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 12, 2021 • 21min
Hasta la victoria, hambre: rare protests rock Cuba
Joining the discussion are Rosanne Lake, The Economist's Cuba correspondent with a focus on Cuban economics and politics, and Oliver Morton, an expert in space exploration and the publication's Briefings editor. They delve into the recent protests in Cuba, driven by severe food shortages and calls for reform. The conversation also juxtaposes the state of Cuban discontent with breakthroughs in space tourism sparked by Richard Branson's flight. Additionally, they touch on the future prospects of England's young football team, instilling hope among fans.
Jul 9, 2021 • 23min
A decade decayed: South Sudan
Jonathan Rosenthal, Africa editor at The Economist, shares insights on South Sudan’s tumultuous journey from optimism to ongoing ethnic tensions and poverty. Elise Burr discusses the shocking discovery of mass graves at Canadian residential schools, sparking critical conversations about historical injustices. David Benin highlights the 50th anniversary of Karen Dalton’s final album, celebrating her influence in folk music despite her obscurity. Together, they tackle themes of struggle, remembrance, and the quest for recognition in our shared history.
Jul 8, 2021 • 21min
Assassins’ deed: Haiti’s president killed
Rosemary Ward, The Economist's New York correspondent, offers a deep dive into the chaotic aftermath of Haiti's president Jovenel Moïse's assassination, revealing the political instability and looming challenges for the nation. She also discusses the recent Democratic primary victory of Eric Adams in New York City, focusing on his moderate stance amidst rising crime. Additionally, the conversation touches on a historical perspective of homosexuality in Islamic cultures, highlighting the push for LGBTQ+ activism in the contemporary Arab world.
Jul 7, 2021 • 22min
Dropped shots: Russia’s third wave
Christopher Lockwood, Europe editor for The Economist, dives into Russia's turbulent COVID-19 landscape, revealing the stark reality behind the third wave and its devastating impact. He discusses the public's deep mistrust of the Sputnik V vaccine fueled by mixed government messaging. The conversation also touches on DARPA's pivotal role in advancing mRNA technology, changing preconceived notions of its defense-only focus. Lastly, Lockwood honors Kenneth Kaunda, reflecting on his legacy and the broader challenges of fostering innovation.
Jul 6, 2021 • 21min
Taken for a ride: why China is leaning on Didi
Don Wineland, The Economist's China business and finance editor, and James Bennett, a visiting senior editor, dive into China's regulatory crackdown on tech giants like Didi after its IPO. They discuss the implications of these restrictions on China's tech landscape and the broader regulatory environment. The duo also addresses the significant vacancies of U.S. ambassadors and the political hurdles in filling these critical roles. Finally, they humorously touch on the challenges of mobile service providers while delving into the complexities of classifying the Southern Ocean.
Jul 5, 2021 • 22min
Leave them in no peace: America’s Afghan exit
Ben Farmer, a seasoned reporter from The Economist focusing on Afghanistan, shares insights on the chaos following the U.S. withdrawal and the Taliban's ominous resurgence. He paints a grim picture of the humanitarian crisis unfolding as panic grips the Afghan population. Tom Wainwright, the media editor, discusses the looming 'attention recession' post-pandemic, highlighting shifts in media consumption and the challenges facing businesses in a rapidly changing landscape. They also touch on the curious inbreeding issues with thoroughbred horses.
Jul 2, 2021 • 23min
Repetitive strains: SARS-CoV-2 variants
Natasha Loder, a health policy editor and expert in infectious diseases, joins Tom Gardner, an Addis Ababa correspondent covering the Ethiopian conflict. They dive into the concerning spread of the Delta variant and discuss potential future mutations and their impact on global vaccination efforts. The conversation shifts to the Tigray conflict, analyzing the implications of recent military developments and the humanitarian crisis. Additionally, they explore the cultural significance of the Fourth of July and the challenges faced by films attempting to capture its spirit.
Jul 1, 2021 • 23min
Party piece: China’s Communists at 100
Xi Jinping, the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, discusses the party's centenary celebrations, reflecting on its historical journey and consolidation of power. He addresses China's current political narrative, marked by confidence and internal challenges, particularly regarding dissent in Hong Kong. David Rennie, the Beijing bureau chief, adds insights about the controlled festivities in Tiananmen Square and the revival of ideologically charged hip-hop music as a propaganda tool, showcasing the government's efforts to blend culture with its political messaging.
Jun 30, 2021 • 20min
No day in court: Jacob Zuma’s jail sentence
Join John McDermott, The Economist's chief Africa correspondent, and Katrine Bragg, the environment editor, as they unravel gripping issues surrounding Jacob Zuma's prison sentence. McDermott discusses the mixed public sentiment on Zuma's contempt ruling, shining a light on South Africa's ongoing battle against corruption. Meanwhile, Bragg addresses the intense heat waves affecting vulnerable communities and shares innovative ways to mitigate their impact. Together, they dive into the intricate relationship between politics and culture, even touching on the contentious topic of biryani in India.
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.
