
The Intelligence from The Economist
Get a daily burst of illumination from The Economist’s worldwide network of correspondents. Our reporters dig past the headlines to get to the stories beneath—and to stories that aren’t making headlines, but should be. A unique perspective on the issues and events shaping your world.Sign up for Economist Podcasts+ at http://www.economist.com/podcastsplus-intelligence.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
Latest episodes

4 snips
May 5, 2025 • 2min
Trailer: Boss Class Season 2
Discover the secret sauce behind exceptional management as experts share insights on what makes a great boss. Dive into stories from leading companies like Levi’s, Novo Nordisk, and Google. Learn how effective management skills can be taught and adopted. Get ready for actionable strategies that could transform your leadership approach. Stay tuned for valuable lessons that promise to enhance your management journey!

46 snips
May 5, 2025 • 22min
People vilify plastic. they should use it better instead
In this engaging discussion, Rachel Dobbs, The Economist's environment editor, sheds light on the complex relationship we have with plastic, a material often vilified for its environmental impact. She emphasizes the need for better understanding and management rather than outright rejection. The conversation also touches on advanced waste solutions like incineration and humor in discussing serious environmental issues. Additionally, Dobbs explores how societal perceptions influence effective recycling, painting a nuanced picture of plastic's role in our lives.

13 snips
May 2, 2025 • 24min
Aussie rules: give Trumpism the boot
Sue-Lin Wong and Leo Marani, Asia correspondents for The Economist, discuss the ripple effects of Trump’s presidency on Australian elections and the rising demand for independent candidates. They dive into the transformative impact of India’s road revolution on rural livelihoods, improving access to essential services. The conversation also touches on a groundbreaking tournament for track athletes aiming to bridge the earnings gap and promote equality in sports. Expect insights blending global politics with social change and innovative sports initiatives.

15 snips
May 1, 2025 • 23min
Mine craft: US-Ukraine resource deal
America and Ukraine have signed a deal to share the profits of extracting natural resources. Our correspondent explains its significance. How the trade war with China will hit US shoppers (8:29). And a century on, why Art Deco is still in style (17:36). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

43 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 25min
Executive disorder: Trump’s first 100 days
Join John Prideaux, US editor at The Economist, as he dissects the chaotic first 100 days of Donald Trump's presidency, examining controversial policies and their impact on governance. Joshua Spencer, News editor in Asia, explores the Vietnamese diaspora's journey post-Saigon's fall, highlighting their influence on Vietnam's development. Anne Rowe, Obituaries editor, celebrates the inspiring life of busker Alice Tan Ridley, showcasing how her music transformed the mundane subway experience into moments of joy.

28 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 21min
The Carney army: Canada unites against Trump
Hal Hodson, America's editor, discusses how Donald Trump's presidency has shaped Canadian politics, helping the Liberal Party under Mark Carney secure a significant victory. They delve into the economic challenges Canada faces while leveraging intra-provincial trade to negotiate with the U.S. They also explore Japan's evolving workforce, focusing on the rise of job hopping among younger generations, and Volkswagen's unexpected success with its currywurst, which is outpacing car sales despite challenges in the auto industry.

40 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 21min
Modi behaviour: will India retaliate against Pakistan?
In this discussion, Jeremy Page, Asia diplomatic editor, and Kerryon Richmond-Jones, international economics correspondent, delve into the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. They analyze Prime Minister Modi's potential military responses and the precarious diplomatic landscape. The conversation also touches on the surprising relevance of cassette tapes in our digital age, revealing unexpected intersections between commerce, faith, and technology.

13 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 26min
Carney score: last days of Canada’s campaign
Sarah Larniuk, Audio correspondent for The Economist, dives into the complexities of Canada's political landscape as it navigates a pivotal election. She discusses rising voter engagement and local issues like housing affordability amid growing political polarization. Larniuk also highlights America's strategic considerations in shipbuilding to counter China's naval power, while reflecting on the historical context of political communication and the aftermath of WWII. This blend of contemporary politics and historical insight offers a riveting glimpse into global dynamics.

28 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 23min
Fed man walking? Trump v Powell
Simon Rabinovich, the U.S. economics editor at The Economist, dives into the tumultuous relationship between Jerome Powell and Donald Trump. He discusses the Fed's precarious position amidst political shifts, especially concerning interest rates. The conversation shifts to remote work preferences, revealing demographic insights and its lasting effects post-pandemic. Finally, Rabinovich unpacks the environmental paradox of electric vehicles, emphasizing that while they reduce tailpipe emissions, they still pose air quality challenges from other pollution sources.

18 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 23min
Division multiplication: the UAE’s foreign meddling
Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, and Moeka Iida, a Japan analyst for The Economist, delve into the UAE's enigmatic foreign policy, revealing its dual role as both mediator and supporter of regional militias, complicating its diplomatic image. They also discuss Japan's recent rice crisis, spotlighting farmer protests for better working conditions amid rising prices and climate issues. The conversation touches on the broader implications for food security and the delicate balance between government intervention and free market efficiency.