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
Episodes
Mentioned books
56 snips
May 26, 2025 • 19min
Perverting the course of justices: Mexico’s judiciary
Oret Ogambi, Africa correspondent for The Economist, dives deep into the pressing issues surrounding Mexico's judiciary. He discusses the alarming trend of electing judges, emphasizing its potential to compromise democracy. The podcast also sheds light on corruption and political interference that undermine public trust in the legal system. Ogambi links these challenges to broader societal and economic implications, exploring how they might affect international relations and the struggles with organized crime in Mexico.
12 snips
May 23, 2025 • 25min
Get rich, quick: Vietnam’s next revolution
Join Ethan Wu, Asia business and finance editor, Shoshank Joshi, Defense editor, and Anne Rowe, Obituaries editor, as they delve into Vietnam's ambitious economic transformation led by General Secretary Tholam. They discuss the challenges of avoiding the middle-income trap while navigating political reforms and rising costs. The team also examines the U.S. Army's significant restructuring efforts amid modern warfare demands, and they recount the ingenious use of duct tape during the Apollo 13 rescue, showcasing innovative problem-solving in crises.
23 snips
May 22, 2025 • 24min
Suspicious mines: Putin-proofing the Baltics
David Rennie, Geopolitics editor at The Economist, and John Fassman, Senior culture correspondent, delve into the pressing security concerns faced by the Baltic states amidst Russian threats. They discuss the moral complexities of abandoning international landmine treaties for national defense. The conversation shifts to Baltimore's crime rate decline, highlighting community initiatives and policy reforms. Lastly, they reflect on a new biography of Mark Twain, exploring his impact on American literature and culture.
25 snips
May 21, 2025 • 25min
Worse even than it seems: Gaza’s death toll
Josie DeLapp, the Middle East editor at The Economist, reveals startling insights into the underreported death toll in Gaza amidst Israel's military actions, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis. She addresses the logistical challenges of humanitarian aid distribution during ongoing conflict, especially for vulnerable populations. Additionally, the discussion touches on the Church of England's decline and its implications, as well as the health trends surrounding ginger and juice shots, dissecting whether they truly offer any benefits.
21 snips
May 20, 2025 • 22min
Islands in the scheme: a Britain-EU deal
Daniel Franklin, Executive Editor at The Economist, and Callum Williams, Senior Economics Writer, dive into the nuances of the recent UK-EU deal and its implications for post-Brexit relations. They shed light on the overlooked struggles of Generation X amidst the media spotlight on younger generations. The duo also discusses the challenges faced by Nvidia, as it shifts from gaming to AI, leaving gamers dissatisfied with recent offerings. Tune in for a mix of economic insights and generational commentary!
36 snips
May 19, 2025 • 22min
May-poll dance: Poland’s presidential race
Maria Vilcek, News Editor at The Economist, and Shalas Chitnis, Global Business Writer, dive into the captivating intricacies of Poland's presidential race. They discuss the surprising tightness of the election, highlighting voter disillusionment and the stakes for the NATO-front-line country. The conversation also shifts to the competitive landscape of weight-loss drugs, particularly the rise of Z-Bound. To add a twist of humor, they explore how our dogs often mirror our behaviors and personalities, revealing some surprising truths about our relationships with our pets.
53 snips
May 17, 2025 • 37min
Boss Class: Innovation: Coming up with new ideas
Liz Reid, Head of Search at Google, is at the forefront of integrating generative AI into one of the world's most essential tools. She discusses the creative processes at tech and design companies, drawing parallels between innovation in the toy industry and the auto sector. Liz emphasizes that true innovation requires more than just creativity; it demands structured collaboration and user feedback. She also touches on the challenges of balancing rapid tech advancements with user experience, illustrating how learning from the past is crucial to future developments.
46 snips
May 16, 2025 • 25min
Bucharest pressed: Ukraine’s election effect
In this insightful conversation, Matt Steinglass, Europe correspondent for The Economist, analyzes the polarized Romanian elections and their deep ties to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Archie Hall, the British economics correspondent, examines the challenges of the UK's leveling up project in Great Yarmouth, shedding light on local frustrations with declining services. Lizzie Peet highlights the explosive growth of women's basketball in America, marked by record WNBA viewership and discussions on pay equity, showcasing the sport's rising prominence.
31 snips
May 15, 2025 • 25min
Drug war: Trump takes on big pharma
Shalash Chitnis, a business writer, and Noah Snyder, East Asia Bureau chief at The Economist, dive into the intricate world of U.S. drug pricing chaos. They discuss Trump's bold plan to slash prescription costs, highlighting the potential pitfalls of his tariffs on pharmaceuticals. The conversation shifts to the cutting-edge cyber threats from North Korea, revealing how hackers capitalize on cryptocurrency amid global tensions. Additionally, they pay homage to Alvaro Mangino, sharing the harrowing tale of survival against all odds in the Andes.
31 snips
May 14, 2025 • 24min
All talk, no sanctions: Trump lifts Syria embargo
Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, provides sharp insights on the recent lifting of sanctions against Syria, discussing its potential geopolitical and economic ramifications. Josh Spencer, Asian news editor at The Economist, unpacks the complex political rivalry in the Philippines, revealing how midterm elections highlight tensions between influential dynasties. They also touch on the fascinating rise of VTubers, where digital avatars create engaging fan experiences, bridging technology and entertainment in exciting new ways.
