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
Jan 27, 2020 • 23min
Spread bet: China’s coronavirus quarantine
Mark Johnson, The Economist’s Beijing correspondent, discusses the strict lockdowns in China amid the coronavirus outbreak during the New Year. He highlights the challenges of asymptomatic cases and public reaction. Meanwhile, Matt Steinglass, the Europe correspondent, shares insights on Finland's successful 'Housing First' policy that effectively addresses homelessness by providing stable housing first. They also touch on innovative tech like the Chetson device, which captures unique heart vibrations for identification, raising questions about privacy and security.
Jan 24, 2020 • 21min
Ill-judged: Poland’s rule-of-law crisis
Matt Steinglass, Europe correspondent for The Economist, discusses Poland's rule-of-law crisis, highlighting the government's attempts to control the judiciary and the EU's intervention. He compares today's struggles to the communist era, emphasizing the resilience of Polish judges. Anne Rowe, the obituaries editor, shares insights into Nell Gifford, whose innovative circus brought communities together, showcasing resilience through personal struggles. The conversation also touches on the complexities of gender in the German language, revealing ongoing debates over inclusivity.
Jan 23, 2020 • 23min
On the right track: a trend in diplomacy
Join diplomatic editor Daniel Franklin, Africa correspondent John McDermott, and Britain correspondent Tom Rowley as they dive into intriguing global issues. They discuss the rise of Track 2 diplomacy as a valuable tool when official talks stall. McDermott reveals the political drama unfolding in Lesotho, involving a prime minister's resignation and family controversies. Rowley sheds light on the contentious use of lie detector tests, exploring their reliability and ethical implications, making for a thought-provoking conversation on modern conflict resolution.
Jan 22, 2020 • 24min
Justin time, again: Trudeau’s second term
John Iverson, a political reporter for The Economist, dives into the challenges faced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as he grapples with a minority government and declining support in Western Canada. The conversation also highlights Ireland's remarkable social shift towards progressive values, reflecting on historical and generational contrasts. Additionally, they discuss the alarming findings from the Democracy Index, emphasizing the paradox of rising civic engagement amid a global decline in democratic quality.
Jan 21, 2020 • 24min
Can I get a witness? Impeachment
John Fassman, Washington correspondent for The Economist, and Andrew Knox, correspondent covering Haiti, delve into pressing issues. They discuss the political dynamics of Trump's impeachment trial, highlighting the certainty surrounding its outcome and the implications for accountability. Knox sheds light on Haiti's struggles a decade after the earthquake, revealing ongoing poverty, crime, and political crises that thwart recovery. They also touch on the surprising trends in divorce rates between gay couples, sparking a broader discussion about evolving relationship dynamics.
Jan 20, 2020 • 21min
Tripoli crown: the battle for Libya
Joel Budd, Social Policy Editor for The Economist, dives into pressing global issues, including the alarming rise in road fatalities, with over a million deaths annually. He discusses the urgent need for governments to adopt effective safety measures and contrasts road safety approaches in various countries. The conversation also touches on the ongoing chaos in Libya, the complexities of foreign interventions, and the broader impacts of climate change on cultural heritage, showcasing how museums are adapting to protect artifacts amid environmental threats.
Jan 17, 2020 • 24min
Address the problem: the global housing blunder
Colm Williams, Senior economics writer at The Economist, and David Rennie, Beijing bureau chief, join to explore the intricate issues of global housing markets. They discuss how the belief in homeownership as a positive can fuel financial crises and populism. The conversation shifts to China's unique approach to religion, particularly the veneration of the sea goddess Mazu amid state control and religious adaptation. They also touch on evolving attitudes towards alcohol consumption, especially among younger generations moving towards moderation.
Jan 16, 2020 • 20min
Set for life? Putin’s power-grab
Christopher Lockwood, Europe editor for The Economist, and Duncan Robinson, Brussels bureau chief, dive into the intricate machinations of Vladimir Putin's power moves following his controversial constitutional proposals. They explore the muted reactions within Russia and the potential implications for the upcoming elections. Additionally, they discuss how enduring national stereotypes plague perceptions in the EU, revealing a disconnect between the multicultural image of Brussels and the realities of underlying biases. Plus, the hidden world of sand-smuggling makes an unexpected appearance!
Jan 15, 2020 • 21min
Going through a phase: US-China trade deal
Sumaya Keynes, Trade and globalization editor at The Economist, shares keen insights on the newly signed US-China trade deal, emphasizing the unresolved tensions and the impact of enduring tariffs. Meanwhile, Sarah Donilon, a writer for The Economist, tackles the alarming trend of digital self-harm among youth, exploring the psychological aspects and implications of self-cyberbullying. They also touch on the evolving wedding scene in Las Vegas, where traditional ceremonies are adapting to modern preferences, particularly among millennials.
Jan 14, 2020 • 23min
A Biden by their decision? Democrats debate
Join John Fasman, Washington correspondent, and Roger McShane, Middle East editor, as they dive into the dynamics of the Democratic primary race and the unfolding chaos in Iran. Fasman highlights the key candidate strategies, especially the contrasts between Biden and Sanders, as momentum shifts loom ahead. Meanwhile, McShane analyzes the aftermath of the Ukrainian airliner tragedy, which has sparked significant protests in Iran, revealing deep public unrest. They also touch on the troubling saga of Bogotá's public transportation system, once a model of success.
