

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

Oct 20, 2023 • 27min
The day Hamas came: a report from an Israeli kibbutz
Adam Pered, a resident of Kibbutz Niram in Israel, shares his harrowing experience during the recent Hamas attack. He recounts the initial panic and the brave efforts of the community to defend themselves as gunfire echoed around them. Pered describes the heartbreaking struggle for survival and the importance of family and neighbors in crisis. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of this event for Israel, contrasting survival stories with themes of resilience amid chaos.

Oct 19, 2023 • 27min
Genocide returns: slaughter in Sudan
Kinley Salmon, Africa correspondent for The Economist, delves into the harrowing plight of Sudanese refugees fleeing violence in Darfur. He shares the heart-wrenching story of Hanan Kamis, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis and attacks faced by the Masalit community. The discussion also touches on the worrying rise of bowel cancer among young people, emphasizing the need for better screening, while briefly exploring innovative waste management solutions in New York City aimed at improving urban sanitation.

10 snips
Oct 18, 2023 • 26min
Diplomacy up in smoke: Biden visits Israel
In this insightful discussion, Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent, delves into the fallout from a devastating hospital explosion in Gaza, raising concerns over U.S.-Middle East relations amidst escalating tensions. James Astor sheds light on how Modi's influence is reshaping Indian cricket, impacting the sport's integrity. Meanwhile, Andrew Miller reflects on the profound emotional responses to the loss of artists, exploring how their legacies connect us in a digital age. Together, they unpack the intricate ties between politics, culture, and identity.

Oct 17, 2023 • 25min
Invaluable bonds: rising borrowing costs
Henry Kerr, Economics editor for The Economist, sheds light on the implications of rising borrowing costs on government budgets and potential financial blowbacks globally. James Miles, a China writer for The Economist, reveals the surprising strategy of the Chinese Communist Party using rap music to connect with the youth. The conversation dives into the financial strains faced by governments and the innovative ways political entities are engaging younger generations, showcasing a blend of economics and culture in action.

7 snips
Oct 16, 2023 • 25min
Pole position: elections in Poland
Lane Green, The Economist's language columnist, delves into the benefits of handwriting over typing, emphasizing its impact on memory and learning. He discusses recent policy shifts advocating for handwriting in education as technology dominates classrooms. The conversation also highlights the outcomes of Poland's elections, marking a shift in political power with significant implications for Europe. Additionally, they explore the pressing organ donation crisis in America, addressing the stark gap in transplant availability.

7 snips
Oct 13, 2023 • 26min
6000 bombs in six days: life in Gaza
Oliver Carroll, a reporter from Kyiv, dives into the chaos in Gaza where relentless bombings have created a dire humanitarian crisis. Residents face desperate shortages of essentials amidst ongoing conflict. The discussion shifts to Ukraine's counteroffensive in Crimea, highlighting strategic innovations and naval confrontations against Russian forces. Carroll also uncovers the alarming ecological crisis in India due to declining vulture populations, explaining how their absence dramatically affects public health. This intersection of war and ecology paints a vivid and urgent picture of today's global challenges.

Oct 12, 2023 • 27min
Mass destruction: Israel prepares for a ground invasion
Shashank Joshi, Defense editor for The Economist, delves into Israel's military strategies and the potential bloodshed of a ground invasion in Gaza, especially with the looming involvement of Hezbollah. Nell Whitehead, the Australia and New Zealand correspondent, discusses the upcoming referendum that could establish a voice for Indigenous Australians in Parliament, highlighting public sentiment and political contention. Plus, there's a fascinating look at Birkenstock's bold leap into high fashion and the challenges it faces in doing so.

8 snips
Oct 11, 2023 • 25min
An interview with a Hamas leader
Greg Karlstrom, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, provides invaluable insights into the complex dynamics of the Hamas-Israel conflict. He challenges the justifications Hamas offers for its actions and delves into the motivations behind their violence. Topics include the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the hostages' fate. The discussion also highlights the complexities of potential peace efforts amid ongoing violence, probing the moral dilemmas faced by both sides. Karlstrom's expert analysis is an unmissable guide to understanding this pressing issue.

10 snips
Oct 10, 2023 • 25min
Shell shocked: Israel fights back
In this engaging discussion, Greg Karlstrom, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, shares insights on the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict, highlighting Israel's military responses and the human impact on both sides. Ana Lankas, the Latin America correspondent, delves into Brazil's transformative agricultural scene and the rise of sertanejo music, illustrating the cultural shifts in its interior. Listeners will also explore the fascinating complexities of language learning and what makes certain languages challenging to master.

6 snips
Oct 9, 2023 • 21min
Israel reels: a bloody assault
Anshul Pfeffer, The Economist's correspondent in Jerusalem, offers deep insights into the violent upheaval stemming from a recent Hamas attack. Alongside Ed Carr, the publication's deputy editor, they discuss the shocking civilian toll and Israeli intelligence failures. They draw parallels to the Yom Kippur War and explore the geopolitical fallout, including shifts in regional diplomacy and the future of Israeli security strategies amidst rising tensions with Hamas and Fatah.