

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
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Episodes
Mentioned books

5 snips
Mar 25, 2024 • 23min
The Intelligence: Moscow massacre
Chris Lockwood, Europe editor for The Economist, dissects the devastating Moscow shooting and its political ramifications, highlighting Russian authorities' delayed response and the Kremlin's attempts to manipulate the narrative against Ukraine. Meanwhile, Moika Iida explores Japan's evolving masculinity crisis, showcasing societal pressures on men and the transformative 'ikumen' movement promoting fatherhood. The discussion also critiques America’s waning love for big trucks amid environmental shifts, emphasizing the automotive market's transition towards electric vehicles.

4 snips
Mar 23, 2024 • 48min
The Weekend Intelligence: Should I own a gun?
Tamara Gilkes Borr, an Economist correspondent, embarks on a fascinating journey into gun ownership, particularly within the Black community. She recounts her first experience firing a gun, sparking deeper reflections on personal safety and responsibility. The discussion navigates the cultural ties to firearms, the role of race, and societal perceptions around gun ownership. Tamara also shares insights from her encounters with Black gun owners, revealing the complexities and evolving views on firearms in America.

Mar 22, 2024 • 25min
The Intelligence: Bad Apple?
Tension rises as Apple faces a significant antitrust lawsuit, threatening its dominance in the smartphone market. Meanwhile, Haiti grapples with chaos under warlord Jimmy Chérizier, raising questions about the country's future. In a surprising twist, research reveals that primates exhibit emotional intelligence, challenging our understanding of animal behavior and social structures. These stories reveal a complex interplay of power, regulation, and empathy in both human and animal realms.

Mar 21, 2024 • 21min
The Intelligence: Fed reckoning
Simon Rabinovich, the U.S. economics editor for The Economist, shares insights on the American economy and the Federal Reserve’s recent decisions. He discusses the unexpected resilience of the U.S. economy despite interest rate hikes, driven by household savings and energy exports. The conversation also dives into Vodafone's struggles to adapt in a tech-driven market and the evolving challenges of preserving historical buildings in the UK. The insights highlight the delicate balance of managing economic expectations and the impacts of modern pressures on traditional systems.

4 snips
Mar 20, 2024 • 24min
The Intelligence: Leave your umbrella at home
Bill Ridgers, Asia Digital Editor for The Economist, discusses the troubling passage of Hong Kong's national security law, emphasizing its impact on civil liberties and public dissent. He analyzes how increased governmental powers are shaping the city's financial future amidst a tightening political climate. Meanwhile, Sarah Wadling, a writer for 1843, shares her personal journey with tinnitus, revealing the daily challenges it presents and the quest for moments of silence amidst the chaos.

6 snips
Mar 19, 2024 • 26min
The Intelligence: The power of positive tinkering
Noah Snyder, the Tokyo Bureau Chief for The Economist, discusses the Bank of Japan's bold shift from negative interest rates, analyzing its unconventional monetary policy and its implications for the economy. Robert Guest, Deputy Editor at The Economist, dives into Florida's political metamorphosis, revealing the state’s cultural blend and the rise of new political sentiments ahead of the presidential primary. They also touch on the complex relationship between religion and sexuality, provoking thought on evolving perspectives within Christianity.

12 snips
Mar 18, 2024 • 19min
The Intelligence: F is for falling standards
Despite more high-school graduates in the U.S., academic standards are slipping, raising concerns about educational equity and quality. Meanwhile, London's Canary Wharf is transforming from a financial hub to a mixed-use space, adapting to the rise of remote work. As traditional office usage declines, there's a pivot towards residential developments. In the cinema industry, while general attendance drops, high-end movie experiences are thriving, showcasing an intriguing shift in consumer preferences.

Mar 15, 2024 • 23min
The Intelligence: Russia’s sham election
Arkady Ostrovsky, a Russia and Eastern Europe expert, discusses the illusion of democracy in Russia's upcoming elections, emphasizing the oppression faced by opposition voices like Navalny. He also explores how the conflict in Sudan intersects with the war in Ukraine, shedding light on global geopolitical ramifications. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe pays tribute to Toriyama Akira, the creative genius behind 'Dragon Ball Z', delving into his artistic journey and the cultural impact of his work in both Japan and the West.

Mar 14, 2024 • 26min
The Intelligence: Is time up for TikTok?
Tom Wainwright, tech and media editor at The Economist, sheds light on TikTok's looming crisis as U.S. legislators eye a ban over data privacy fears. He examines the app’s societal impact and potential new ownership amid U.S.-China tensions. Kerry Richmond Jones, Economics correspondent, discusses the staggering $8 billion cost of Israel's ongoing conflict and its economic repercussions, like budget cuts to social welfare and military spending. Together, they navigate the intersection of technology, media, and global instability.

Mar 13, 2024 • 23min
The Intelligence: Russia pushes back on Kharkiv
Shashank Joshi, the Defence editor for The Economist, shares his insights on the escalating conflict in Kharkiv, emphasizing the renewed intensity of Russian shelling. He discusses how Western officials are concerned about Ukraine's defense capabilities amidst this crisis. The conversation also touches on a groundbreaking initiative creating America's first nickel-cobalt refinery, aimed at ethical sourcing amid ongoing global mineral challenges, raising important questions about economic development and community rights.