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
Feb 25, 2021 • 22min
Hell for Tether: a cryptocurrency crimped
Matthew Valencia, deputy business affairs editor at The Economist, explores the tumultuous landscape of Tether and its implications for the cryptocurrency market, especially amid regulatory scrutiny. John McDermott, chief Africa correspondent, exposes the financial hardships faced by African parliamentarians, revealing the high costs of political aspirations. Stephanie Studer, China correspondent, discusses the government’s push for physical education reforms to combat declining youth fitness, highlighting a cultural shift towards prioritizing health and masculinity.
Feb 24, 2021 • 21min
Let the games be thin: Tokyo’s Olympic tussles
Noah Snyder, Tokyo bureau chief, offers a deep dive into the tumultuous landscape around the Tokyo Olympics, highlighting intense public opposition fueled by health concerns and leadership controversies. Meanwhile, Hal Hodson, tech correspondent, sheds light on Britain's impressive strides toward net-zero emissions, despite significant challenges ahead. They tackle the complexities of hosting the Games amid the pandemic and explore how Britain's energy transition is shaping its role in global climate action.
Feb 23, 2021 • 20min
Confirmation biases: Biden’s cabinet picks
Join John Priddo, United States editor and presenter of Checks and Balance, as he discusses the impactful selections of President Biden’s cabinet amid a divided Senate. He highlights the lack of ideological diversity despite significant racial representation. The conversation takes a turn to the Democratic Republic of Congo, rife with political strife and leadership changes under President Tshisekedi. Additionally, dive into the fascinating evolution of global rap, exploring the influence of London's vibrant music scene on dialects around the world.
Feb 22, 2021 • 20min
Contrary to popular opinion: Mexico’s president
Sarah Burke, Mexico's bureau chief, dives into the intriguing complexities of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's tenure. Despite policy setbacks, his popularity remains strong, reflecting a unique relationship with the public. The conversation challenges perceptions of his leadership amidst crises like COVID-19, where issues of poverty and corruption intertwine. Burke also addresses the pressing need to rethink economic models by integrating natural capital, emphasizing biodiversity's vital role for sustainability in the face of climate change.
Feb 19, 2021 • 22min
Have I not news for you: Facebook’s Australian battle
Tom Wainwright, the Media editor for The Economist, sheds light on Facebook's audacious move to block news links in Australia amidst a brewing media code requiring payment to news outlets. He contrasts Facebook's actions with Google's compliance. Meanwhile, Nick Pelham, the Middle East correspondent, addresses the grim issue of honor killings in the Arab world, discussing the cultural factors that perpetuate them and the growing activism pushing for reform. This lively discussion offers a fascinating look at the intersection of media and societal challenges.
Feb 18, 2021 • 24min
Watts the problem: Texas’s energy failings
Crippling blackouts can be explained in part by the state’s unique energy market, but the disaster exposes wider failures that must be confronted amid a changing climate. Today’s landing of another Mars rover broadens the hunt for evidence of extraterrestrial life—an effort that is expanding faster and farther than ever before. And soft rock shakes off its milquetoast manner.For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceofferListen and subscribe to “The Jab from Economist Radio”, our new weekly podcast at the sharp end of the global vaccination race.
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Feb 17, 2021 • 20min
The next of 1,000 cuts: Hong Kong activists on trial
Su Lin Wong, the China correspondent for The Economist based in Hong Kong, discusses the legal battles faced by pro-democracy activists in a city sliding into authoritarianism. Mariana Palau, covering the violence against activists in Colombia, highlights the alarming rise in threats and killings following the 2016 peace deal. Both guests shed light on the dire circumstances for advocates of change, while drawing parallels to Oregon’s drug decriminalization experiment, pushing for comprehensive solutions to social issues.
Feb 16, 2021 • 23min
Desert stands: France in the Sahel
Guest Sophie Petter, Paris bureau chief, offers keen insights into the Sahel conflict where terror groups thrive and France's military role unfolds. She discusses the complicated local sentiments regarding French intervention and the pressing question of troop withdrawals. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and African leader of the WTO, navigating global trade complexities and the increasing noise pollution affecting marine ecosystems.
Feb 15, 2021 • 24min
No Capitol punishment: Trump’s acquittal
Edward Carr, Deputy Editor of The Economist, delves into the political fallout from Donald Trump's acquittal, analyzing its implications for the Republican Party and Trump's future. Matthew Valencia, the Deputy Business Affairs Editor, discusses Switzerland's complicated investigation into the Magnitsky case, revealing troubling ties between Swiss law enforcement and Russian interests. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by female comedians in China, highlighting the societal dynamics influencing the world of stand-up comedy.
Feb 12, 2021 • 23min
Exit-stage plight: Brexit’s costs come due
John Peete, Brexit editor for The Economist, offers keen insights into the substantial economic and political ramifications of Brexit, highlighting trade turmoil and the migration of stock-trading to the continent. Daniel Knowles, an International correspondent, explores the adrenaline-filled world of wingsuit base jumpers, shedding light on risk-taking psychology. They also discuss the resilience of Kenya's flower industry, which is bouncing back post-pandemic, navigating supply chain disruptions and adapting to new market demands.
