

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
Sep 22, 2023 • 26min
No end in sight: how Ukraine is being shaped by a long war
Arkady Ostrovsky, The Economist's Russia and Eastern Europe editor, shares vivid insights from Ukraine, illustrating how citizens adapt their lives amidst the turmoil of war. He emphasizes the psychological impact on the populace and the importance of mental health initiatives. Chris Impey discusses intriguing prison escapes, highlighting creative tactics and the role of technology in security. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe reflects on the legacy of Mangosuthu Buthelezi, exploring his pivotal role in South Africa's democracy and the complexities of his political journey.

Sep 21, 2023 • 23min
Missing in action: China’s defence minister has disappeared
Jeremy Page, Asia diplomatic editor at The Economist, and Tom Easton, South Asia business and finance editor, explore the mysterious disappearance of China’s defense minister, raising questions about the stability of Xi Jinping’s leadership amid growing tensions. They also discuss the contrasting excitement around Apple’s new iPhone, which has been overshadowed by competitive pressures from Huawei. Lastly, the duo celebrates the enduring cultural legacy of Royal Enfield motorcycles in India, highlighting their unique place in the market.

8 snips
Sep 20, 2023 • 27min
Are the allegations tru deau? Canada and India’s diplomatic row
Anton LaGuardia, Diplomatic Editor for The Economist, dives into the escalating tensions between Canada and India following the assassination of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Najjar. He discusses potential diplomatic implications and the complexities of international relations. Noah Snyder, Tokyo bureau chief, reveals Japan's proactive earthquake preparedness strategies a century after the Great Kanto earthquake. Lastly, Claire McHugh explores the modern resurgence of country music among youth, highlighting the genre's evolution through streaming and social media, exemplified by Morgan Wallen's impact.

7 snips
Sep 19, 2023 • 21min
Argo the sequel: America and Iran’s hostage deal
Nicholas Pelham, The Economist's Middle East correspondent and former detainee in Iran, shares riveting insights on the recent U.S.-Iran hostage deal. He discusses how hostage-taking has long been a strategy for Iran, this time resulting in billions of dollars in unfrozen assets. The conversation delves into the implications for U.S.-Iran relations and the potential for future diplomatic dialogue. Additionally, the importance of social mixing in American chain restaurants like Olive Garden is explored, highlighting their role in bridging economic divides.

6 snips
Sep 18, 2023 • 25min
Radical shift: an interview with Argentina’s presidential frontrunner
Javier Milei, Argentina’s presidential frontrunner and libertarian firebrand, discusses his bold plans to shrink the government and overhaul the economy amidst political upheaval. He challenges the status quo in a traditionally left-leaning nation, advocating for dollarization and drastic reforms. The conversation also touches on the clash between urban development and cultural identity in Berlin, alongside a unique economic theory for conservation in the face of climate change, sparking intriguing insights on governance and environmental priorities.

6 snips
Sep 15, 2023 • 25min
Support systems: allies debate Ukraine’s tactics
Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defence editor, provides a sharp analysis of the Ukraine conflict, delving into the complexities of Western military support and diverging strategies among allies. He discusses how recent Ukrainian advances have slowed, raising concerns about attrition and tactical effectiveness. The urgency for Ukraine to showcase progress is palpable as autumn looms, alongside challenges in securing aid. Additionally, the discussion touches on shifting American consumer sentiment and the unexpected hurdles faced by New Zealand's rugby team as they prepare for the World Cup.

7 snips
Sep 14, 2023 • 27min
Refresh your feed: introducing Economist Podcasts+
Zannie Mensenbedos, Editor-in-chief of The Economist, discusses the launch of the exciting new Economis Podcast Plus. Joshua Kuchera provides a critical analysis of the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, highlighting the dire situation stemming from the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Anne Rowe pays tribute to Douglas Lennert, a mathematician known for his contributions to AI and computer accessibility. The conversation also covers the evolution of podcast storytelling and the importance of supporter engagement to enrich content.

Sep 13, 2023 • 29min
Chilean effect: the 50th anniversary of the coup
Join Michael Reed, a Chilean politics expert, Annie Crabel, an environmental law connoisseur, and Catherine Nixey, a bestselling author, as they dive into the legacy of Salvador Allende's coup and its ripple effects on modern Chile. They discuss the ongoing debate on leadership memory and a landmark climate lawsuit by youths in Montana, challenging state energy policies for a cleaner environment. Plus, discover the unpredictable world of publishing and what truly makes a book a bestseller, with insights on the continued charm of children's literature.

11 snips
Sep 12, 2023 • 19min
Midnight train to Moscow: Kim Jong Un cosies up with Russia
Andrew Knox, The Economist's Korea correspondent, shares insights on the significant meeting between Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin, discussing the potential arms deal and its implications for global tensions. Meanwhile, Daniel Knowles, the Midwest correspondent, sheds light on the alarming rise in Kia and Hyundai car thefts in America, fueled by social media trends. The conversation reveals legal challenges for automakers and explores the intersection of youth crime and vehicle security.

6 snips
Sep 11, 2023 • 24min
Preparing for the long war: an interview with President Zelensky
Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, shares insights on the ongoing war against Russia as his country braces for a prolonged conflict. He emphasizes the importance of morale and international support, while addressing the complexities of military strategy and diplomatic negotiations. Zelensky reflects on the evolving dynamics of the war, highlighting the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the critical role of Western aid in navigating these challenging times.