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 8, 2021 • 23min
Clotting factors: the AstraZeneca vaccine
Slavia Chankova, The Economist’s healthcare correspondent, shares insights on the AstraZeneca vaccine, highlighting regulatory findings on blood clot risks and public perceptions. Data journalist Elliot Morris discusses the lasting impact of the 1915 film "Birth of a Nation" on racial violence and how it shaped societal attitudes toward race. They also touch upon vaccine hesitancy stemming from these concerns. From vaccine safety to cinema's cultural ramifications, the conversation is both enlightening and provocative.
Apr 7, 2021 • 20min
Deaths spiral: America’s spike in murders
Idris Kaloun, The Economist’s Washington correspondent, dives into the alarming surge in murder rates in America following the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses the unexpected rise in violence and its links to social unrest and unemployment. Kaloun also explores the historical context of this crisis, emphasizing the need for urgent policy dialogue on gun control and public safety. Additionally, he highlights Serbia’s remarkable success in vaccine rollouts during a challenging European landscape, showcasing intriguing contrasts in public health responses.
Apr 6, 2021 • 21min
Crown and thorn: Jordan’s royal ruckus
Greg Karlstrom, a Middle East correspondent for The Economist, discusses tensions within Jordan's royal family, focusing on Prince Hamzah's public dissent and its implications for the monarchy's stability. Tom Easton, the Mumbai bureau chief, sheds light on India's booming billionaire class, highlighting the rapid economic shifts and the cultural dynamics at play. The conversation also touches on innovative housing solutions by First Nations in Vancouver, contrasting them with India's complex wealth distribution.
Apr 5, 2021 • 23min
He said, Xi said: America-China ructions
Gotti Epstein, China affairs editor for The Economist, dives into the intricate and often volatile U.S.-China relationship. He recalls the historical 'Ping Pong Diplomacy' while discussing the current tensions surrounding issues like the Uyghur population. Epstein emphasizes the urgent need for reform in economics education, critiquing outdated practices and exploring modern initiatives. The podcast also takes a cultural turn, highlighting a rediscovered album by British-Pakistani artists blending Bollywood with electronic sounds, showcasing the richness of global musical influences.
Apr 2, 2021 • 22min
Battle acts: France beefs up its forces
Sophie Petter, the Paris bureau chief for The Economist, discusses France's significant military transformation as it prepares for potential large-scale conflicts rather than just peacekeeping. She examines the implications of a global population decline post-pandemic and its economic impacts. Additionally, the podcast highlights the ongoing debate over the Benin Bronzes, exploring the complexities of cultural restitution and the push for their return to Nigeria, shedding light on issues of colonial history and ethical ownership in the art world.
Apr 1, 2021 • 21min
Cresting: India’s second covid-19 wave
Max Rodenbeck, a keen observer of South Asia's pandemic response, and Avantika Chilkati, who reports on wildlife in crisis, dive deep into the alarming resurgence of COVID-19 in India. They explore how cultural events complicate health efforts and the challenges of vaccinating such a vast population. Meanwhile, the discussion turns poignant as they highlight the surge in poaching fueled by the pandemic's impact on wildlife tourism. This urgent exploration raises critical questions about conservation in a world disrupted by health crises.
Mar 31, 2021 • 19min
Takeaway lessons: Deliveroo’s listing disappoints
Tamsin Booth, Technology and business editor at The Economist, shares her insights on Deliveroo's disappointing IPO, revealing investor skepticism about the gig economy and tech listings in London. She discusses the critical issues around Deliveroo's business model and workforce conditions that raised red flags. The conversation also touches on China's cloud seeding, its controversial history, and the risks involved. Lastly, Booth reflects on the lasting impact of social media behavior on personal careers, highlighting the need for caution in digital expression.
Mar 30, 2021 • 23min
High threat-count: boycotts in China
Simon Rabinovich, Asia economics editor for The Economist, and Georgia Banjo, a keen observer of the intersection between brain injuries and crime, dive into the effects of consumer boycotts against Western fashion brands in China. They explore the complex balance brands must strike amid rising tensions over human rights. Additionally, they discuss the alarming connection between traumatic brain injuries and criminal behavior, shedding light on neglected societal issues. Finally, the podcast touches on the rise and challenges of the audio app Clubhouse in the Arab world.
Mar 29, 2021 • 21min
The smell of gas: insurgency in Mozambique
Join John McDermott, Chief Africa correspondent for The Economist, as he dives into the escalating insurgency in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique. He unpacks the violence gripping the region amid a major natural gas investment and the government's struggle for control. Adam Roberts, The Economist's Midwest correspondent, brings insights from Minneapolis during the trial of Derek Chauvin. The discussion also touches on broader societal issues linked to policing and justice, as well as the intriguing plight of a vanishing bird species losing its mating songs.
Mar 26, 2021 • 21min
Growth and stagnation: Bangladesh’s first 50 years
In this engaging discussion, Susanna Savage, a writer for The Economist focusing on Bangladesh, joins Joel Budd, the social affairs editor, to explore Bangladesh's remarkable journey over its first 50 years. They highlight the country's empowerment of women and dominance in the garment industry. However, they also delve into the challenges of political corruption and the fight for workers' rights. Additionally, the conversation touches on surprising shifts in global happiness during the pandemic and the shocks caused by the Suez Canal blockage.
