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
Aug 21, 2020 • 22min
In over its head of state: Mali’s coup
Daniel Knowles, an international correspondent for The Economist, discusses the recent coup in Mali, examining the political and social chaos that led to the military's takeover. The conversation highlights the significant challenges the new government will face in restoring stability amidst ongoing violence and public discontent. Mariana Palau, based in Bogota, shares insights on the alarming presence of Chinese fishing vessels near the Galapagos Islands, emphasizing the environmental threats they pose and Ecuador's struggles to combat this overfishing crisis.
Aug 20, 2020 • 22min
Not free, not fair, not finished: Belarus’s election
Arkady Ostrovsky, The Economist's Russia editor with deep insights into Belarusian politics, discusses the massive protests following a disputed election and the resilience of those opposing Alexander Lukashenko's regime. Charlie McCann, the Southeast Asia correspondent, highlights Indonesia's alarming environmental challenges, particularly the government's controversial peatland farming project disguised as a food security initiative. They also touch on the intriguing implications of AI on creativity, questioning how it may impact human authorship.
Aug 19, 2020 • 22min
Blast from the past: a long-awaited verdict in Lebanon
Greg Karlstrom, the Middle East correspondent for The Economist based in Beirut, shares insights on the recent UN ruling over the 2005 assassination of Rafik Hariri, highlighting its implications for Lebanon's ongoing political strife. He discusses the fallout from a devastating recent explosion and public demands for accountability. David Rennie, stationed in Beijing, sheds light on the challenges faced by Chinese students seeking education in the U.S. amid rising geopolitical tensions, exploring the future of cultural exchange between the two nations.
Aug 18, 2020 • 23min
From Chapo to Mencho: Mexico’s cartels
Richard Ensor, Mexico correspondent for The Economist, unpacks the chilling rise of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, led by the notorious El Mencho. He discusses the cartel's evolution from traditional drug operations to the distribution of synthetic drugs and the brutal tactics used to expand their control. Nicholas Pelham reflects on Tunisia's political disillusionment ten years after the Arab Spring, where citizens yearn for stability over democracy amid economic woes. Their insights reveal the pressing challenges in both organized crime and fragile democracies.
Aug 17, 2020 • 21min
Insufficient postage: the fight over America’s mail service
John Fassman, Washington correspondent for The Economist, dives into the political turmoil surrounding the US Postal Service, highlighting concerns over mail-in voting and the implications of new policies on ballot delivery. Miranda Johnson, Southeast Asia correspondent, discusses the bright yet precarious growth of Cambodia's microfinance industry, examining its role in poverty reduction versus the rising burden of individual debt, especially amid the pandemic. Both guests reveal pressing issues that blend politics, economics, and the future of public services.
Aug 14, 2020 • 22min
To a concerning degree: dire climate assessments
Dylan Barry, a science writer for The Economist, discusses alarming findings from recent climate reports highlighting record temperatures and severe environmental impacts. Ashley Mears, a sociologist and author, dives into the intriguing economics of elite parties, revealing a hidden 'beauty brokerage' in the night-time economy. Together, they examine the role of pandemic-era changes on climate activism and how sports, particularly baseball, navigates health challenges while striving for a safe return.
Aug 13, 2020 • 21min
Youngish, gifted and black: Kamala Harris
John Fasman, The Economist's Washington correspondent, dives into the groundbreaking choice of Kamala Harris as vice president, highlighting her role as the first Black woman and Asian American on a major ticket. The discussion underscores the implications of her candidacy for the Democratic Party and its potential impact on African-American voter turnout. Additionally, the podcast touches on a landmark legal victory for transgender rights in China and Japan's innovative approach to autonomous shipping, reflecting on evolving societal challenges and technological advancements.
Aug 12, 2020 • 22min
Therein Lai’s a tale: Hong Kong’s revealing arrests
David Rennie, an expert on Chinese affairs based in Beijing, discusses the alarming implications of Jimmy Lai's arrest under Beijing's new security law. He highlights the broader impact on civil liberties and dissent in Hong Kong. Tom Gardner, The Economist's Addis Ababa correspondent, shifts the conversation to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, addressing its pride for Ethiopia and the tension it has created with Egypt over water rights. Together, they illuminate significant geopolitical conflicts and the grim realities of media repression.
Aug 11, 2020 • 23min
Buy now, save later: financing vaccine candidates
Matthew Holhouse, a British politics correspondent for The Economist, discusses the political landscape in Scotland amidst rising independence sentiments. He explores the significant impact of COVID-19 on UK unity and divergence in responses to the pandemic across its nations. The need for equitable vaccine distribution is also highlighted, as well as the economic implications of pre-emptive manufacturing. Additionally, Holhouse examines the growing narrative among vloggers that illuminate unorthodox migration routes, reshaping public perceptions of migration.
Aug 10, 2020 • 21min
Bytes and pieces: America’s Chinese-tech attack
Tamsyn Booth, Technology and Business Editor at The Economist, dives into the escalating tension over Chinese tech with a focus on TikTok and WeChat bans. She discusses the implications of these actions on U.S.-China relations and emphasizes the need for robust data privacy regulations. The conversation also touches on the surprising slowdown in job automation linked to the pandemic, addressing fears of technological unemployment. Additionally, Booth explores the UK's initiatives to tackle obesity while stimulating the economy, highlighting policy contradictions.
