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
35 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 23min
Apocalypse soon? Britain ups its defence
Britain is grappling with escalating security threats and is looking to overhaul its defense strategy, despite funding concerns. There's a notable increase in U.S. government borrowing, prompting questions about the safety of bonds amid rising inflation. Meanwhile, an unexpected resurgence of Catholic baptisms in France reveals a quest for spiritual meaning among adults, notably influenced by the pandemic. The podcast delves into these pressing global issues and their implications for national and international dynamics.
22 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 19min
Poles apart: hard right wins by a sliver
Maria Wilczek, News Editor at The Economist, and Anne Rowe, Obituaries Editor, delve into Poland's presidential election, highlighting the hard-right victory of Karol Nawrotzki and its implications for EU relations. They discuss the challenges facing Prime Minister Donald Tusk and the divided political climate. The conversation also touches on the notable decline of alcohol-related violence in Cardiff, linking changing social behaviors to improved policing. Additionally, they reflect on the intriguing life of mercenary Simon Mann and the complexities of his notorious past.
May 30, 2025 • 24min
No major food groups: aid chaos in Gaza
Greg Karlstrom, the Middle East correspondent for The Economist, and David Rennie, its Geopolitics editor, dive into the chaotic aid distribution in Gaza following the Israeli blockade. They analyze the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, exploring its operational struggles and transparency issues. The conversation also touches on a significant global pandemic treaty, emphasizing the need for collective health responsibilities, while highlighting the geopolitical tensions affecting cooperation. Plus, they discuss a novel exhibition aiming to maximize museum collections.
5 snips
May 29, 2025 • 23min
Duties bound: a Trump-tariff smackdown
Rachna Shanbhog, Business Affairs Editor at The Economist, joins Henry Tricks, U.S. Technology Editor, and Sue-Lin Wong, Asia Correspondent, for a lively discussion. They dissect a recent court ruling against Trump's tariffs, exploring its implications for trade negotiations and executive power. The conversation shifts to AI, revealing a backdrop of excitement mixed with disillusionment as companies grapple with operational challenges. They also delve into Xi Jinping's father's legacy, shedding light on the Chinese leader's character and motivations.
22 snips
May 28, 2025 • 26min
Ivy beleaguer: Harvard hung out to dry
Join John Prideaux, the United States editor at The Economist, and Piotr Zalewski, a writer covering Poland, as they dive into the challenges facing Harvard University under the Trump administration. They discuss the critical implications of Poland's upcoming presidential runoff, examining its ripple effects across Europe. The conversation also explores the burgeoning trend of water sommeliers and the gourmet appreciation of water as a luxury beverage.
17 snips
May 27, 2025 • 25min
Soldiers’ fortune: Ukraine’s prisoner swap
Oliver Carroll, Ukraine correspondent for The Economist, shares gripping insights on the emotional turmoil surrounding Ukraine’s recent prisoner swap. He discusses the chaotic exchanges and the poignant stories of families anxiously awaiting their loved ones, highlighting the joy and heartbreak intertwined in the process. The conversation extends to how these exchanges mirror the stagnation of peace talks and the growing backlash against American brands amid rising geopolitical tensions, shaping their fortunes in international markets.
56 snips
May 26, 2025 • 19min
Perverting the course of justices: Mexico’s judiciary
Oret Ogambi, Africa correspondent for The Economist, dives deep into the pressing issues surrounding Mexico's judiciary. He discusses the alarming trend of electing judges, emphasizing its potential to compromise democracy. The podcast also sheds light on corruption and political interference that undermine public trust in the legal system. Ogambi links these challenges to broader societal and economic implications, exploring how they might affect international relations and the struggles with organized crime in Mexico.
12 snips
May 23, 2025 • 25min
Get rich, quick: Vietnam’s next revolution
Join Ethan Wu, Asia business and finance editor, Shoshank Joshi, Defense editor, and Anne Rowe, Obituaries editor, as they delve into Vietnam's ambitious economic transformation led by General Secretary Tholam. They discuss the challenges of avoiding the middle-income trap while navigating political reforms and rising costs. The team also examines the U.S. Army's significant restructuring efforts amid modern warfare demands, and they recount the ingenious use of duct tape during the Apollo 13 rescue, showcasing innovative problem-solving in crises.
23 snips
May 22, 2025 • 24min
Suspicious mines: Putin-proofing the Baltics
David Rennie, Geopolitics editor at The Economist, and John Fassman, Senior culture correspondent, delve into the pressing security concerns faced by the Baltic states amidst Russian threats. They discuss the moral complexities of abandoning international landmine treaties for national defense. The conversation shifts to Baltimore's crime rate decline, highlighting community initiatives and policy reforms. Lastly, they reflect on a new biography of Mark Twain, exploring his impact on American literature and culture.
25 snips
May 21, 2025 • 25min
Worse even than it seems: Gaza’s death toll
Josie DeLapp, the Middle East editor at The Economist, reveals startling insights into the underreported death toll in Gaza amidst Israel's military actions, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis. She addresses the logistical challenges of humanitarian aid distribution during ongoing conflict, especially for vulnerable populations. Additionally, the discussion touches on the Church of England's decline and its implications, as well as the health trends surrounding ginger and juice shots, dissecting whether they truly offer any benefits.
