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
Mar 23, 2021 • 21min
Always be their Bibi? Israel votes, again
Anshul Pfeffer, The Economist’s Israel correspondent, shares insights on the political turmoil in Israel as the nation heads into its fourth election in two years. He discusses Prime Minister Netanyahu's enduring grip on power and the complexity of coalition-building amidst corruption charges. The conversation also touches on how public sentiment has shifted due to the pandemic's aftermath and its implications for Israeli democracy. In a lighter segment, a historical look at the evolution of cookies, especially the chocolate chip cookie, brings a sweet twist to the discussion.
Mar 22, 2021 • 20min
Not-purchasing power: boycotts in Myanmar
Charlie McCann, Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on the innovative boycott tactics emerging in Myanmar as citizens resist military rule. He explores the profound economic impact these actions might have on the junta and local businesses. Meanwhile, Matt Kaplan discusses how fragments of Neanderthal DNA influence COVID-19 susceptibility, revealing both harmful and beneficial effects. Their engaging dialogue connects pressing social movements with the intricacies of genetics, offering a unique perspective on current global challenges.
Mar 19, 2021 • 19min
Another race question: murder in Atlanta
In this insightful discussion, Erica Shin, an Atlanta-based writer for The Economist focusing on anti-Asian sentiment, joins Shashank Joshi, the defense editor. They explore the tragic Atlanta shootings targeting women of East Asian descent, igniting conversations on racial discrimination and community solidarity. Joshi dives into Frontex's rise as a robust agency amid Europe's migration challenges, balancing border control with human rights. They also touch on the absurdity of workplace rules that stifle productivity, urging a reassessment for better environments.
Mar 18, 2021 • 23min
Forces to be reckoned with: Afghan peace talks
Edward McBride, the Asia editor for The Economist, sheds light on the pivotal peace talks in Moscow between the Afghan government and the Taliban, discussing the challenges that the Biden administration faces regarding troop withdrawals. Rachel Dobbs, the news editor, explores the emerging concept of ecocide, advocating for environmental harm to be recognized as an international crime. They also touch on Britney Spears’ conservatorship, highlighting the urgency for reform and the vulnerabilities it imposes on individuals. This conversation covers intricate global issues shaping our world.
Mar 17, 2021 • 22min
Harms weigh: AstraZeneca vaccine fears
Tim Cross, Technology editor for The Economist, and Gotti Epstein, China affairs editor for The Economist, dive into the wave of concerns surrounding the AstraZeneca vaccine, emphasizing its safety amidst public fears. They also explore the concept of 'hostage diplomacy' linked to China’s detention of Canadians, highlighting its impact on international relations. Additionally, the discussion shifts to the booming NFT market, examining its potential to revolutionize digital art while questioning its sustainability and environmental impact.
Mar 16, 2021 • 20min
Earning them: Stripe’s monster valuation
Mathieu Favas, a finance correspondent for The Economist, discusses the staggering rise of Stripe, valued at $95 billion, positioning it as a leader in online payment processing. He highlights the fierce competition in the digital payments sector. Rosemary Ward, the New York correspondent, elaborates on the political turmoil surrounding Governor Andrew Cuomo, facing numerous allegations and challenges to his administration. The podcast also touches on the unexpected surge in cosmetic surgery trends in Afghanistan amidst the backdrop of conflict.
Mar 15, 2021 • 22min
Redrawing the map: a fragmented Syria
Nicholas Pelham, the Middle East correspondent for The Economist, provides deep insights into Syria's economic collapse and fragmented state after a decade of civil war. He discusses the territorial divisions and foreign influences that complicate governance. Susanna Savage sheds light on the global fight against violence towards women, emphasizing its devastating impact in poorer countries. They both highlight grassroots initiatives aiming to change societal attitudes, underscoring the importance of addressing these pressing issues.
Mar 12, 2021 • 23min
Casting the net wider: remaking the welfare state
Sasha Nauta, Public policy editor for The Economist, discusses the need for a more flexible welfare state in light of recent economic crises. Charlie McCann, an economist based in Singapore, emphasizes the vital role of human connection and its impact on health, tackling the emotional void left by isolation during the pandemic. They explore innovative approaches to rethinking government support, the concept of 'skin hunger,' and the importance of physical touch as essential to well-being.
Mar 11, 2021 • 23min
Nuclear inaction: the legacy of Fukushima
Noah Snyder, the Tokyo bureau chief for The Economist, shares insights on the ongoing challenges of rebuilding trust in the wake of the Fukushima disaster, emphasizing the hurdles faced by the nuclear industry. Tom Wainwright discusses the future of the Murdoch media empire as Rupert Murdoch turns 90, while Will Caldwell dives into the life of Victorian strongman Eugene Sandow, heralded as the first fitness influencer. Their conversation reveals how past events continue to shape public perception and influence contemporary issues in energy and media.
Mar 10, 2021 • 19min
Whither permitting? Vaccine passports
Helen Joyce, the Deputy Foreign Editor at The Economist, delves into the complexities of vaccine passports, discussing their potential benefits and privacy concerns. Gotti Epstein, the China Affairs Editor, examines the increasing repression of Tibetan Buddhists, drawing unsettling parallels with the plight of the Uyghur Muslims. They explore how vaccine passports could impact global travel and the Chinese government's efforts to undermine Tibetan identity, particularly through religious control. As they tackle these pressing issues, they also reflect on the future of duty-free shopping amid evolving pandemic realities.
