The Intelligence from The Economist
The Economist
Join Jason Palmer and Rosie Blau for noise-cancelling news and analysis from The Economist's global network of correspondents. Every weekday this award-winning podcast picks three stories shaping your world—the big shifts in politics, business and culture, plus things you never knew you needed to know. On Saturdays, download The Weekend Intelligence to dive deep into a single story, vividly told. 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
May 18, 2024 • 47min
The Weekend Intelligence: Bombay, open city?
Leo Mirani, an Economist correspondent from Mumbai, shares his passionate insights on the city’s evolution amidst escalating construction. He discusses how Mumbai’s open and inclusive nature is at risk, revealing a stark contrast between ambitious urban projects and the lives of its underprivileged citizens. The rise of gated communities raises concerns about social isolation and civic disengagement. Mirani also reflects on pollution challenges and the hope for enhancing livability, as the city navigates the fine line between progress and preserving its rich character.
8 snips
May 17, 2024 • 24min
Swat off the press: Meta v Canada’s news ploy
Tom Wainwright, tech and media editor at The Economist, discusses the fallout from Meta's news ban in Canada, revealing how it has inadvertently harmed publishers instead of helping them. Catherine Nixie, the magazine's British correspondent, celebrates Shirley Conran's legacy, highlighting how her bold writings empowered women in various aspects of life. They also compare American and European work cultures, emphasizing different attitudes towards work-life balance and time off. Tune in for a blend of tech insights and literary tributes!
May 16, 2024 • 24min
Boiling over: an attempt on the Slovakian PM’s life
Join Matt Steinglass, Deputy Europe editor for The Economist, as he unpacks the shocking assassination attempt on Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico amidst rising political polarization. He dives into the implications for democracy in Slovakia and the authoritarian shift Fico has taken. Meanwhile, Rebecca Jackson, Southern correspondent, discusses workers' struggles in Tennessee, highlighting a pivotal unionization vote and the revitalization of labor movements in the anti-union South. Their insights reveal the interconnectedness of politics and labor in today's society.
5 snips
May 15, 2024 • 26min
Expenses claims: Trump’s hush-money trial
Kenneth Werner, an expert on Donald Trump's trials, shares insights from Michael Cohen's pivotal testimony in the hush-money trial, revealing courtroom drama and its political implications. Greg Karlstrom, a Middle East correspondent, discusses the troubling rise of militias amidst weakened governments, highlighting instability in the region. They also explore the evolution of sexual content in cinema, examining the decline of traditional sex scenes and the cultural shifts influencing modern film portrayals.
5 snips
May 14, 2024 • 25min
The morale of the story: Ukraine’s front lines
Arkady Ostrovsky, The Economist's Russia and Eastern Europe editor, shares firsthand insights from Ukraine's front lines, where soldiers display resilience and a fierce determination to fight against overwhelming odds. Meanwhile, Gavin Jackson, Finance and economics correspondent, examines the complex sentiments surrounding inflation as American voters prepare for the elections, revealing disconnects between economic health and public perception. The conversation touches on themes of identity in wartime, as well as historical reflections from the novella "The Vortex" about exploitation and environmental issues.
May 13, 2024 • 23min
Fear on draft: Ukraine’s fraught mobilisation
Join Oliver Carroll, The Economist's Ukraine correspondent, as he sheds light on Ukraine's pressing recruitment and ammunition issues amidst the ongoing conflict. He discusses the urgent need for new soldiers while revealing the emotional toll of rising casualties. The conversation also touches on the Chinese government's censorship of pandemic researchers, and unexpectedly, the enduring popularity of CDs in Japan thanks to unique cultural factors. Carroll's insights paint a vivid picture of both a nation at war and the quirks of global music consumption.
May 11, 2024 • 50min
The Weekend Intelligence: Baseball at the border
Sarah Birke, a correspondent reporting on the US-Mexico border, and Aryn Braun, the West Coast correspondent, explore the unique story of Los Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos, a bi-national baseball team that embodies the border community. They delve into the cultural significance of baseball as a unifying force amid tensions, detailing the challenges players face crossing the border. The discussion highlights the evolving dynamics of life along the border, shaped by history, security issues, and a shared passion for the game that brings two towns together.
May 10, 2024 • 26min
The Intelligence: The next stage of the tech wars
Lizzie Peet, an Economist researcher, dives into the heart of the tech wars, examining the fierce competition in chipmaking and green technology between the U.S. and China. She discusses the implications of a potential Trump re-election on America's anti-China stance and the costs of autarky. The conversation also highlights the controversial Seaport Tower development in New York, pitting preservationists against developers, while touching on a tribute to a pioneering zoologist who passionately studied giraffes, blending science and community concerns.
May 9, 2024 • 25min
The Intelligence: Singapore’s “4G” era
In this insightful conversation, Lawrence Wong, Singapore’s upcoming Prime Minister, shares his vision for balancing relations with the U.S. and China while addressing economic challenges and democratic aspirations. He discusses the country's evolving political landscape and need for citizen engagement. The podcast also touches on the urgent threats of climate change to archaeological sites and the fascinating link between Ravel's 'Bolero' and cultural heritage, reflecting on the complexities of artistic ownership and preservation in today's world.
7 snips
May 8, 2024 • 20min
The Intelligence: Supercharging India’s economy
Arjun Ramani, a global business and economics correspondent, shares insights into India's burgeoning economy and how Narendra Modi's leadership has positioned the nation for future success. He discusses the need for new reforms to ensure sustainable growth, highlighting the crucial role of the IT and services sector. The conversation also touches on Russia's resilient arms industry, adapting amidst sanctions, and how China clandestinely supports it. Plus, Ramani lightens the mood with amusing anecdotes about the trials of working while flying.
