

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

Apr 22, 2021 • 20min
Growth negligence: India’s covid-19 failings
Max Rodenbeck, South Asia bureau chief for The Economist, sheds light on India's staggering COVID-19 crisis. He discusses the overwhelmed healthcare system and the danger of mass gatherings as new case numbers soar. Rodenbeck reveals alarming undercounts of cases and deaths, alongside criticizing the government’s ineffective response. The episode also touches on political unrest in Chad following the assassination of President Idris Déby, highlighting the potential for regional instability as power dynamics shift.

Apr 21, 2021 • 24min
Insuperable: Europe’s football fiasco
Henry Kerr, Economics editor at The Economist, dives into the failed European Super League and its implications on football's economics, contemplating the clash between closed leagues and open competition. Nicholas Pelham, the Middle East correspondent, sheds light on the long-standing Kurdish pursuit of statehood, marking historic shifts in their autonomy efforts. The podcast also discusses the landmark conviction in the George Floyd case, emphasizing the need for policing reforms and touching on societal resistance to language reform, navigating between tradition and progress.

Apr 20, 2021 • 22min
A case rests, a city does not: Derek Chauvin’s trial
Adam Roberts, Midwest correspondent for The Economist, provides an insightful look into the Derek Chauvin trial, discussing the consequential relationship between police conduct and racial justice. Stephanie Studer, China correspondent, sheds light on the impact of internal migration on millions of children separated from their parents, highlighting emotional struggles and government initiatives. The conversation also poses thought-provoking questions about justice and the potential for accountability within the American justice system, alongside technological advancements in flavor testing.

Apr 19, 2021 • 21min
Lai of the land: Hong Kong’s democrats quashed
Su Lin Wong, The Economist's China correspondent in Hong Kong, shares deep insights into the recent sentencing of prominent democracy activists like Jimmy Lai. She discusses the impact of the national security law on civil liberties and the resilience of Hong Kong's pro-democracy spirit. The conversation also dives into the controversial creation of human-monkey chimeras, raising vital ethical questions, and shifts in Egyptian television as state narratives dominate, illustrating the broader implications of censorship and competition in media.

Apr 16, 2021 • 22min
The path of increased resistance: Myanmar
Charlie McCann, The Economist's Southeast Asia correspondent, shares insights on Myanmar's escalating violence post-coup, highlighting the brutal military response and citizen resistance through protests and strikes. Meanwhile, Roseanne Lake, The Economist's Cuba correspondent, discusses Cuba's political transition as Raúl Castro steps down and the challenges facing new leadership amid economic turmoil. They also touch on surprising traffic fatality trends in America, revealing alarming increases in reckless driving during the pandemic.

Apr 15, 2021 • 21min
Boots off the ground: America’s Afghanistan drawdown
Daniel Knowles, an International affairs correspondent for The Economist, shares insights on the complexities of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, including the potential risks for stability and the resurgence of the Taliban. Katrine Braik, Environment editor, discusses the urgent need to address methane emissions, revealing they exceed EPA estimates and play a major role in climate change. They also highlight Bhutan's remarkable COVID-19 vaccination strategy, showcasing how it achieved rapid success through cultural collaboration.

Apr 14, 2021 • 22min
Arms’ reach: Russia flexes at Ukraine border
Shashank Joshi, Defense editor for The Economist, shares insights on Russia's military buildup near Ukraine, emphasizing advancements in their capabilities and the regional implications. Henry Kerr, Economics editor, discusses inflation trends in the U.S., linking them to pandemic policies and the complexities of economic recovery. They also dive into the exciting potential of flying taxis and how this emerging technology could transform urban travel. Together, they navigate the intersection of defense and economic strategy in a rapidly changing world.

Apr 13, 2021 • 21min
Fission expedition: nuclear-site attack in Iran
Roger McShane, Middle East editor for The Economist, sheds light on the recent sabotage at Iran's Natanz nuclear facility, suspected to be an Israeli operation. He discusses how this incident complicates the U.S.'s prospects of rejoining the 2015 nuclear deal and its implications for regional security. The conversations also touch on the ongoing shadow warfare between Israel and Iran, and the impact of domestic politics on international negotiations, alongside a brief dive into challenges facing independent public broadcasting in Europe.

Apr 12, 2021 • 22min
Plagued by uncertainty: German politics
Tom Nuttall, The Economist's Berlin bureau chief, dives into the political upheaval in Germany as the nation seeks to replace Angela Merkel. He discusses the implications of COVID-19 on leadership contenders and the changing public sentiment, revealing tensions within the CDU and CSU. Fiametta Rocco shares her reflections on meeting Prince Philip, showcasing his loyalty and the challenges he faced behind the scenes. The conversation also touches on the revival of Kenya’s coffee culture, highlighting its shift towards local appreciation amid global trends.

Apr 9, 2021 • 23min
Like a tonne of bricks: violence in Northern Ireland
Sam McBride, a Belfast-based journalist for The Economist, provides insightful commentary on the recent surge of violence in Northern Ireland, highlighting how Brexit has inflamed longstanding tensions. Arkady Ostrovsky, the Russia editor, discusses the dire health of political prisoner Alexei Navalny and the Kremlin's tactics to undermine his public image. The conversation also touches on the enduring societal divisions stemming from the Good Friday Agreement and showcases how slam poetry serves as a powerful medium for expression in the Democratic Republic of Congo.