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
Oct 14, 2019 • 20min
The enemy of their enemy: the Kurds ally with Syria
In this discussion, Roger McShane, Middle East editor for The Economist, sheds light on the Kurds' desperate shift towards Syria for protection against Turkish aggression after the U.S. withdrawal. Namini Vijadasa dives into the dark side of microfinance in Sri Lanka, illustrating how well-intentioned initiatives have backfired, trapping women in debt cycles due to poor education and predatory practices. The conversation highlights the complexities of these global issues, revealing the precarious balance of power and the human cost behind financial schemes.
Oct 11, 2019 • 22min
PiS prize: Poland’s crucial election
Annabel Chapman, a keen observer of Poland's political scene, shares insights on the upcoming elections and the challenges posed by the Law and Justice party. The discussion reveals the polarized climate and the impact of social conservatism on democracy. Meanwhile, David Rennie sheds light on evolving LGBTQ+ rights in China, highlighting a loophole that offers some protection for gay couples. The podcast also touching upon how Elvis Presley’s comeback in Las Vegas reshaped the city's entertainment scene, blending politics, social issues, and pop culture.
Oct 10, 2019 • 20min
Uncomfortable president: Trump’s stonewalling
Jeffrey Carr, Science and Technology Editor for The Economist, dives into the ongoing impeachment inquiry against President Trump and its potential impact on Democratic strategies. He explores the implications of the White House's stonewalling and how it signifies a constitutional crisis. Switching gears, Carr also discusses this year's Nobel Prizes in science, emphasizing the lack of female winners yet again. Lastly, he touches on Japan's innovative matchmaking initiatives to connect lonely urbanites with rural singles, addressing demographic challenges.
Oct 9, 2019 • 21min
Sorry state: Kashmir on lockdown
Max Rodenbeck, South Asia bureau chief for The Economist, shares his insights on the turmoil in Kashmir after the region's autonomy was revoked by India. He discusses the ongoing unrest and the dire circumstances faced by its residents. Meanwhile, Adam Roberts, Midwest correspondent, explores the unsettling link between loneliness and political polarization, illustrating how societal isolation fuels division. Together, they reveal the complexities of Kashmir's future and the hidden impact of loneliness on American politics.
Oct 8, 2019 • 21min
Just a Kurd to him: Trump’s Syria withdrawal
Roger McShane, Middle East editor for The Economist, dives into President Trump's abrupt troop withdrawal from Syria and its fallout for Kurdish forces who helped combat ISIS. He discusses the looming threat from Turkey and the resurgence of ISIS, revealing the chaotic geopolitical landscape. Shifting gears, the conversation touches on Mozambique's struggling cashew industry, driven by the complexities of development and agriculture. Lastly, a fascinating look at Mary Stopes, her controversial legacy, and an opera that brings her life to the stage rounds out the discussion.
Oct 7, 2019 • 23min
Trade disunion: America’s tariff wars
In this engaging discussion, Samaya Keynes, the trade and globalization editor, explores the escalating trade tensions between the U.S., China, and the EU. She sheds light on the latest tariff negotiations and their impact on American industries. The conversation dives into the breakthrough of quantum supremacy and its implications for computing and cybersecurity. Additionally, Keynes touches upon the imminent flooding of Hassan Kaif in Turkey and the cultural cost of balancing progress with preserving historical heritage.
Oct 4, 2019 • 23min
Duty call: how Ukraine sees the Trump scandal
Anne McElvoy, a Senior Editor at The Economist with a keen eye for political implications, and Dominic Ziegler, a writer focusing on Asian affairs, dive into the intricate dynamics surrounding Ukraine’s view of the Trump scandal. They discuss the delicate balance President Zelensky faces in securing U.S. military aid while managing domestic pressure. Additionally, Ziegler highlights the recent protests in Indonesia against civil liberties legislation, illustrating the challenges President Widodo faces amid societal unrest.
Oct 3, 2019 • 20min
Immunisation shot? The case against Binyamin Netanyahu
Anshul Pfeffer, The Economist's Israel correspondent, discusses the mounting legal troubles facing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose political future hangs in the balance. He explores the intertwining of Netanyahu's legal battles with potential coalition politics. The conversation also touches on France's controversial reforms in fertility treatment and its clash with conservative views. Lastly, the podcast reveals the global rise of South Korea's beauty industry, alongside the industry's struggles and the emerging feminist movement challenging traditional beauty norms.
Oct 2, 2019 • 22min
Reform over function: Peru’s political crisis
Brooke Unger, the Americas editor for The Economist, sheds light on Peru's political turmoil, where a clash between President Martin Vizcarra and Congress has spiraled into chaos. The discussion reveals the historical tensions and potential for reform amidst widespread protests. Meanwhile, James Astle reports from Harlan County, Kentucky, delving into coal miners' struggles for unpaid wages and their complex political identities, highlighting a revealing protest that illustrates America’s deep divisions. Also covered is India's massive sugar oversupply crisis, driven by government policies.
Oct 1, 2019 • 20min
Party like it’s 1949: China’s National Day
David Rennie, Beijing bureau chief for The Economist, and Fiametta Rocco, culture editor for The Economist, dive into the tension between China’s military might and Hong Kong’s vibrant protest culture. They discuss the striking military parade for China’s National Day, juxtaposed with burgeoning artistic expressions emerging from unrest in Hong Kong. Rocco highlights the poignant new protest art and music shaping the movement's identity. They also tackle the controversial effects of hot desking on employee dynamics, revealing how it can strain workplace relationships.
