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
Nov 13, 2020 • 22min
Going to cede: Armenia and Azerbaijan
Arkady Ostrovsky, The Economist's Russia editor, and Daniel Knowles, its international correspondent, delve into the complex Nagorno-Karabakh peace deal, exploring the geopolitical power plays by Russia and Turkey. They discuss the impact of this agreement on regional identities and Armenia's struggles. The conversation shifts to the surprising emergence of hipster culture in Kabul, reflecting on how global trends reach even the most war-torn places. Finally, they honor James Randi, emphasizing the vital need for skepticism in the face of deceit.
Nov 12, 2020 • 23min
Sahel of a mess: France’s impossible peacekeeping mission
Join Sophie Petter, the Paris bureau chief for The Economist, and Lucien Chauvin, a correspondent covering Peru, as they tackle pressing global issues. They discuss the escalating jihadism in the Sahel and the challenges faced by French troops on a complex peacekeeping mission. Petter shares gripping insights from Operation Barkhane, while Chauvin explores the political upheaval in Peru following President Vizcarra's impeachment amid a COVID-19 crisis. Together, they highlight the interconnectedness of these crises and the need for international support.
Nov 11, 2020 • 22min
We’ll again have Paris: Biden’s ambitious climate plans
Katrine Brahek, The Economist's environment editor, discusses President Biden's ambitious climate agenda and the challenges he faces in a divided Congress. She emphasizes the need for global cooperation to tackle climate change and highlights shifting public perceptions. Tim Cross, the technology editor, explores the booming video game industry, focusing on the competition between Sony and Microsoft and the rise of console-free gaming through streaming. Together, they provide gripping insights into the intersections of climate policy and tech advancements.
Nov 10, 2020 • 20min
Nine out of ten, doctors say: a promising coronavirus vaccine
Natasha Loder, health policy editor at the Economist, discusses a promising coronavirus vaccine with a 90% efficacy rate, while addressing the regulatory and distribution hurdles ahead. Kinley Salmon, Africa correspondent, dives into the recent tumultuous elections across Guinea, Tanzania, and Ivory Coast, exploring how strongmen manipulate democracy to cling to power. They also touch on India's complicated relationship with cannabis, highlighting the clash between moral campaigns and cultural acceptance.
Nov 9, 2020 • 23min
Brought to heal: Biden’s chance to unite America
Zannie Minton-Beddoes, Editor-in-chief of The Economist, lends her expertise on the monumental task facing President-elect Biden in uniting a deeply divided nation. She discusses the enduring legacy of Trumpism and the pressing need for healing as Biden steps into office. The conversation also highlights Denmark's controversial decision regarding a mutated coronavirus strain in mink and the revival of traditional trot music in South Korea, challenging the dominance of K-pop.
Nov 6, 2020 • 22min
Abiy damned: Ethiopia’s looming civil war
David Rennie, The Economist's Beijing bureau chief, sheds light on Ethiopia's precarious situation as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed escalates military actions against the TPLF, risking broader regional instability. He also discusses China's ambitious drive for self-sufficiency in poultry, confronting the paradox of relying on imported 'super chickens' while striving for independence. Additionally, listeners are intrigued by a chilling narrative about books bound in human skin, blending historical curiosity with ethical considerations.
Nov 5, 2020 • 20min
The lawyers of diminishing returns: America’s election
Stephen Mazey, Supreme Court correspondent, breaks down the legal battles surrounding election outcomes, drawing parallels with past contests. Avantika Chulcotti highlights the pandemic's unexpected effects on global birth rates, revealing a stark divide between wealthier and poorer nations. As many affluent women delay family planning amid uncertainty, less developed regions see a surge in unplanned pregnancies. They also touch on how the evolving landscape of remote work and business travel is reshaping the hospitality industry.
Nov 4, 2020 • 22min
Tally forth: America’s elections
The podcast dives into the rollercoaster of vote counting in the U.S. elections, where results remain uncertain. It captures the anxiety of election night, with candidates declaring victory and contesting results. The discussion unveils the impact of record voter turnout and deep national divisions. Listeners are taken through polling place atmospheres and historical tensions, while live updates showcase the fluctuating predictions and the suspense felt by supporters. Overall, it reflects on the complexities and strains of the democratic process.
Nov 3, 2020 • 22min
Poles’ position: an abortion-law backlash
John Fasman, Washington correspondent for The Economist, shares his insights on the tense backdrop of the upcoming U.S. elections. He discusses the massive protests in Poland against new abortion laws, revealing a significant disconnect between public sentiment and the ruling party. The conversation highlights uncertainty in America as mail-in ballots complicate election results. Additionally, Fasman takes a fascinating look at the historical significance of films viewed in the White House, showcasing how cinema reflects presidential ideologies.
Nov 2, 2020 • 21min
Lock step: England to shut down, again
Matthew Holhouse, a political correspondent for The Economist, and Charlie McCann, a Southeast Asia specialist, delve into England's sudden pivot to lockdown amidst rising COVID-19 cases, exploring the political ramifications of this decision. They also spotlight the perilous landscape of Myanmar's elections, dominated by disinformation spread through social media, particularly Facebook. Finally, they discuss the intriguing trend of rising interest in political biographies, showing a significant shift from celebrity memoirs in today's reading culture.
