

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

Jul 24, 2020 • 23min
For old timers’ sake: covid-19 and care homes
Sasha Nauta, The Economist's public policy editor, dives into the urgent challenges in elderly care exacerbated by COVID-19. She shares compelling stories of families affected and advocates for a shift towards community-centered care solutions. John Fassman, Washington correspondent, reflects on the impactful legacy of civil rights leader John Lewis, exploring his journey from Alabama to national protests. Together, they analyze the evolving metrics required for understanding our post-pandemic world and the persistent systemic issues in caring for the elderly.

Jul 23, 2020 • 20min
Without a trace: Israel’s covid-19 spike
Roger McShane, The Economist's Middle East editor, discusses Israel's COVID-19 resurgence and the political fallout as Prime Minister Netanyahu faces protests over an overwhelmed contact-tracing program. Ted Plafker, the Beijing correspondent, reveals the impact of devastating floods displacing nearly 2 million people in China, sparking criticism on river management efforts. The conversation also touches on the societal shift towards bedtime stories for adults as a soothing escape during turbulent times, highlighting the growing trend in sleep-related content.

Jul 22, 2020 • 23min
Full-meddle racket: Britain’s “Russia Report”
Matthew Holhouse, a British political correspondent for The Economist, dives into the complexities of Russian influence in UK politics. He discusses alarming findings from the Intelligence and Security Committee regarding misinformation in elections, particularly the Brexit referendum. Holhouse critiques successive governments for their inaction and examines the delayed release of a crucial report just before the 2019 general election. The conversation also touches on Myanmar's growing meth crisis and the significance of the bright Comet NEOWISE, highlighting our connection to the universe.

Jul 21, 2020 • 22min
Grant them strength, or loan it: Europe’s historic deal
Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chief for The Economist, delves into the EU's groundbreaking recovery package, highlighting its monumental shift toward collective debt. Kinley Salmon, the Africa correspondent, shines a light on the escalating jihadist violence in the Sahel, revealing its spillover effects and a unique charity that helps inmates break into the music scene for rehabilitation. Their conversation weaves through political intrigue in Europe and resilience in Africa, showcasing hope amidst turmoil.

Jul 20, 2020 • 21min
Cheques imbalances: America’s partisan stimulus battle
Idris Kaloun, U.S. policy correspondent, and Charlotte Howard, energy and commodities editor, dive into America's economic turmoil. They tackle the partisan battles over COVID-19 stimulus, highlighting conflicting proposals in Congress. With oil prices plummeting, the podcast discusses the oil industry's struggle and evolving strategies amid climate concerns. The guests also explore the intriguing connection between national wealth and happiness, questioning the effectiveness of GDP as a happiness measure. Tune in for sharp insights on economic recovery and industry challenges!

Jul 17, 2020 • 23min
Laughing all the way: banks’ pandemic windfall
Alice Fullwood, a U.S. finance correspondent, and Sarah Maslin, Brazil correspondent, dive into the stark reality of pandemic-induced economic disparities. They highlight the soaring profits of investment banks amidst widespread struggles of everyday Americans. Discussions also touch on uncontacted tribes in the Amazon facing increasing threats from development, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding their protection. The conversation wraps with a look at a notorious Sardinian mobster who continues to elude capture, leaving listeners intrigued by the chase.

Jul 16, 2020 • 23min
No school, hard knocks: developing-world students hit hard
Susanna Savage, an Economist correspondent in Bangladesh, shares insights on how school closures impact developing-world children, driving many into labor and threatening their futures. She highlights stories of kids facing alarming risks like child marriage. Vijay Vaitheeswaran, U.S. business editor, discusses the growing scrutiny of excessive CEO pay and the disconnect from actual company performance. Together, they paint a stark picture of educational and economic challenges during the pandemic, urging the need for urgent intervention.

Jul 15, 2020 • 23min
Eastern exposure: Russia’s telling protests
Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor for The Economist, and Piotr Zalewski, Turkey correspondent, dive into pivotal political shifts. Ostrovsky discusses the recent protests in Khabarovsk, showcasing growing dissatisfaction with Putin's regime and regional autonomy demands. Zalewski analyzes the Hagia Sophia's transformation back into a mosque, revealing its political implications in Turkey. They also touch on how leaders can distract from pressing issues and the intriguing rise and fall of the Segway, highlighting its cultural impact and legacy in urban mobility.

Jul 14, 2020 • 20min
Crude awakening: the Arab world after oil
Roger McShane, Middle East editor for The Economist, dives deep into the shifting tides of oil economies in the Arab world. He discusses how historic price fluctuations are prompting urgent reforms and diversification efforts in oil-dependent nations. The conversation also touches on the implications of a post-oil landscape for governance and social change. In a lighter vein, the rise of midwifery during the pandemic showcases changing attitudes towards childbirth, offering vital health benefits amidst evolving societal norms.

Jul 13, 2020 • 22min
Binary choice: a tech cold war looms
Patrick Fowles, The Economist's business affairs editor, discusses the intensifying tech cold war between the U.S. and China, emphasizing its impact on global commerce and multinational companies. Adam Roberts, the Midwest correspondent, explores the controversial return of the federal death penalty in the U.S. and shifting public perceptions, particularly among conservatives. They also reflect on the enduring legacy of composer Ennio Morricone and how his innovative scores changed film music forever.