The Intelligence from The Economist
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
Episodes
Mentioned books
7 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 28min
Oh Keir! Labour’s torrid first year
Matthew Holhouse, British politics correspondent; Vishnu Padmanabhan, Asia correspondent; and Tom Lee-Devlin, Business editor, delve into the Labour government's struggles in its first year, marked by policy failures and waning public support. They analyze internal conflicts within Labour alongside significant global events in Bangladesh, highlighting the political upheaval and youth activism. The discussion also touches on Ferrari's remarkable market resilience and challenges as it transitions to electric vehicles, questioning the balance of exclusivity and sustainability.
29 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 23min
Hard-core business: valuing OnlyFans
Avantika Chilkoti, Global business correspondent, joins Jeremy Page, Asia diplomatic editor, and Holly Berman, News editor, to discuss the intriguing business landscape of OnlyFans. They explore its revolutionary impact on the adult content industry, contrasting it with traditional platforms. The conversation also delves into the Dalai Lama's surprising reincarnation announcement and its potential ramifications for China-Tibet relations, alongside the rise of luxury fruits as a fashionable trend in America, showcasing an intersection of culture and commerce.
27 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 24min
Bill baby bill: Trump’s landmark legislation
Idris Kaloun, Washington bureau chief at The Economist, and Oliver Carroll, Ukraine correspondent, dive into the implications of Donald Trump’s landmark legislation and its potential impact on American policy. They discuss the influx of foreign fighters in Ukraine, shedding light on their motivations and the harsh realities faced on the front lines. The conversation also explores New York City's congestion pricing, highlighting its transformation from controversy to success and the positive effects on urban life.
18 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 21min
Hard cell: Aung San Suu Kyi at 80
Guests Irena Long, an expert on Myanmar, and Rebecca Jackson, a Southern correspondent, dive into the complexities surrounding Aung San Suu Kyi's legacy as she sits in prison on her 80th birthday. They discuss her ongoing support and the broader humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. Additionally, they explore the LifeWise program's influence on religious education in America, highlighting its rapid growth and the debate over its implications for public education. Lastly, they touch on the trendy butter yellow color, examining its rise in fashion.
29 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 25min
Truce believers: Rwanda and Congo’s fragile deal
Emmett Livingstone reports on the Congo, Henry Tricks dives into Meta's ambitious AI strategies, and Catherine Nixie analyzes the cultural implications of the manosphere. The conversation explores the historic truce between Rwanda and Congo, tackling its potential for lasting peace amidst complex regional tensions. They also discuss Zuckerberg's significant AI hiring initiative at Meta and the implications of burgeoning misogyny among young men, shedding light on societal shifts within the manosphere.
12 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 26min
Going gang-buster: we meet Ecuador’s president
Mike Byrd, Wall Street correspondent and host of Money Talks, dives deep into Ecuador's recent political landscape. President Daniel Noboa is asserting his stance against transnational gangs, promoting his ambitious 'Phoenix Plan' while balancing the need for democracy. The discussion also addresses the resilience of financial markets amidst turbulent global events and the evolving role of the United Nations in fostering global governance and security. Byrd’s insights reveal the complexities of leadership and the interconnectedness of politics and finance.
8 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 24min
Not-deciding factor: Iran’s supreme leader
Explore the intriguing journey of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, from underestimated cleric to Iran's supreme leader, and how his indecision influences the nation's path. Delve into America's role in the Iran conflict and its impact on power dynamics in the region. Discover the complexities of India's convoluted addressing system, which causes logistical nightmares and economic inefficiencies. Plus, learn about effective inheritance strategies as $6 trillion is poised to change hands, highlighting the importance of wise financial planning in preserving wealth.
22 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 23min
Stayed in China: a domestic-brand boom
Join Don Wineland, China business and finance editor, and Tom Gardner, Africa correspondent, as they explore China's domestic brand revolution. They discuss how local brands are ousting Western ones, capturing the hearts of cost-conscious consumers with creativity and quality. The conversation also touches on the rise of Christian conservatism in Africa, linking local movements to American influences in opposition to liberal ideals. Plus, insights into Britain’s motorsport legacy and its economic impact make for an engaging listen!
47 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 25min
Truce and consequences: a fragile ceasefire in Iran
Josie DeLapp, Middle East editor, and Shishang Joshi, Defense editor, dive into the complexities surrounding a fragile ceasefire in Iran. They discuss Iran's aggressive military actions, including strikes on a U.S. air base, and the implications for regional stability. The conversation touches on Iran's persistent nuclear ambitions despite setbacks and the delicate balance of diplomacy. They also highlight NATO's dilemmas over defense spending amid escalating global tensions, linking urgent geopolitical issues with national security strategies.
61 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 22min
No good options: how Iran will respond
Greg Karlstrom, a Middle East correspondent, and Corbyn Duncan, a global correspondent, delve into the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran following military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. They explore the uncertain responses from Iranian officials and the potential ramifications for both nations. The discussion also touches on a curious uptick in religious adherence in the West, particularly among younger generations, amidst societal changes, and humorously examines the fading use of quotation marks in modern communication.
