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 10, 2020 • 21min
Trust the process? China’s coronavirus response
David Rennie, the Beijing bureau chief for The Economist, brings insights into China's response to the coronavirus outbreak. He reveals an unsettling undercurrent of distrust amid the government's portrayed control. The discussion contrasts strict measures with public skepticism, highlighting fears over healthcare access and a prominent doctor's death that fueled dissent. Additionally, the conversation explores global vaccine development advancements and the increasingly dehumanizing practice of employee performance ratings in various industries.
Feb 7, 2020 • 23min
From out of left field: Ireland’s election
Edda Lachlan, a journalist for The Economist specializing in Ireland, and Anne Rowe, the obituaries editor, dive deep into Ireland's shifting political landscape. They discuss the dwindling support for Leo Varadkar's administration and the resurgence of Sinn Féin, brimming with historical complexities. Then, they highlight the contrasting life of Homero Gómez, the butterfly-activist who fought against violence in Mexico. The conversation intriguingly shifts to urban coyotes adapting to city life and the fascinating interactions between humans and wildlife.
Feb 6, 2020 • 22min
Imperfect call: Trump’s exoneration
John Fassman, Washington correspondent for The Economist, offers keen insights into the implications of Donald Trump’s Senate acquittal on executive power and future elections. Alok Jha, the publication's science correspondent, discusses a groundbreaking 3D map of fruit fly neural connections, shedding light on complex biological systems. Additionally, they tackle the alarming locust invasion in East Africa, emphasizing its devastating impact on food security and the urgent need for financial support to combat this escalating crisis.
Feb 5, 2020 • 23min
Address change: the State of the Union
In this engaging discussion, John Priddo delves into the political landscape under President Trump, highlighting themes of division and unity in recent addresses. Simon Long sheds light on the mobile revolution, exploring how smartphones are reshaping financial access in developing nations while exposing users to risks. Meanwhile, Stanley Pignol analyzes the luxury fashion industry's struggle with unsold inventory, debating the delicate balance between brand integrity and excess stock management. This conversation provides a nuanced look at timely global issues.
Feb 4, 2020 • 22min
An app-polling delay: Iowa’s caucus chaos
Adam Roberts, Midwest correspondent for The Economist, dives into the chaos surrounding the Iowa caucuses, revealing how technical glitches jeopardized the voting process and impacted candidates’ strategies. He discusses the growing push for reforming Iowa's role in primaries, reflecting on dissatisfaction within the Democratic Party. The conversation shifts to fascinating bio-bots, tiny robots made from frog cells, highlighting their future potential and ethical questions. Lastly, Roberts touches on the cultural implications and safety concerns surrounding youth participation in Muay Thai boxing in Thailand.
Feb 3, 2020 • 22min
Economic contagion: Hong Kong
Simon Cox, the Emerging Markets Editor for The Economist based in Hong Kong, dives into the pressing economic challenges facing the territory. He discusses the significant GDP contraction driven by political unrest and the U.S.-China trade tensions, along with the looming impact of the coronavirus. The conversation also explores stark economic disparities in Brazil, critiquing government welfare policies, and highlights Ethiopia's burgeoning self-help culture as a beacon of hope amidst adversity.
Jan 31, 2020 • 24min
When one door closes: Brexit day
In this engaging discussion, John Peet, Brexit editor at The Economist, delves into the complex implications of Brexit, arguing that the costs could overshadow the benefits. Meanwhile, James Astle, Washington bureau chief, analyses the political dynamics of Donald Trump's impeachment trial, highlighting the urgent debates and strategies at play. The conversation also touches on the historical absence of pregnancy in British art, revealing fascinating insights into societal norms and artistic representation. It's a thought-provoking blend of politics and culture!
Jan 30, 2020 • 23min
Viral hit: the costs of China’s lockdown
David Rennie, Beijing bureau chief for The Economist, provides firsthand insights from the locked-down Hubei province, revealing residents' mixed feelings of resignation and fear amid strict measures. Henry Trix, an author on global business, discusses how the oil industry must pivot to renewables to thrive, despite their ongoing investments in fossil fuels. The conversation also touches on Mongolia's harsh winters and their impact on nomadic herders, showcasing the urgent need for adaptation in the face of climate change.
Jan 29, 2020 • 22min
They went that Huawei: Britain’s crucial 5G call
In this discussion, Daniel Franklin, the diplomatic editor for The Economist, and Liam Taylor, the Africa correspondent, delve into Britain's pivotal decision regarding Huawei's involvement in its 5G network amid significant international pressures. They explore the delicate balance of maintaining transatlantic relations while navigating U.S.-China tensions. The conversation shifts to the taxation challenges in Africa, emphasizing the obstacles faced by revenue officials and the need for reform to improve compliance. Lastly, they touch on the dynamics of team sizes and their impact on collaboration in organizations.
Jan 28, 2020 • 24min
Showpiece in the Middle East: Trump’s “ultimate deal”
Nicolas Pelham, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, shares gripping insights from his seven-week detention in Iran, blending personal anecdotes with a vibrant cultural perspective. He discusses the political implications of Trump's contentious peace plan for Israel and the Palestinians, emphasizing its reception among Palestinian leaders. Pelham also touches on the odd freedoms experienced in confinement and looks at innovative solutions to America's population decline, particularly Vermont's unique approach to attract new residents with financial incentives.
