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
Sep 18, 2020 • 24min
Uneasy lies the head: Thailand’s under-fire king
Miranda Johnson, Economist Southeast Asia correspondent, provides deep insights into Thailand's political landscape. She discusses the impending mass anti-government protests driven by youth discontent, highlighting their calls for constitutional reform and critiques of the monarchy. The government's cautious response raises concerns about potential violence. Additionally, the podcast touches on the broader implications of political unrest in Thailand, marking a pivotal moment in its history.
Sep 17, 2020 • 23min
Conviction politics: Florida’s disenfranchised felons
Join John Fassman, Washington correspondent for The Economist, as he dives into the struggles of former felons in Florida who lost their voting rights again after a brief restoration. He discusses barriers to voting and the implications for American democracy. Mariana Palau, covering Colombia, sheds light on intense protests against police brutality, sparked by a tragic incident, highlighting the urgent need for reform amid a militarized police force. Together, they unravel the complex interplay of rights, reform, and resistance.
Sep 16, 2020 • 21min
Sanctuary in Sochi: Belarus’ dictator clings on
In this discussion, Christopher Lockwood, the Europe editor for The Economist, dives into the precarious situation of Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko as he seeks support from Putin amidst national protests. The conversation highlights the fraught Belarus-Russia relationship and the political deadlock that leaves the country without a clear successor. Additionally, the intriguing discovery of phosphine in Venus's atmosphere hints at the possibility of extraterrestrial life and shifts in the K-Pop industry reveal an evolving narrative on misogyny and masculinity.
Sep 15, 2020 • 21min
After Abe: Japan’s new prime minister
Noah Snyder, Japan correspondent and former member of Abe Shinzo’s team, discusses the challenges facing new Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, including revitalizing Japan's sluggish economy. Natasha Loda, Health Policy Editor, dives into the implications of the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO during the pandemic, questioning global health cooperation. The conversation also touches on the WHO's pandemic response and cultural tensions surrounding dog ownership in Islam, painting a vivid picture of current global dynamics.
Sep 14, 2020 • 22min
Homework: the future of the office
Anne Rowe, Obituaries editor at The Economist, sheds light on the haunting legacy of Comrade Doik, a key Khmer Rouge official whose remorseful transformation captivates listeners. The discussion also delves into the pandemic's impact on work culture, revealing employees’ preference for remote work over traditional office settings. While exploring the environmental benefits of less commuting, they also touch upon the surprising decline of flu cases in Australia and New Zealand due to lockdown measures.
Sep 11, 2020 • 21min
Great walls of fire: America’s west coast burns
Katrine Bragg, Environment editor at The Economist, dives into the increasing menace of wildfires on America's west coast. She discusses how climate change and urban sprawl elevate fire risks and emphasizes urgent needs for improved prevention measures. Bragg highlights innovative housing designs aimed at coexisting with wildfires and advocates for updated building codes to combat these escalating threats. The conversation also touches on the alarming rise of vaccine hesitancy driven by misinformation and examines the dark evolution of motorcycle gangs in northern Europe.
Sep 10, 2020 • 23min
Genocidal intent? Deserters recount Rohingya atrocities
Charlie McCann, Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist, and Daniel Franklin, Executive and diplomatic editor, delve into the harrowing testimonies of two former Burmese soldiers revealing a brutal campaign against the Rohingya. They discuss the chilling details of ethnic cleansing and the implications for international justice. Additionally, they critique the declining effectiveness of America’s State Department and analyze the urgent need for reforms. They also touch on a popular Chinese show that challenges traditional norms for women turning 30, reflecting shifts in societal expectations.
Sep 9, 2020 • 22min
Unpicking the thread: forced labour in Xinjiang
Henry Trix, a business columnist for The Economist, discusses the economic implications of forced labor in Xinjiang, affecting Western companies reliant on the region's cotton. Daniel Knowles, an international correspondent, dives into the rapid digitalization of government and its associated risks. The conversation highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by corporations, the technological challenges of auditing supply chains, and the impact of border closures on a remote Alaskan community. Together, they uncover the complex web of human rights, corporate ethics, and digital governance.
Sep 8, 2020 • 21min
Subcontinental drift: India’s covid spike
Alex Trevely, The Economist’s India correspondent, discusses India's rising COVID-19 cases, focusing on the early lockdown's devastating effects on the economy and health outcomes. Olivia Ackland highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the UN peacekeeping mission in Congo, where community distrust complicates efforts for stability. They also explore the contrasting narratives of the pandemic's impact in India and a playful debate over the cultural significance of baked beans in Britain and America.
Sep 7, 2020 • 21min
Pact unpacked: wobbly Brexit talks
John Peete, Brexit editor for The Economist, provides valuable insights into the current difficulties surrounding Britain’s post-Brexit negotiations with the EU. He highlights rising tensions over key issues like fisheries and the Northern Ireland border, stressing the urgency of political intervention to prevent a no-deal scenario. Meanwhile, Shashank Joshi, defense editor, discusses the new threats in space warfare, including the implications of anti-satellite tests and the significance of military strategies surrounding satellite technology.
