The Intelligence from The Economist

The Economist
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Jul 22, 2019 • 23min

Get one thing strait: Iran’s tanker stand-off

In this discussion, Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent, and John Parker, international correspondent, dive into the complexities of Iran’s recent seizure of a British tanker, highlighting its geopolitical implications and domestic power shifts. They explore the paradox of rising populism in Europe, where increased voter happiness contradicts the evident discontent driving political disruption. Additionally, they touch on the intriguing trend of borrowing against high-end art, illustrating a new facet of economic behavior among collectors.
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Jul 19, 2019 • 23min

Servant’s entrance: Ukraine’s elections

In a captivating discussion, Noah Snyder, who covers Ukraine for The Economist, explores the transformative political landscape shaped by President Volodymyr Zelensky and his party's election prospects against entrenched oligarchs. He highlights how public perception and media influence governance in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Michael Reed reminisces about João Gilberto, the father of Bossa Nova, and the cultural renaissance in Brazil, connecting musical innovation of the 1960s to today's political climate. It's a deep dive into politics, music, and everything in between.
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Jul 18, 2019 • 20min

Unmoving movement: Venezuela’s bloody stalemate

Explore the disheartening political landscape of Venezuela, where opposition energy has waned under Maduro's oppressive rule. Delve into the complexities of global container shipping, revealing underutilized ports amid a supposed booming industry. Discover how international trade dynamics are shifting, impacted by economic challenges and regional preferences. Finally, examine the evolution of language in the digital age, where emojis bridge communication gaps, transforming how we express emotions online.
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Jul 17, 2019 • 21min

In like a Leyen: the European Commission’s new president

Jeremy Cliff, an expert on European politics, and Andrew Blum, author of "The Weather Machine," dive into the challenges facing Ursula von der Leyen as the first female president of the European Commission. They discuss the complexities of her agenda amidst a fragmented Parliament and the pressing issues of climate change. The conversation shifts to advancements in weather forecasting, underscoring how technology is reshaping public safety. Finally, they explore Japan's intriguing bear population dynamics, linking rural depopulation to increased wildlife encounters.
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Jul 16, 2019 • 22min

At stake, chips: Japan-South Korea trade spat

Simon Rabinovich, Asia economics editor for The Economist, dives into the Japan-South Korea trade strife, revealing how historical tensions impact global tech supply chains. Edward McBride, also from The Economist, discusses a troubling trend in Assam, India, where a citizenship crackdown targets Muslims, raising serious human rights concerns. The conversation also highlights disparities in American and European work cultures, reflecting on how economic and political factors shape labor practices across continents.
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Jul 15, 2019 • 24min

Tip of the ICE work: the immigration raids that weren’t

John Priddo, U.S. editor for The Economist, shares insights on the anticipated immigration raids that never materialized, revealing the fear felt by immigrant communities in the U.S. Adrian Blomfield, reporting from Kenya, discusses China's disappointing infrastructure projects in Africa and the economic implications for local nations. The conversation also touches on Colombia's ayahuasca ceremonies, exploring their attraction to tourists and the challenges faced by indigenous cultures trying to preserve their traditions.
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Jul 12, 2019 • 23min

Tsai hopes: Taiwan’s president on tour

David Rennie, Beijing bureau chief at The Economist, dives into the complexities of Taiwan’s diplomatic relations during President Tsai Ing-wen’s significant visit to the U.S. He discusses Taiwan's strategic importance amid rising tensions with China. Meanwhile, author Chloe Hooper reflects on the devastating Black Saturday bushfires in Australia, uncovering the motivations behind arson. The conversation also touches on France's strict book pricing laws and how they aim to protect local bookstores while adapting to modern challenges.
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Jul 11, 2019 • 23min

Unspeakable truths: Britain’s US ambassador

This episode features a political commentator analyzing the fallout from Sir Kim Darroch's resignation, revealing the strain on UK-US relations amid Brexit. Joel Budd, social policy editor, discusses the challenges of scaling development projects, emphasizing that what works for a few may not succeed for many. They also delve into the peculiar phenomenon of uniformity in British political accents despite the country's diverse dialects. Tune in for insights on diplomacy and the intricacies of international development!
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Jul 10, 2019 • 23min

From Russia with launch codes: Turkey’s new hardware

Daniel Franklin, Diplomatic Editor for The Economist, and Daniel Knowles, a reporter covering Colombia, dive into Turkey's acquisition of Russian missile defenses and the tension it brings with NATO. They discuss President Erdogan's growing challenges at home amid economic turmoil. In Colombia, post-FARC efforts to curb cocaine production are faltering, posing obstacles for farmers. The conversation also highlights innovative housing solutions for the older LGBT community, addressing social isolation and the importance of supportive living arrangements.
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Jul 9, 2019 • 22min

Late to the parting: Deutsche Bank shrinks

For years, management at Germany’s largest bank knew the firm was in serious trouble. Why didn’t they do more? The massive cuts announced this week may be too little, too late. We consider Texas and California as political and social laboratories: which one looks like the America of the future? And, a bit of monkey archaeology shows our distant cousins have been honing their tools far longer than previously thought. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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