The Intelligence from The Economist

The Economist
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Mar 18, 2019 • 24min

Replacement anxiety: White supremacist terrorism

David Rennie, The Economist's China columnist, delves into the intricate landscape of museums in China that seek to remember the Cultural Revolution while adhering to Communist Party sensitivities. He discusses the tension between historical remembrance and state control. The conversation also touches on the tragic white supremacist attack in New Zealand, examining the alarming rise of violent extremism and the troubling role of social media in radicalizing individuals. Through these lenses, the podcast uncovers pressing issues of history, memory, and societal safety.
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Mar 15, 2019 • 22min

Can't deal with it: Brexit

Join John Peet, the Brexit editor at the Economist, who navigates the stormy waters of Brexit chaos and political instability in the UK. He discusses the potential for a second referendum as the Prime Minister's deal faces rejection. Katrine Bragg, the science correspondent, dives into the world of geoengineering, exploring groundbreaking technologies aimed at reversing climate change and the complexities of international governance. They also tackle the humorous yet perplexing challenges of running an Irish pub in Ireland, revealing layers of cultural insights.
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Mar 14, 2019 • 23min

Lights out: Venezuela’s blackout

Stephen Gibbs, an Economist correspondent in Caracas, provides a harrowing view of Venezuela's power outages, revealing how the chaos endangers lives and reflects rampant corruption under Maduro. He discusses the severe consequences for healthcare and daily life amidst widespread anger from citizens. Meanwhile, Robert Alter, an esteemed scholar, shares insights from his acclaimed new translation of the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing its literary richness and cultural significance. The contrast between Venezuela’s despair and the beauty of biblical literature makes for a compelling conversation.
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Mar 13, 2019 • 21min

Losing the plot: Brexit

The turmoil of Brexit continues as the Prime Minister faces mounting opposition and potential no-deal outcomes. The political landscape is shifting, with significant implications for the UK-Ireland border. Meanwhile, global powers are intensifying their competition for influence in Africa, navigating complex geopolitical waters. On a lighter note, the struggle for gender-inclusive language sparks debates among grammarians, with traditional versus modern practices colliding in a quest for inclusivity.
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Mar 12, 2019 • 22min

Flying stop: Boeing

The recent Boeing 737-MAX crashes raise urgent safety concerns and have led to major fleet groundings, especially in China. Protests in Russia highlight the challenges President Putin faces in controlling media as citizens turn to the internet for truth. Meanwhile, rising divorce rates among women in Bangladesh reflect changing societal norms and attitudes toward marital independence. The stigma attached to divorce is examined alongside the evolving expectations of women, revealing a complex landscape of personal and cultural transformation.
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Mar 11, 2019 • 24min

The sensitive month: Tibet

James Miles, China editor for The Economist, offers keen insights into Tibet’s ongoing struggles and the significance of March, a pivotal month due to key anniversaries. He discusses the historic 1959 uprising and its impact on Tibetan identity and religion, highlighting the escalating tensions under Chinese rule. The conversation also touches on how global focus has shifted away from Tibet and the looming threats posed by climate change, illustrating the fragility of both cultural and environmental stability in the region.
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Mar 8, 2019 • 23min

Fifth time unlucky: Algeria’s protests

Widespread protests erupt in Algeria as citizens demand change from a largely absent president. The discussion highlights the frustration with political misrule and the potential for reform during leadership incapacities. Shifting to Britain, the podcast tackles the alarming rise of knife crime among youth, linking it to drug-dealing networks and policing methods. There's an uncomfortable debate on the effectiveness of current strategies in addressing this growing violence. Overall, it explores the complex interplay between leadership health and societal issues.
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Mar 7, 2019 • 23min

Guilt and association: Paul Manafort

John Fassman, Washington correspondent for The Economist, shares insights on Paul Manafort's legal troubles, detailing his defiance during Robert Mueller's investigation and the consequences of his financial crimes. Edward McBride, Asia editor, discusses the rise of Hindu nationalism in India amidst escalating India-Pakistan tensions, especially as these dynamics play into Modi's re-election bid. They also touch on the struggles of North Korean refugees navigating illicit money transfers to support families back home.
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Mar 6, 2019 • 19min

Trudeau in trouble: a sunny leader in stormy times

Madeleine Drowan, Canada correspondent, discusses the SNC-Lavalin scandal and the mounting pressures on Justin Trudeau, including potential electoral fallout. Rachna Scharnberg, economics correspondent, explores universal basic income, its appeal across political lines, and how it could reshape welfare systems globally. The conversation also touches on cultural trends, like young Pashtuns in Pakistan sporting elaborate beards as a form of protest. Together, they unravel the complexities of leadership in turbulent times and innovative economic solutions.
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Mar 5, 2019 • 21min

Xi’ll meet again: China’s People’s Congress opens

The National People's Congress of China gathers today for ten days of deliberations. Tensions with the West over the trade war and disagreement about the role of technology giant Huawei will be in the background. Bosses are not always the most reliable narrators for an investor seeking to gain insight into a company. But there are new data sources that are making it harder for executives to mislead them. And an attic in France has yielded a find some claim to have been painted by the 17th century master Caravaggio. But how do we assess whether an unsigned, orphaned work is the real, very expensive deal? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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