

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

May 10, 2019 • 23min
Unbalance of trade: China-America talks
In this discussion, Simon Rabinovich, Asia economics editor at The Economist and Shanghai-based expert, dives deep into the escalating trade war between China and the U.S. He highlights the volatile negotiation landscape shaped by rising tariffs and political tensions. Rabinovich sheds light on how these trade issues reflect broader systemic problems and deep-rooted mistrust between the nations. Additionally, he offers a thought-provoking comparison between historic taxi disruptions and today's ride-hailing challenges, underscoring the complexities of global trade.

May 9, 2019 • 22min
Generals’ election: Thai politics
Miranda Johnson, Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist, and Anton LaGuardia, the magazine’s digital editor, discuss the aftermath of Thailand's elections marked by military manipulation and the rise of a youth-led opposition party. They also dive into Russia's increasing military presence in Syria, exploring its strategic motivations and the broader implications for regional power dynamics. The conversation highlights Thailand's democratic struggles and the contrasting historical context of its leadership in Southeast Asia.

May 8, 2019 • 21min
Nuclear diffusion: Iran
In this discussion, Shashank Joshi, a Defense editor at The Economist, shares insights on the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran following America’s exit from the nuclear deal. He delves into Iran's breaking of the agreement and the internal pressures it faces. Additionally, the conversation touches on groundbreaking advancements in speech synthesis, inspired by Stephen Hawking, aiming to revolutionize communication for individuals who have lost their ability to speak. The podcast also humorously addresses the multicultural influences redefining British cuisine.

May 7, 2019 • 22min
Mayor may not: Turkey’s election re-run
Turkey faces a political upheaval as the annulment of Istanbul's mayoral election raises concerns over democracy and electoral integrity. A controversial tweet puts a critical U.S.-China trade deal in jeopardy, highlighting deeper tensions between the two nations. Meanwhile, a notable feminist movement emerges in Brazilian funk music, where artists like MC Rebecca challenge traditional norms and advocate for liberation. These topics reflect significant global shifts and the power of urban culture in governance and social change.

May 6, 2019 • 24min
Everything in moderation: YouTube
Susan Wojcicki, CEO of YouTube, shares her biggest challenge: moderating vast amounts of content, with 500 hours uploaded every minute. Adam Roberts discusses innovative Chicago programs tackling gun violence, inspired by West African research, highlighting community empowerment. Emma Duncan examines the decline of royal families, questioning their relevance in today’s world while noting those that persist against the odds. The conversation dives into the complexities of governance and social issues, providing an insightful look at modern dynamics.

May 3, 2019 • 22min
Barr, none: the White House’s defiance
Join John Fasman, Washington correspondent, and Ludwig Ziegler, U.S. technology editor, as they dive into a brewing constitutional crisis sparked by the Attorney General's defiance of Congress. They discuss the implications of this power struggle on executive oversight. Ziegler shares insights on Mark Zuckerberg's shift towards a privacy-centric Facebook, exploring challenges in balancing user privacy with advertising revenue. The conversation also touches on the Vietnamese community's unexpected acceptance in anti-immigrant Eastern Europe, showcasing a brighter side amidst adversity.

May 2, 2019 • 21min
Buy the bullet: global defence spending
In this captivating discussion, Shishang Choushi, The Economist's defense editor, and Sophie Petters, Paris bureau chief, explore the surge in global defense budgets amidst rising geopolitical tensions, with a focus on America and China. They dive into France’s recent May Day protests, highlighting President Macron's struggle to quell unrest and public discontent. Additionally, they tackle a quirky study on the prevalence of misleading self-assessments among English-speaking youths, revealing fascinating insights into confidence versus actual knowledge.

May 1, 2019 • 22min
Putsch comes to shove: Venezuela
In this enlightening discussion, Stephen Gibbs, an Economist correspondent reporting from Caracas, dives deep into the ongoing turmoil in Venezuela as Juan Guaidó attempts to seize power from Nicolás Maduro. He reveals the complexities and missteps of the uprising. Daniel Knowles, an international correspondent, joins to explore the broader dynamics of coups worldwide, including factors behind their success and failure. They also touch on a dramatic embassy raid that highlights the perilous life of North Korean dissidents, making for a riveting conversation on power and resistance.

Apr 30, 2019 • 21min
Inflationary pressure: Argentina’s strikes
Edward McBride, Asia editor for The Economist, delves into Argentina's escalating crisis, where soaring inflation has ignited widespread strikes. He highlights the deep struggles Argentines face under austerity, with rising poverty and hunger affecting daily life. Shifting to Taiwan, McBride discusses Terry Guo's presidential bid, the challenges of his business ties to China, and the public's divided sentiment. The conversation also touches on a trademark controversy, exploring the tension between branding and ethics in a modern marketplace.

Apr 29, 2019 • 21min
Crossing the “t”s: China-America trade talks
Charlotte Howard, The Economist's energy and commodities editor, offers insights on America's shale boom and its global oil market leverage. She discusses the ongoing U.S.-China trade talks, highlighting key sticking points and the cautious optimism from both sides. The conversation also touches on the geopolitical ramifications of American sanctions on oil-producing nations like Iran and Venezuela, reshaping market dynamics. Plus, there's a humorous nod to the health risks of a traditional Egyptian dish, blending culture with caution!