

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

Dec 20, 2019 • 23min
Old China hands: ageing in the Middle Kingdom
Simon Rabinovich, the Asia economics editor for The Economist based in Shanghai, discusses China's looming demographic challenges as the median age approaches that of America, but with vastly lower income levels. Joanna Lillis, a Central Asia reporter, shares insights into Uzbekistan's evolving political landscape ahead of upcoming elections, revealing both progress and the lingering need for genuine reform. The podcast also humorously critiques corporate jargon through a fictional end-of-year memo, shedding light on the absurdities of management speak.

Dec 19, 2019 • 21min
Exclusionary rule: India’s citizenship law
Edward McBride, Asia editor for The Economist, discusses the outcry over India's citizenship law that excludes Muslims, linking it to rising Hindu nationalism and threats to secularism. Slavea Chankova, healthcare correspondent, delves into tuberculosis, highlighting new approaches to combat drug-resistant strains and improve treatment access. The conversation balances urgent social issues with promising healthcare innovations, making for a thought-provoking listen that explores both national identity and global health challenges.

Dec 18, 2019 • 23min
Marching orders: impeachment around the world
Charlie Wells, a writer for The Economist, dives into the complexities of impeachment processes worldwide, comparing them to the deeply partisan struggle in the U.S. Roseanne Lake, The Economist's Cuba correspondent, discusses Cuba's evolving three-currency economy, focusing on the recent acceptance of the U.S. dollar. They also explore how cultural shifts and music preferences reflect political divides, providing a unique lens on governance and public sentiment.

Dec 17, 2019 • 22min
Majority rules: Britain’s new Parliament sits
John Peete, Brexit editor for The Economist, delves into the implications of Boris Johnson's historic parliamentary majority. He discusses how this shift solidifies Brexit, detailing upcoming legislative changes and challenges facing the Labour Party. The conversation also touches on the rising power of American sanctions as a foreign policy tool, examining their effectiveness and potential unintended consequences. Lastly, the troubling illegal tiger trade in Asia raises dire questions about conservation and global responsibility.

Dec 16, 2019 • 22min
COP out: the UN climate talks
Katrine Bragg, Environment editor at The Economist, and David Rennie, author of the Chaguan column, dive deep into the challenges of the recent UN climate talks. They unpack the disappointing COP25 outcomes, highlighting the struggle for global commitments while contrasting it with the European Green Deal's hope. The conversation shifts to China’s meat-eating culture and its impact on climate change, revealing a concerning rise in beef consumption. Also discussed is innovative Autoland technology, promising to improve aviation safety in emergencies.

Dec 13, 2019 • 24min
Bolt from the blue: Britain’s Conservatives triumph
Tom Wainwright, the Britain editor for The Economist, shares insights on Boris Johnson's Conservative Party's surprising election victory and its ripple effects on British politics. Adrian Blomfield, The Economist correspondent in Kenya, discusses the renewed push for land restitution, revealing the complexities facing local authorities and foreign firms. The conversation also touches on the rigorous safety training Chinese students undergo before studying in the West, reflecting deeper societal fears. This chat bridges political landscapes and personal safety in an evolving world.

Dec 12, 2019 • 23min
Defending the indefensible: Aung San Suu Kyi
The podcast delves into Aung San Suu Kyi's dramatic fall from grace as she faces war crime allegations, highlighting the clash between her previous Nobel laureate status and current controversies. It also explores innovative solutions in renewable energy storage, such as using cranes for heavy block storage. Additionally, the discussion moves to America's deep-seated love for dogs, examining their cultural significance and the nostalgic ties to breeds highlighted in events like the National Dog Show.

Dec 11, 2019 • 22min
Articles of faith: charges laid against Trump
John Prudeau, the United States editor for The Economist, joins to discuss the impeachment articles against Trump, exploring their historical context and implications for democracy. The conversation spans the founding fathers' vision of the impeachment process, underscoring its intended role as a check on presidential abuse. Shifting gears, Prudeau highlights alarming femicide rates in France and powerful public protests addressing domestic violence. Lastly, he delves into the impact of climate change on the wine industry and how winemakers are adapting to a warming world.

Dec 10, 2019 • 21min
Running into debt: Argentina’s new president
David Smith, an Economist correspondent in Argentina, and Callum Williams, a senior economics writer, dive into Argentina's political landscape under its new president. They discuss the unprecedented peaceful transfer of power, highlighting the daunting economic challenges ahead, such as soaring inflation. The conversation explores the rise of radical-left ideas among millennials and the comparisons to earlier socialist movements. They also touch on innovative strategies to revamp American mega-malls in the face of e-commerce competition.

Dec 9, 2019 • 20min
Oil be going: Canada’s separatist west
Jen Gerson, a writer for The Economist, discusses the surging Wexit movement in Alberta, highlighting its roots in economic discontent and feelings of alienation from central Canada. The conversation also touches on innovative startups leveraging climate data to predict risks and the urgent need for climate analytics following events like Hurricane Sandy. Additionally, they explore Sweden's unique approach to wealth and billionaires, providing intriguing lessons on wealth distribution that could resonate globally.