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
6 snips
Feb 16, 2024 • 27min
The Intelligence: Out-of-this-world war
Anton LaGuardia, The Economist's diplomatic editor, discusses the rise of space as a new battlefield, emphasizing the military's dependence on satellites and the risks of miscalculations. Joan Hoey, editorial director of the Democracy Index, analyzes global democratic trends, noting a slight uptick in democratic nations even amid rising authoritarianism. Anne Rowe pays tribute to Jack Jennings, a WWII veteran, sharing his inspiring story of resilience and hope through music amid adversity.
9 snips
Feb 15, 2024 • 27min
The Intelligence: A former general, elected in Indonesia
Su Lin Wong, The Economist’s Southeast Asia correspondent, provides keen insights on Indonesia's recent presidential election, where former general Prabowo Subianto emerged victorious. Wong discusses Prabowo's controversial past and the concerns over democracy and authoritarianism under his rule. The conversation also touches on AMD's competitive moves against Nvidia in the AI chip market and the rise of slap fighting as a new combat sport, sparking debates about safety and entertainment value.
Feb 14, 2024 • 22min
The Intelligence: Split bill
Adam O'Neill, Washington correspondent, delves into the recently passed $95 billion foreign aid bill in the US Senate. He highlights divisions within Congress and the uncertain fate of the bill in the House. Meanwhile, Lina Shipper, South Asia Bureau Chief, tackles the growing dilemma of stray cows in India, discussing their economic and cultural implications. She suggests that a new census could help address the issue. The conversation also touches on changing trends for Valentine's Day, emphasizing a shift towards intimate home celebrations.
Feb 13, 2024 • 25min
The Intelligence: Undoing PiS poor laws
Matt Steinglass, Deputy Europe editor for The Economist, sheds light on Poland's political turbulence as the newly-elected centrist government grapples with the remnants of the hard-right PiS party's reign. Dorota Nigren shares her firsthand experience of media censorship during that time, discussing the threats to journalistic integrity. Marie Seger explores the 'motherhood penalty' in the workforce, revealing how motherhood can limit career progression and discussing global initiatives to support women's participation in the labor market.
Feb 12, 2024 • 25min
The Intelligence: Troubled waters
Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defence editor and naval power expert, delves into the escalating tensions over global waterways and the rise of China's navy. He emphasizes the need for Western nations to re-evaluate their strategies in light of these shifts. Anne Rowe, the obituaries editor, pays tribute to Rosemary Smith, a groundbreaking female rally driver, celebrating her journey and impact on motorsport. The discussion touches on public sentiment regarding the Chinese Communist Party amidst economic struggles, revealing innovative methods to gauge opinion under censorship.
5 snips
Feb 9, 2024 • 24min
The Intelligence: General dynamics
Edward Carr, Deputy Editor of The Economist, shares insights on the recent leadership change in Ukraine's military as General Valery Zaluzhny steps down. Carr discusses the ramifications for troop morale and military strategy, emphasizing Ukraine’s shift toward highlighting its democratic goals. The conversation also touches on the skyrocketing car insurance rates in the U.S., pondering whether they are still too low. Lastly, he lightheartedly delves into the far-fetched conspiracy theories surrounding the Super Bowl and celebrity romances that capture public fascination.
10 snips
Feb 8, 2024 • 24min
The Intelligence: Going for broker
Anton LaGuardia, the Diplomatic Editor for The Economist, details Secretary Blinken's intense Middle East peace efforts while facing significant regional challenges. Meanwhile, Sarah Burke, the Mexico City Bureau Chief, discusses Latin America's declining fertility rates and burgeoning elderly population, highlighting the fiscal strains on healthcare and pensions. They also delve into how TikTok is reshaping news consumption among younger audiences, showcasing amateur news anchors who blend humor with current events.
5 snips
Feb 7, 2024 • 23min
The Intelligence: At a crossroads (really)
Su Lin Wong, Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on the critical upcoming Indonesian election, where democracy hangs in the balance as candidates Prabowo Subianto and Anis Baswedan vie for power. Meanwhile, Max Rodenbeck, Berlin bureau chief, unpacks the chilling effects of cancel culture in Germany surrounding the Gaza conflict, exploring the implications for free expression. The discussion also touches on the future of reading in our busy lives, offering strategies on selecting meaningful literature.
6 snips
Feb 6, 2024 • 25min
The Intelligence: They thought it was Sall over
Kinley Salmon, Africa correspondent at The Economist, shares insights on Senegal's political upheaval following President Macky Sall's controversial election delay, sparking protests and fears of military involvement. Andrew Palmer, Britain editor, delves into leadership fatigue, particularly in sports, using Jürgen Klopp's departure as a case study. They also explore the rising threat of deepfake technology and its potential to mislead the public, highlighting the urgent need for awareness in an increasingly digital world.
8 snips
Feb 5, 2024 • 26min
The Intelligence: Strikes, a careful balance
Avantika Chokoti, an international correspondent for The Economist, discusses the shift towards 'No Strings Giving' in philanthropy, where donors step back after contributing. Greg Karlstrom, the Middle East correspondent, analyzes recent American airstrikes in Iraq and Syria aimed at Iranian-backed militias, shedding light on their geopolitical implications. Additionally, they explore the surprising cultural relevance of cuteness, which has become an academic subject, influencing emotions and societal behaviors.
