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
Oct 16, 2020 • 22min
Más MAS? Bolivia’s election
Sarah Maslin, a correspondent for The Economist covering Bolivia's political landscape, joins private tutor Emma Irving, who sheds light on the pressures of the tutoring industry. They discuss the split electorate ahead of Bolivia's pivotal presidential election and the potential return of the socialist MAS party. Emma reveals the emotional toll on students and tutors from intense academic pressure, illustrating how these dynamics shape education experiences globally.
Oct 15, 2020 • 22min
A close-it call: Nigeria’s uprising
Alice Fullwood, The Economist's American finance correspondent, discusses the impressive earnings of major U.S. banks amid the pandemic and the challenges they face in a fluctuating economy. Eric Connect, covering Egypt, sheds light on the controversial highway projects near Cairo, revealing the emotional turmoil for locals affected by significant urban disruptions. The dialogue captures the broader implications of these issues, from police reform in Nigeria to the financial resilience of banks, illustrating the intricate balance of social and economic dynamics.
Oct 14, 2020 • 23min
Scared strait: Taiwan
Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defense editor, brings his expertise on the rising tensions between Taiwan and China, discussing the alarming prospects of an invasion and the implications for global stability. Multi-instrumentalist Cosmo Sheldrake shares insights about his unique album 'Wake Up Calls', created from endangered British birdsong, blending music and nature in a captivating way. The conversation also touches on the controversial decision by World Rugby to ban trans women from competing, igniting a debate on fairness in sports.
Oct 13, 2020 • 22min
Food chain broken: famine in Yemen
Greg Karlstrom, the expert Middle East correspondent for The Economist, delves deeply into the devastating famine gripping Yemen, exposing the blame placed on both warring sides. He emphasizes the urgent humanitarian need for food aid and the complexities of delivering it amid ongoing violence. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe, the obituaries editor, reflects on the inspiring legacy of Swami Agnivesh, who fiercely battled against bonded labor in India. Their stories intertwine the harsh realities of conflict and the power of advocacy.
Oct 12, 2020 • 24min
In their own Swede time: pandemic pragmatism
In this engaging discussion, Slavena Čankova, The Economist’s health care correspondent, shares insights into Sweden's unique, light-touch approach to COVID-19, emphasizing its long-term health and economic implications. Meanwhile, David Rennie, the Beijing bureau chief, reveals the complexities of Chinese street-level law enforcement, highlighting nuanced interactions with street vendors. Together, they examine how these contrasting perspectives shape societal norms, resistance, and innovative strategies like using decoy eggs to combat sea turtle egg poaching.
Oct 9, 2020 • 22min
Buy the way? Kyrgyzstan’s post-election chaos
Joanna Lillis, a Central Asia expert for The Economist, discusses the recent turmoil in Kyrgyzstan after a disputed election marked by allegations of vote-buying. Citizens are outraged, leading to protests and a struggle for power amidst a looming vacuum that could attract attention from China and Russia. She also touches on the broader implications of this chaos for governance and regional stability, while reflecting on the complex political landscape shaped by historical influences.
Oct 8, 2020 • 23min
More-civil discourse: Pence and Harris debate
Join John Fasman, Washington correspondent, and Roseanne Lake, Cuba correspondent, as they dive into pressing issues. They provide insights into the subdued yet significant vice-presidential debate highlighting the candidates’ contrasting styles. The discussion shifts to Cuba's dire food crisis and the complexities of its dual-currency system. They also explore the resilience of Cubans, navigating challenges amidst economic turmoil, while touching on the geopolitical factors affecting migratory birds along the East Asian Australasian Flyway.
Oct 7, 2020 • 20min
Clerical era: Iraq in a hard place
Journalist Andrew Knox discusses the growing power of clergymen in Iraq amid governmental decline, notably illustrated by the Arbaim pilgrimage. He highlights how social media moderation hinders investigations into war crimes, complicating the quest for justice as valuable evidence disappears. Knox also examines the deteriorating healthcare system during COVID-19 and the challenges presented by tribal influence. The conversation touches on the need for reform in the Iraqi health crisis while also noting Cornwall's unique economic challenges.
Oct 6, 2020 • 22min
Sailing into the wind: Boris Johnson
Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister of Britain, discusses his government’s navigation through the stormy seas of Brexit and the pandemic, revealing the pressures to secure trade deals and maintain public favor. Meanwhile, Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, highlights the unrest faced by the Oromo ethnic group during the Irrecha festival, bringing attention to their unmet reform promises. The episode also touches on the cultural significance of the betel nut in China, amidst rising health concerns.
Oct 5, 2020 • 22min
Ill-disposed: Trump’s hospital stay
Dominic Ziegler, author of the Banyan column for The Economist, dives into the impact of Donald Trump's hospitalization on the political scene as the election looms. Ziegler highlights the conflicting health reports and their implications for voter sentiment, especially towards Joe Biden. He also sheds light on the grim conditions faced by migrant workers in Asia, emphasizing the ongoing struggles and advocacy efforts for reform. Plus, the conversation takes a fun turn with the rise of Albanian pop stars, like Rita Ora and Dua Lipa, linking heritage to their success.
