In attempts to amass more wealth, these organisations are dabbling in newer narcotics and even taking on the mining sector. The result is taking a toll on the country’s economy. Can a 100-year-old discovery solve the problem of antibiotic resistance? And we celebrate the anniversary of William Shakespeare’s first folio.For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer

Today, the president will meet with the Republican leader in the house of representatives to try and prevent the country from defaulting. But what if they cannot come to an agreement? Britain is reviewing its surrogacy laws which could ease the process for gay parents. And come with us on a foraging adventure.Take our listener survey at www.economist.com/intelligencesurveyFor full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer

Henry Kissinger was one of the most influential and controversial diplomats of the 20th century. He was National Security Advisor and Secretary of State to two American presidents. Now, with China’s growing influence and the prospect of powerful technology that could change the nature of war, his ideas on great power conflict are more relevant than ever. On the eve of his 100th birthday, The Economist spent over eight hours in conversation with Mr Kissinger. In this podcast special, we focus on three elements of the wide-ranging discussion: the role of China, AI and weak American leadership. Zanny Minton Beddoes hosts with Edward Carr. The full transcript of the conversation with Mr Kissinger is available online. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer. We're always trying to improve our podcasts and we'd like your help. Tell us what you think by filling out our listener survey. To take part visit economist.com/intelligencesurvey.

Over the last couple of decades, the state has been making significant investments into its armed forces in an attempt to challenge America’s dominance. We ask how much further they will go. When the Ukraine war sent energy prices soaring, the consequences for Europe proved fatal. And, a tribute to the father of Tibetan film. Take our listener survey at www.economist.com/intelligencesurveyFor full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer

Tomorrow, Syria’s president will be welcomed back into the Arab League as regional leaders meet in Jeddah. Is this the dictator’s first step in a journey to restore ties with the rest of the world? America’s small banks are capturing rural communities in a way that the big ones can’t. And, the world’s largest sporting tournament features some rather niche events.Take our listener survey at www.economist.com/intelligencesurveyFor full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceofferRuntime: TK min

In a conversation that lasted eight hours over two days, the statesman discussed paths to peace in Ukraine, his evolving view on their NATO membership, and where China comes into play. Our crony-capitalism index is back, and the chart-topping culprits haven’t changed so much. And, the toymaker, Lego, is facing roadblocks in China. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer

Largely thanks to young, liberal citizens, a reformist third party won the most seats in Thailand’s general election. But a powerful army and influential incumbents could look to prevent its leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, taking charge. Bureaucracy is getting in the way of America’s international aid programme. And, with the help of DNA sequencing, a new ocean survey is on the hunt for 100,000 new species.  For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer

Despite the opposition’s lead in the pre-election polls, the incumbent president seems to have performed better than expected. What does a run-off mean for the nation? The mental health of teenage girls is plummeting and according to our data, social media might be to blame. And, have you ever wondered what it takes to be a spy? Start with our reading list. Take our listener survey at www.economist.com/intelligencesurveyAnd for full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer

The past few years have proved tumultuous both for American consumers and for retailers selling to them. The end result is a curious slump for middle-of-the-road brands. Artificial intelligence like ChatGPT stands to disrupt everything from art to coding; we self-interestedly explore probable effects on journalism. And remembering Ranajit Guha, a historian who saw a different India by looking bottom-up. Take our listener survey at www.economist.com/intelligencesurveyAnd for full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer

It is probably this year’s most important election—and for the first time in a long time, the country’s strongman leader has a plausible adversary. Our correspondent heads along to the Hollywood writers’ strike, finding an age-old conflict centred on the technologies that shape the film-and-television industry. And the books to read to become a better home bartender.Take our listener survey at www.economist.com/intelligencesurveyAnd for full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer