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
Sep 16, 2019 • 23min
Pipe down: attacks on Saudi oil
Shashank Joshi, Defense editor for The Economist, and Vijay Vithyswaran, U.S. business editor, dive into the recent missile strikes on Saudi oil facilities, unveiling their implications for geopolitical tensions and the proxy conflict with Iran. They discuss how this event threatens Saudi Aramco's IPO amid rising investor concerns. The conversation also touches on WeWork's tumultuous journey towards its own IPO, facing valuation drops and governance doubts, while examining the broader social impact of Brexit on British Jews seeking EU citizenship.
Sep 13, 2019 • 21min
To Viktor, more spoils: Hungary’s autocracy
Viktor Orban's troubling shift from liberal reformer to autocrat reshapes Hungary's political landscape, highlighting the decline of democracy in the region. Meanwhile, Afghanistan faces a new challenge with a surge in methamphetamine production, impacting farmers and governance. On a lighter note, the nostalgia of yacht rock makes a comeback, bridging the gap between cultural movements and soundtracks of the past. Dive into a reflection on changing societal values and the enduring allure of music that evokes simpler times.
Sep 12, 2019 • 23min
Trust issues: Huawei’s radical plan
Samaya Keynes, U.S. economics editor for The Economist, dives into Huawei's controversial strategies amid U.S.-China tensions. She discusses the tech giant's radical plan to potentially sell off its 5G assets and the cultural clash explored in the documentary 'American Factory.' The impact of worker unrest, safety issues, and the push for unionization in Chinese-run American factories are also examined. Furthermore, Keynes highlights innovative protest tactics using drones, raising intriguing questions about their future in activism.
Sep 11, 2019 • 20min
Scapegoating: xenophobia in South Africa
Mian Ridge, U.S. news editor for The Economist, explores the troubling rise of xenophobia in South Africa, where migrants are unjustly scapegoated amidst economic struggles. She uncovers the socio-economic drivers behind xenophobic violence and discusses potential reforms for addressing these tensions. Additionally, the conversation touches on America's increasingly polarized abortion debate, highlighting the stark contrasts in state laws and the political maneuvering shaping future access rights. Tune in for these vital insights!
Sep 10, 2019 • 21min
Things fall apart: Britain’s fading centre-right
John Peete, Brexit editor at The Economist, discusses the turmoil within Britain's Conservative Party, shedding light on the recent expulsions and resignations that have weakened its foundation. He analyzes Brexit's far-reaching impact, highlighting a shift towards hard-right ideologies. Meanwhile, John Priddo, the U.S. editor, provides insights from North Carolina's special election, revealing demographic shifts and the significance of Trump’s influence on voter sentiment. The conversation also touches on the astounding human capacity for language, showcasing its creative potential.
Sep 9, 2019 • 22min
Tali-banned: Trump calls off Afghan peace talks
Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defence editor, dissects President Trump's sudden cancellation of the U.S.-Taliban peace talks, raising questions about Afghanistan's peace prospects. Leo Marani, the roving Britain correspondent, discusses the surge in Welsh nationalism and the potential for independence, mirroring Scotland's efforts. They also touch on U.S.-China trade relations, exploring the absurdity of how furniture aesthetics might influence high-stakes diplomacy, adding a quirky twist to serious negotiations.
Sep 6, 2019 • 22min
Disunited Russia party? Moscow’s elections
Noah Snyder, The Economist's Russia correspondent, sheds light on the upcoming Moscow elections, highlighting a pivotal moment for the opposition against the United Russia party. Meanwhile, James Miles, the China editor, discusses the worrying repression of the Hui Muslim minority, exploring how the government is altering mosques to align with a Chinese aesthetic. The podcast also dives into the controversial anti-knife crime campaign in Britain, linking its criticisms to broader governance challenges.
Sep 5, 2019 • 22min
Age-old problem: reforming France
James Astle, an insightful commentator on American affairs, discusses the significant pension reform challenge facing President Emmanuel Macron in France. They dive into the historical protests surrounding such reforms and the government's precarious balancing act. Astle also contrasts two influential figures in environmentalism, David Koch's controversial legacy against Steve Sawyer's advocacy for Greenpeace. They highlight how these legacies shape modern political discourse and public perception on key issues, including climate change.
Sep 4, 2019 • 21min
This is revolting: Britain’s parliament rebels
Join John Peete, Brexit editor, and Shashank Joshi, Defense editor, as they dissect the turbulent political landscape in Britain. Peete reveals Boris Johnson's serious parliamentary challenges and the potential for an early election amid rising tensions over Brexit. Joshi shifts gears to the Afghan conflict, exploring the implications of the U.S. withdrawal and ongoing violence, particularly for women's rights. They also tackle the perplexing issue of lengthy terms and conditions, highlighting how consumer confusion can lead to market failures.
Sep 3, 2019 • 23min
No safety in numbers: America’s immigration raids
John Fasman, The Economist's Washington correspondent, discusses the chilling consequences of ICE raids on immigrant communities in the U.S., highlighting emotional turmoil and economic instability, particularly in small towns. Piotr Zalewski, a Turkish reporter, reveals the complex issue of Turkish jihadists wanting to return home from Syria, shedding light on familial impacts and Turkey's struggle with radicalization. The conversation even touches on the tantalizing “culinary balance of trade,” showing how food influences global dynamics.
