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 13, 2020 • 21min
Tsai of the times: Taiwan’s defiant election
Jane Rickards, a Taiwanese politics expert, and Charles Reid, a finance and economics writer, delve into Taiwan's recent presidential election. They discuss President Tsai's victory, underscoring the electorate's strong stance against authoritarianism and their desire for closer ties with the U.S. The conversation also touches on historical trends of declining interest rates since the Middle Ages, and how this shift poses challenges for economic policy. Additionally, they explore biases in academic publishing language, especially regarding gender.
Jan 10, 2020 • 23min
Scorched-earth policies: Australia and climate change
In this riveting discussion, Eleanor Whitehead, Australia correspondent for The Economist, shares firsthand accounts of the devastating bushfires ravaging Australia, exposing the dire impact of climate change and government inaction. Meanwhile, Robert Guest, the publication's foreign editor, recounts his trip to the Museum of Disgusting Food in Malmo, exploring how cultural perceptions of food shape social attitudes. They also touch on Japan's new naming conventions, revealing shifting global confidence and identity.
Jan 9, 2020 • 22min
Will you still feed me when I’m 62? Macron’s pension fight
Emmanuel Macron's pension reform faces fierce protests in France, revealing the historical hurdles previous leaders encountered. Meanwhile, Myanmar sees a clash between devout monks and gnat worshippers, showcasing rising religious intolerance. On another front, the Canadian town of Asbestos debates a name change to shed its negative image, reflecting a community's struggle with heritage and modern identity. The discussions weave through tradition, reform, and the quest for a new narrative.
Jan 8, 2020 • 23min
Return fire: Iran’s missile attacks
Edward Carr, Deputy Editor of The Economist, and Michael Reid, Senior Editor, dive into the geopolitical fallout of Iran's missile retaliation following Qassem Suleimani's assassination. They discuss the delicate balance of U.S.-Iran relations and the complexities surrounding Iran’s military actions. Additionally, they examine Spain's freshly formed coalition government amidst fragmented politics and its potential challenges. Lastly, they touch on the rising popularity of darts, transforming from a casual pub game into a professional entertainment spectacle.
Jan 7, 2020 • 23min
Two heads aren’t better than one: Venezuela
Brooke Unger, America's editor for The Economist, and Sasha Nauta, public policy editor, dive into Venezuela's political turmoil. They discuss the internal power struggle between Juan Guaidó and Nicolás Maduro, revealing the complexities of international support for democracy. The conversation also shifts to the ongoing Harvey Weinstein trial, examining the Me Too movement's impact on societal views of sexual violence and legal processes. Lastly, they touch on Sudan's traffic chaos post-revolution and the challenges of governance amidst economic mismanagement.
Jan 6, 2020 • 24min
The general and specific threats: Iran
Shashank Joshi, Defense editor for The Economist, and Julia Monk, a Yale graduate student studying animal behavior, discuss crucial themes. Joshi analyzes the fallout from the U.S. assassination of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, highlighting the increasing anti-American sentiment and its implications for regional stability. Meanwhile, Monk presents fascinating insights into same-sex behavior in over 1,500 animal species, challenging traditional views on evolution and acceptance. They also touch on the global resurgence of film dubbing, exploring its cultural impact.
Jan 3, 2020 • 23min
Negative feedback: reversing carbon emissions
Katrine Bragg, The Economist's environment editor, shares her expertise on the urgent need for negative emissions to combat climate change. She discusses innovative carbon capture technologies and the obstacles to their implementation. Adam Roberts, the Midwest correspondent, highlights the stark socio-economic disparities observed on Chicago's Red Line, revealing how geography underscores deep inequalities. They also touch on Turkey's struggle with organic tea production, showcasing the cultural complexities of embracing higher-priced organic goods.
Jan 2, 2020 • 24min
Made (entirely) in China: a tech behemoth rises
Hal Hodson, Asia technology correspondent for The Economist, discusses China’s rise as a tech powerhouse, moving beyond mere assembly to design and innovation. He addresses challenges such as semiconductor development and the implications for global tech competition. Meanwhile, Zan Smiley shares his travels to remote indigenous communities in Russia and Alaska, highlighting their struggles for rights and resilience amid cultural shifts. The conversation also touches on education crises, particularly for North Korean students seeking alternatives in a failing system.
Dec 24, 2019 • 23min
Lifesaver: meet a death-row detective
Richard Rayner, a dedicated death row investigator with over thirty years of experience, shares his remarkable journey fighting for the exoneration of wrongfully convicted inmates. He reveals the emotional toll and systemic flaws within the U.S. legal system that lead to death sentences. The conversation also touches on the decreasing public support for capital punishment and highlights the importance of advocacy in seeking justice. Additionally, cultural insights from Congo’s beer transportation journey showcase the resilience of local traders.
Dec 23, 2019 • 21min
Lying in states: fibbing politicians
John Parker, Editor-at-large at The Economist, dives into the escalating issue of political lying and its consequences for democracies. He explores historical and contemporary examples of dishonesty from global leaders. The discussion also touches on cognitive biases that complicate voters' ability to distinguish truth from falsehoods. Additionally, the conversation shifts to remarkable Antarctic explorations, where isolation and literature profoundly impact the adventurers’ experience. Meanwhile, the complexities of home genetic-testing kits raise both excitement and privacy concerns.
