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
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 19, 2021 • 21min
Populists poised: Italian politics
John Hooper, The Economist's Italy and Vatican correspondent, delves into the precarious balance of Italian politics, highlighting the looming threat of right-wing populists like Matteo Salvini. He discusses how the current government may shape Italy’s future amidst rising immigration challenges. Meanwhile, Sarah Burke, bureau chief for Mexico, examines the unprecedented militarization of the Mexican government under AMLO, revealing the military's expanded role in civilian affairs and its implications for democracy and stability.
May 18, 2021 • 22min
Hot air: emissions reduction
In this discussion, Rachel Dobbs, a climate change writer for The Economist, and John McDermott, the chief Africa correspondent, tackle the urgent need for global action on emissions reduction. They highlight the International Energy Agency's roadmap to achieve net zero by 2050, emphasizing the pivotal shift from fossil fuels to renewables. The conversation also celebrates Somaliland's 30 years of stability while exploring its quest for international recognition amid political challenges, including the impact of clan structures.
May 17, 2021 • 20min
Feast and famine: vaccine supply
In this engaging discussion, Alex Trevely, The Economist's India correspondent, shares firsthand insights into India's harrowing COVID-19 crisis. He reveals the stark global vaccine disparities, noting that only a minuscule fraction of vaccines reaches low-income countries. Trevely emphasizes the urgent need for equitable vaccine distribution, particularly as new variants emerge. The conversation also touches on the struggles of British museums during their reopening, highlighting significant financial challenges and the innovative strategies they've adopted to survive.
May 14, 2021 • 23min
Home front: Israel’s war within
Joining the discussion is Callum Williams, a Senior Economics Writer at The Economist, known for his sharp insights into economic trends. The conversation dives into the troubling escalation of violence in Israel and its impact on national stability. Williams also tackles the complex landscape of rising inflation in the U.S., questioning whether it's a temporary blip or something more serious. The chat humorously segues into the culinary debate around pineapple on pizza—highlighting how food preferences can reflect deeper societal divides.
May 13, 2021 • 21min
Purged: Liz Cheney’s sacking
James Bennett, a visiting senior editor at The Economist, discusses the political fallout of Liz Cheney's ousting from the Republican Party, highlighting Trump's continued dominance. Margaret Kadifa dives into Denmark's controversial decision regarding Syrian refugees, examining the implications of declaring Damascus safe for return. Lastly, Arthur House explores the evolution of typography in branding, revealing how a trend towards friendlier fonts is reshaping brand identity and emotional connections, particularly in a post-pandemic world.
May 12, 2021 • 22min
Baby bust: China’s census
Simon Rabinovich, Asia economics editor for The Economist, and Alice Fullwood, Wall Street correspondent, delve into China's latest census revealing a looming baby bust. They discuss the impending economic challenges of an aging population and declining birth rates. Rabinovich highlights how migration patterns affect workforce dynamics, while Fullwood explores the rise of central bank digital currencies, or 'govcoins,' and their potential to reshape monetary policy and access to banking, alongside the risks they pose to the private banking sector.
May 11, 2021 • 22min
Rockets over Jerusalem: Israeli-Palestinian violence
Anshul Pfeffer, The Economist's Israel correspondent based in Jerusalem, delves into the current escalation of violence in Jerusalem. He discusses the backdrop of tensions sparked by Palestinian evictions and provocative nationalist marches. The podcast highlights Hamas's recent rocket attacks and Israel's retaliatory strikes, while examining the political complexities at play. Additionally, cyber threats affecting critical infrastructure, including ransomware incidents, and China’s rise in grave robbing are also addressed, showcasing a multi-faceted view of global crises.
May 10, 2021 • 21min
North poll: Boris Johnson’s election victory
Anne McElvoy, Senior Editor at The Economist, provides keen insights into the recent British midterms, where Boris Johnson's Conservative Party achieved surprising wins in traditionally Labour-dominated regions. She examines the growing push for Scottish independence amidst these electoral shifts. McElvoy also discusses Germany's landmark climate ruling that could reshape global policy, and intriguingly, a novel knitting method for sustainable road construction that promises eco-friendly solutions.
May 7, 2021 • 20min
Down to brash tax: Colombia’s protests grow
Mariana Palau, an expert on Colombia's political landscape, and Michael Hann, a cultural commentator, delve into the explosive protests in Colombia sparked by controversial tax reforms. They discuss the escalating violence and demands for change that threaten President Iván Duque’s authority. The duo also explores the military's emissions impact and their strides towards environmental responsibility. Additionally, they highlight fascinating moments in music history where accidental innovations have reshaped genres, revealing how mistakes can lead to creative breakthroughs.
May 6, 2021 • 22min
Who’s to say? Facebook, Trump and free speech
Hal Hudson, Technology correspondent for The Economist, discusses the Facebook Oversight Board's controversial ruling on Trump’s ban and the implications for free speech on social media. Abdullah Latif, a former prisoner turned advocate, shares his harrowing story of serving a life sentence as a youth and the urgent need for reform in juvenile justice. They also touch on the cultural impact of the Broadway musical addressing mental health, which surprisingly resonated in China, highlighting the importance of open conversations about these critical issues.
