

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

Feb 24, 2020 • 22min
Peace-meal: ceasefire in Afghanistan
Shashank Joshi, Defense editor for The Economist, shares insights on the fragile peace negotiations in Afghanistan, highlighting the challenges posed by local political factions and the Taliban's shifting governance stance. Sarah Maslin, The Economist's Brazil correspondent, discusses the rise of Brazilian surfers and the economic hurdles they face in the professional circuit. The conversation underscores the disparity between teen job aspirations and reality, exploring traditional career preferences and the importance of adapting to emerging opportunities.

Feb 21, 2020 • 22min
Clerical era: Iran’s elections
In this insightful discussion, John O'Sullivan, author of the Buttonwood column, analyzes Iran's political landscape as hardliners limit parliamentary candidates, intensifying public discontent. He also reflects on the controversial legacy of Michael Milken, examining his impact on the junk bond market and recent presidential pardon. The conversation dives into Japan's low passport ownership, unraveling cultural and economic reasons behind this paradox. Tune in for a compelling blend of finance, politics, and international relations!

Feb 20, 2020 • 23min
Uncut emerald: Ireland’s unification prospects
Join Hamish Birrell, a public policy correspondent at The Economist, as he explores the rising discussions around Irish unification, driven by demographic changes and Brexit. He reflects on the political ascent of Sinn Féin and the complexities of a potential referendum. Meanwhile, Greg Karlstrom, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, sheds light on Lebanon's severe economic crisis, examining its crippling debt and the IMF's role in potential recovery. Their insights reveal the intricate ties between politics, public sentiment, and regional stability.

Feb 19, 2020 • 22min
Many hands light of work: China’s 170m migrant workers
David Rennie, the Beijing bureau chief for The Economist, shines a light on the struggles of China's 170 million migrant workers amid strict COVID-19 controls. He shares poignant stories of workers trapped in villages, depleting their savings while facing uncertainty about their future. The discussion reveals the resilience of this community and analyzes the role of local authorities. Additionally, the conversation touches briefly on Boeing's challenges and the surprising influence of candidates' heights in political elections.

Feb 18, 2020 • 22min
A friend of mines: America’s explosive policy turn
Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor for The Economist, discusses the troubling shift in U.S. policy on anti-personnel landmines and its implications for modern warfare. He highlights the tension between military effectiveness and civilian safety amid evolving international regulations. The conversation also touches on how British universities are reckoning with their historical ties to the slave trade and the innovative advancements in sports advertising, including the use of virtual technology to tailor messages to viewers.

Feb 17, 2020 • 21min
The snails of justice: the International Criminal Court
In this engaging discussion, Richard Cockett, a Senior editor at The Economist and expert on Sudanese politics, explores the International Criminal Court's credibility amid Sudan's transitional government pledging to hand over former leader Omar al-Bashir for prosecution. He delves into al-Bashir's legacy of terror in Darfur and the broader challenges of international justice. The conversation also touches on Norway's paradox of being a green energy front-runner while still reliant on oil, and Los Angeles' struggles to reshape its transportation landscape.

Feb 14, 2020 • 24min
Another man’s Treasury: Britain’s cabinet upheaval
Join Anne McElvoy, Senior editor at The Economist with a keen focus on British politics, and Susanna Cahalin, author of 'The Great Pretender', as they unpack the latest cabinet reshuffle in the UK. They explore the power dynamics between Boris Johnson and Sajid Javid, revealing the struggle for control over economic policy. The conversation also dives into the intriguing flaws in psychiatric diagnoses uncovered by David Rosenhan's study and examines the resilience of Berlin's nightlife amid gentrification, spotlighting the city's rich cultural tapestry.

Feb 13, 2020 • 21min
Defence on the defensive: NATO under scrutiny
Daniel Franklin, Diplomatic editor for The Economist, shares insights on NATO's evolving role amidst pressures from leaders like Trump and Macron. He highlights concerns over military spending and the shifting dynamics among member states. David McNeil, The Economist's reporter based in Tokyo, dives into Japan's controversial move to legalize casinos, addressing public fears of addiction and crime. The discussion also touches on the impact of political scandals on this ambitious project, revealing a complex landscape of public sentiment.

Feb 12, 2020 • 23min
Bern turn: New Hampshire’s primary
Idris Kalun, U.S. policy correspondent, and David Smith, Argentina correspondent, are the insightful guests. They discuss the New Hampshire primary, highlighting Bernie Sanders and Pete Buttigieg's strong showings and the implications for the Democratic race. Kalun explains how the upcoming primaries will test candidates, especially Biden. Smith dives into Argentina's dire economic situation, detailing the looming IMF negotiations while also shedding light on the country's historical defaults, capturing a sense of cautious hope amid financial turmoil.

Feb 11, 2020 • 22min
Christian Democratic disunion: Germany’s political upheaval
Christopher Lockwood, Europe editor for The Economist, sheds light on the turmoil within Germany's Christian Democratic Union after the resignation of its leader. He discusses the CDU's struggle against the rising far-right, particularly in Thuringia, where controversial alliances are reshaping political dynamics. The conversation also touches on American legislative battles surrounding transgender minors and how these issues contribute to wider culture wars. Additionally, Lockwood explores how music can influence emotions, linking tunes to national moods.