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
May 29, 2020 • 22min
Crying foul, again: Black Lives Matter
Duncan Weldon, Britain economics correspondent for The Economist, joins to discuss recent protests ignited by the tragic death of an unarmed Black man. He delves into the resurgent Black Lives Matter movement and its pressing demands for justice amidst systemic racism. The conversation shifts to London's evolving identity, examining how the pandemic and Brexit challenge its status as a global hub. Weldon also uncovers the secret Maximator spy alliance, revealing the hidden dynamics of international intelligence sharing.
May 28, 2020 • 21min
Checking their privilege: Beijing’s threat to Hong Kong
Dominic Ziegler, senior Asia correspondent at The Economist, and Josie DeLapp, the international editor, delve into the pressing issues facing Hong Kong as new legislation threatens its autonomy. They discuss the implications for protesters and businesses amid rising tensions with Western powers. The conversation also highlights how the pandemic reshaped crime dynamics, with traditional criminals adapting to lockdowns, and explores the alcohol industry's struggles and changing consumer habits during this challenging time.
May 27, 2020 • 23min
Leading nowhere: assessing Trump’s covid-19 response
Idris Kalun, U.S. policy correspondent for The Economist, and Lena Shipper, Seoul bureau chief, delve into the failures of leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic under President Trump. They discuss how systemic issues in America's health-care and preparedness systems worsened the crisis. The conversation also highlights the 40th anniversary of the Gwangju massacre, examining its legacy and evolving perceptions in South Korea's democracy. Lastly, they touch on America's new commercial space industry and its implications for future exploration.
May 26, 2020 • 21min
Shot chasers: big pharma’s covid-19 boost
Vijay Vaithi Swaran, U.S. business editor for The Economist, sheds light on the dramatic shift in perceptions towards the pharmaceutical industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses how vaccine innovation has altered reputations and emphasizes the importance of equitable access, especially in developing nations. The conversation also touches on the ramifications of remote work on productivity and urban structures, alongside the escalating political tensions in Hong Kong, highlighted by a controversial history exam that reflects deeper societal issues.
May 25, 2020 • 22min
Clear skies with a chance: covid-19’s green opportunity
Katrine Bragg, The Economist's environment editor and an expert in climate change, delves into the dramatic drop in carbon emissions during the COVID-19 pandemic. She highlights this as a unique chance for a sustainable economic transformation, emphasizing legislative needs to maintain these gains. The conversation also addresses the challenges of achieving climate targets and the shifting landscape of sports due to the pandemic, including creative adaptations like cardboard cutouts in empty stadiums. Bragg offers insights into the future of both the environment and sports in this new reality.
May 22, 2020 • 23min
Systemic concerns: China’s party congress
Simon Rabinovich, Asia economics editor based in Shanghai, discusses how the National People's Congress signals a shift in Hong Kong's governance, potentially heightening tensions. David Smith, Argentina correspondent, delves into the country’s looming default and the impact of the pandemic on its economic struggles. Anne Rowe, Obituaries editor, remembers Yvonne Boland, a pioneering Irish poet who enriched the literary scene by merging everyday experiences with profound themes, challenging the norms of her time.
May 21, 2020 • 19min
Swimming against the currency: Turkey
Piotr Zalewski, The Economist's Turkey correspondent, dives into Turkey's economic turmoil, marked by a struggling central bank and a plummeting lira influenced by President Erdogan's controversial policies. He discusses the implications of these challenges for both Turkey and Europe. The conversation also touches on how lockdowns transformed dating, leading singles to rely heavily on virtual interactions, resulting in deeper emotional connections despite physical distance. The episode underscores the complex interplay between economics and social life in unprecedented times.
May 20, 2020 • 23min
Politics trumps co-operation: the WHO’s annual meeting
Simon Long, deputy digital editor at The Economist, discusses the geopolitical tensions revealed at the latest World Health Organization assembly, emphasizing the need for global unity amidst division. Sarah Maslin, Brazil correspondent, highlights the alarming rise in illegal logging threatening the Amazon, exacerbated by a controversial bill amid the pandemic. Tom Nuttall reflects on Florian Schneider's lasting impact on music, showcasing how Kraftwerk revolutionized the electronic genre, influencing pop and dance music today.
May 19, 2020 • 21min
Extreme measures: America’s far right
Andrew Knox investigates the surge of far-right extremism in the U.S. during the pandemic, detailing how anti-lockdown sentiments fueled these groups' recruitment and ideologies. He highlights the alarming increase in online activity and potential violent implications. Meanwhile, Mark Johnson discusses China's evolving approach to mental health, spotlighting recent government reforms while contrasting societal attitudes with long-standing stigmas. Together, they uncover a complex web of societal issues echoing across cultures.
May 18, 2020 • 22min
Carriers and the disease: the airlines set for hard landings
Charles Reid, a travel industry expert, and Max Rodenbeck, the South Asia bureau chief for The Economist, share insightful commentary on the airline industry's pandemic struggles. They discuss how big, low-cost carriers are likely to survive while the market faces inevitable consolidation. Max highlights Kerala’s commendable COVID-19 response, showcasing effective strategies that outshine many Western nations. Additionally, they explore the future of Irish pubs in New York, adapting to new challenges while hoping to maintain their community charm.
