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
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.
Feb 2, 2024 • 23min
The Intelligence: Will Apple’s customers share its Vision?
In this episode, Guy Scriven, The Economist's US technology editor, discusses the challenges facing Apple as it competes with Microsoft for tech supremacy. He explores the potential impact of Apple's new augmented reality headset on its declining core business and the pressures from regulatory scrutiny. The conversation touches on the geopolitical risks tied to Apple's dependence on China and reflects on the ambiguous nature of a new slogan from the Chinese Communist Party. Additionally, a tribute to the comedic genius of Peter Schickele and P.D.Q. Bach adds a lighthearted note.
Feb 1, 2024 • 23min
The Intelligence: Vietnam’s golden opportunity
Robert Guest, Deputy Editor at The Economist, shares insights into Vietnam's unique position to navigate tensions between the US and China, discussing its economic potential and workforce challenges. Max Rodenbeck, the Berlin bureau chief, delves into the rise of a new left-wing party in Germany, examining how it draws support amid political dissatisfaction. They also touch on the controversies surrounding VAR in football, debating its impact on fan experiences and the future of officiating in the sport.
Jan 31, 2024 • 21min
The Intelligence: Indonesia’s election, more TikTok than tick-box
Su Lin Wong, Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist, dives into the intriguing dynamics of Indonesia’s elections, where social media prowess often trumps policy discussions. She highlights TikTok's transformative role, engaging young voters and reshaping political strategies. Despite the digital frenzy, there's a desire for authentic information. The conversation also touches on the economic implications of alternatives to the Panama Canal and the alarming rise of invasive wild boars in Canada, complicating agricultural practices.
9 snips
Jan 30, 2024 • 23min
The Intelligence: China’s ever grander property crisis
China's massive property crisis takes center stage as Evergrande grapples with over $300 billion in debt, leaving homebuyers and creditors in limbo. The turmoil raises questions about the future of housing in the country. Meanwhile, political tensions rise in the U.S. as Biden's leadership faces scrutiny and the dynamics of the upcoming presidential election shift. The tragic events of the 1972 Munich Olympics are examined, revealing the haunting intersection of sport and international conflict, highlighting enduring geopolitical challenges.
Jan 29, 2024 • 24min
The Intelligence: Iran increases the stakes in the Middle East
Shashank Joshi, defence editor for The Economist, provides keen insights into escalating tensions in the Middle East after Iranian-backed strikes killed American soldiers. He discusses the potential U.S. military response and the political ramifications for President Biden. Hal Hodson, a special projects writer at The Economist, tackles Britain's ambitious plans to revamp its electricity grid for decarbonization. They also explore the cultural evolution of musicals into films, including the shifting tones in contemporary adaptations.
4 snips
Jan 27, 2024 • 47min
The Weekend Intelligence: Digital Ghosts
Explore the intriguing concept of creating digital avatars to simulate conversations with deceased loved ones. Delve into personal stories of coping with grief through technology, raising essential questions about ethics and emotional healing. Discover the complexities of digital remnants and the tension between nostalgia and authenticity. The discussion navigates how advanced AI impacts memory, loss, and our digital legacies, prompting reflections on the nature of human connection in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Jan 26, 2024 • 24min
The Intelligence: Milei’s laborious reforms
Ana Lankes, a keen observer of Argentine politics, dives into the radical labor reforms proposed by the country’s new libertarian president amid a severe economic crisis. Andrew Miller and Cassia Sinclair explore two compelling films that tackle Holocaust narratives, examining themes of memory and representation. They also discuss the cultural revival of chrome in design, linking it to contemporary desires for optimism. This lively conversation blends serious politics with pop culture insights, offering a fresh perspective on resilience in crisis.
Jan 25, 2024 • 25min
The Intelligence: what AI could mean for the world’s poorest
Robert Guest, Deputy editor at The Economist, explores how AI can revolutionize education and healthcare in developing countries. He discusses AI’s potential for personalized learning and medical assistance through chatbots, highlighting both its promise and challenges, including privacy concerns. Sophie Pedder, the Paris bureau chief, shares insights on the emotional restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral and the public's perceptions of language beauty, revealing surprising consistencies in how different languages are rated.
