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
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 12, 2019 • 23min
Bashir and present danger: Sudan’s coup
In this discussion, Tim Cross, Technology editor at The Economist, delves into the turbulent political landscape in Sudan amidst a youth-led revolution pushing for change after years of dictatorship. The conversation shifts to Bitcoin, which, despite a decade of existence, struggles with volatility and scalability, challenging its potential as a mainstream currency. Cross also touches on intriguing developments in human evolution, highlighting how new findings continue to complicate our understanding of interbreeding among early human species.
Apr 11, 2019 • 22min
Brussels’ doubts: another Brexit delay
Mark Johnson, the China correspondent for The Economist, shares insights on the tumultuous Brexit landscape and the looming October deadline. He discusses the growing divisions within the EU, especially contrasting views from leaders like Merkel and Macron. Additionally, Johnson dives into intriguing social experiments in Suqian, China, where citizens and businesses are rated for trustworthiness, raising questions about privacy and government oversight. The conversation also touches on pioneering women in tech, highlighting the challenges they've overcome in a historically male-dominated field.
Apr 10, 2019 • 19min
Bibi got back: Israel’s election
Anshul Pfeffer, a journalist reporting from Jerusalem and author of a biography on Benjamin Netanyahu, joins Ryan Avent, a senior editor focusing on aging populations. They discuss Netanyahu's probable fifth term and its implications for tense land negotiations. The conversation shifts to Israel's lunar ambitions and the wave of lunar missions from various nations. They also tackle the economic challenges posed by an aging workforce, exploring productivity myths and the necessity for rethinking immigration policies to foster innovation.
Apr 9, 2019 • 20min
The new mediocre: the world economy
Simon Cox, Emerging Markets Editor for The Economist, and Jonathan Rosenthal, Africa Editor, dive into today's global economic landscape and the rising jihadist threats in the Sahel. They discuss the IMF's cautious growth forecasts, signaling a new era of low economic growth rather than recession. Cox highlights the complicated dynamics of global recovery, while Rosenthal examines the challenges of training local troops to counter terrorism, raising moral questions about foreign military interventions. Together, they navigate pressing issues like climate concern's fleeting nature.
Apr 8, 2019 • 21min
Tripoli threat: a warlord’s bid to take Libya
Hal Hodson, Technology Correspondent for The Economist, delves into the complexities of Libya's political turmoil, spotlighting General Khalifa Haftar's ambitions as rebel forces advance on Tripoli. He also investigates the worrying algorithmic bias in Facebook's ad delivery system, highlighting how it may inadvertently discriminate based on race and gender. Additionally, Hodson discusses the challenges of evolving slot machines to engage younger gamers, drawing parallels between digital ethics and geopolitical instability.
Apr 5, 2019 • 23min
Theresa looks left: Brexit negotiations
Adrian Wooldridge, a political columnist for The Economist, discusses the unexpected political alliance between Prime Minister Theresa May and opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn in their Brexit negotiations. He explores the historic rise of both figures and the ideological battles that have shaped their paths. The conversation shifts to a poignant reflection on the Rwandan genocide's 25th anniversary, plus a fascinating dive into Alcosynth, a synthetic alcohol alternative aimed at delivering the pleasure of drinking without the risks.
Apr 4, 2019 • 21min
Resigned to it: Algeria’s president
Roger McShane, Middle East editor for the Economist, shares insights on the fallout from Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s resignation in Algeria, exploring the powerful elite’s resistance to change amid public protests. Meanwhile, Canada correspondent Madeleine Johan discusses the heated debate on gun control in Canada, spotlighting protests by medical professionals for stricter laws, and contrasts this with international examples. The conversation also touches on the gender pay gap exacerbated by parenthood, emphasizing economic disparities faced by women.
Apr 3, 2019 • 21min
Fund while it lasted: the 1MDB scandal
Miranda Johnson, Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist, delves into the explosive 1MDB scandal involving Malaysia's former prime minister and the staggering loss of billions. She reveals the complex web of corruption that has shaken Malaysia's political landscape and its demands for accountability. The discussion also touches on the alarming increase of corporate scandals in America, exemplified by Purdue Pharma's opioid crisis. Plus, a popular Chinese soap opera sparks debates over filial duty and generational tensions, challenging long-held cultural norms.
Apr 2, 2019 • 21min
Vote with pride: LGBT politicians
Chicago makes history with its mayoral race, potentially electing its first openly gay mayor. The podcast dives into the surge of LGBT candidates across the U.S. and their impact on politics, reflecting changing voter attitudes. Meanwhile, Mark Zuckerberg calls for stronger social media regulations, but doubts linger about his true motives. It also uncovers the dark realities in the K-pop industry, highlighting women's advocacy movements emerging in South Korea amidst rising sexism. A thought-provoking blend of politics and social issues unfolds.
Apr 1, 2019 • 21min
AK, not quite OK: Turkey’s elections
Join Piotr Zalewski, The Economist's sharp-eyed Turkey correspondent, as he dissects recent Turkish municipal elections that spell trouble for President Erdogan's AK party amid growing voter discontent over economic woes. Erin Conway-Smith, the Southern Africa correspondent, shares heartbreaking tales of survivors grappling with the deadly aftermath of Cyclone Idai in Mozambique, revealing their resilience against food scarcity and health crises. The discussion also touches on the evolving political landscape of Europe and the contentious debate over daylight saving time.
