of van life is explored, contrasting its romanticized social media image with the reality of life on the road, particularly in the wake of the pandemic.
Jun 10, 2021 • 21min
An exit wounds: America’s Afghanistan retreat
Ben Farmer, a seasoned reporter for The Economist based in Islamabad, shares his insights on the fallout from the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. He discusses the chaos as Afghan forces face escalating Taliban offensives, drawing parallels to the Soviet withdrawal in 1989. The mood among the Afghan populace is grim as they grapple with political turmoil and instability. Farmer also touches on the intersection of tradition and modernity in wedding customs across the globe, highlighting changing attitudes and the role of government in managing cultural practices.
Jun 9, 2021 • 18min
You don’t say: Indonesia joins Asia’s digital censorship
Ana Lenkas, a journalist focusing on Central American affairs, shares her expertise on Nicaragua's political landscape under President Daniel Ortega. She discusses how Ortega's regime is intensifying crackdowns on opposition ahead of elections, drawing parallels with Venezuela. The conversation also touches on Indonesia's recent digital censorship laws, revealing a broader pattern of diminished online freedoms in Southeast Asia. Lenkas highlights the precarious balance between government control and individual expression in these regions.
Jun 8, 2021 • 23min
Criminal proceedings: America’s spike in violence
Join John Fassman, the U.S. digital editor for The Economist, as he unpacks the alarming rise in violent crime across America and debates the intricate dynamics of law enforcement funding and public safety. Kenley Salmon, the Africa correspondent, sheds light on Mali's political turmoil, detailing the fallout from recent coups and the escalating jihadist threat. Together, they explore how these issues intertwine with global trends, including the impressive rise of anime as a cultural force. Tune in for an engaging dive into both pressing local and international concerns!
Jun 7, 2021 • 22min
Ballots and bullets: Mexico’s elections
Join Sarah Burke, Central America bureau chief for The Economist, as she breaks down the tumultuous climate of Mexico's elections, marked by violence and the looming influence of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Guy Scriven, the climate risk correspondent, discusses the exploding green technology sector and whether it risks becoming the next tech bubble. They also touch on the implications of these elections for sustainable investments and the exciting possibility of life on Venus with NASA’s upcoming missions.
Jun 4, 2021 • 24min
Peace out: from bad to worse in Yemen
Nicholas Pelham, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on Yemen's worsening humanitarian crisis as fighting intensifies and governance collapses under Houthi control. Rosemary Ward, New York correspondent, delves into horse racing's doping scandals and their adverse effects on the sport's reputation. Lastly, Anne Rowe, Obituaries editor, shares the inspiring story of Josep Almodiver, the last surviving member of the International Brigades, highlighting his commitment to socialism and activism till the end.
Jun 3, 2021 • 20min
Catch-up mustered: Europe’s vaccination drive
Stanley Pignol, a Paris-based writer for The Economist, discusses the EU's vaccination progress and challenges in achieving equitable distribution. Susanna Savage, covering Bangladesh, reveals the complex and strained relationship between the government and the influential Islamist group Hefazat Islam amidst ongoing political unrest. Tim Cross, a science and tech expert, explores innovative genetic engineering techniques, like using CRISPR to control mosquito populations and combat disease, raising both hope and ethical considerations in the battle against mosquito-borne illnesses.
Jun 2, 2021 • 19min
Swiping rights: Republicans’ vote-crimping bids
Idris Kulun, The Economist's Washington correspondent, dives into the current fight over voting rights, spotlighting a dramatic walkout by Texas Democrats in response to restrictive measures deemed 'Jim Crow 2.0.' He discusses the far-reaching implications for American democracy and the ongoing struggle against gerrymandering. Kulun also explores the impact of climate change on Nigeria's Fulani nomads, as they face escalating conflicts for resources, alongside tensions in a new era of space competition, hinting at a cinematic battle between nations.
