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
8 snips
Aug 25, 2023 • 25min
Fellow-BRICS road: a club expands
Join John McDermott, Chief Africa correspondent, as he explores the complex dynamics of BRICS' expansion with six new members and what it means for global geopolitics. Holly Berman, social media editor, tackles the rise of kid influencers, discussing the lucrative but tricky regulatory landscape they navigate. Anne Rowe, obituaries editor, honors Bindeshwar Pathak, whose innovative sanitation solutions challenged caste norms in India. Each brings a unique perspective on pressing social and political issues.
Aug 24, 2023 • 21min
Flight of the long knives: Prigozhin’s reported death
Arkady Ostrovsky, The Economist's Russia editor, shares his insights on the mysterious plane crash that may have claimed the life of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the controversial leader of the Wagner Group. He discusses how this assassination strengthens Putin’s grip on power and shifts the landscape of Russian politics, especially in relation to Ukraine. The conversation also touches on Indonesia’s efforts to promote a moderate form of Islam and a unique Peruvian artist blending K-pop with indigenous sounds, creating a new cultural phenomenon.
Aug 23, 2023 • 26min
Vote with no confidence: Zimbabwe goes to the polls
John McDermott, The Economist's chief Africa correspondent, shares insights into Zimbabwe's tense political landscape leading up to the general elections, revealing the authoritarian tactics at play and the skepticism among voters. Erin Braun discusses the devastating aftermath of the Lahaina wildfires, capturing the community's grief and the urgent need for assistance amid frustrations with government responses. The podcast also touches on British lawmakers' disconnect with reality, highlighting the bizarre nature of their political struggles.
4 snips
Aug 22, 2023 • 27min
Home groan: China’s housing-sector crisis
Don Wineland, The Economist's China business editor, delves into the deepening housing crisis in China, spotlighting the struggles of developer Country Garden and the fallout from Evergrande's collapse. He explores the economic ramifications and how ordinary citizens are impacted. Meanwhile, Guy Scriven shares his thrilling experience in a self-driving taxi in San Francisco, discussing the technology's seamless navigation and the mixed reactions to autonomous vehicles. They also touch on the worrying decline of Antarctic sea ice and its global implications.
5 snips
Aug 21, 2023 • 21min
Latin lessons: two contrasting elections
Su Lin Wong, Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist, dives into the contrasting political climates in Ecuador and Guatemala, highlighting the stark differences in electoral outcomes amid violence and corruption. She discusses the rise of political outsiders and the surprising resurgence of leprosy in Florida. In addition, Wong explores Singapore's innovative strides in alternative proteins, including a unique dairy-free ice cream made through gas fermentation, positioning the city as a leader in food security and sustainable practices.
Aug 18, 2023 • 24min
Gun-shy: why Niger’s coup stands, for now
Kinley Salmon, Africa correspondent for The Economist, delves into the ongoing coup in Niger and the wavering military response from ECOWAS. The discussion highlights the regional implications of economic sanctions and how they tie into the decline of the Russian ruble. Anne Rowe, Obituaries editor, pays tribute to Richard Simpson, a trailblazer in consumer product safety, recounting his efforts to ensure safer products in the marketplace while reflecting on the ongoing tension between safety regulations and personal freedom.
22 snips
Aug 17, 2023 • 25min
Make ore break: Latin America’s commodities
Ana Lankes, The Economist's Latin America correspondent, dives into the region's role in the booming lithium market, essential for electric vehicles. She discusses how Latin America's vast resources could spark economic growth, while also navigating environmental concerns and geopolitical issues. The conversation touches on the looming troubles for Germany's auto industry, especially Volkswagen, illustrating the global impacts of these shifts. Lankes also highlights the importance of recent successes in women's football, showcasing a transformative period for gender equality in sports.
5 snips
Aug 16, 2023 • 24min
Through the fire: an update from Hawaii
Oliver Morton, Briefings Editor at The Economist, offers poignant insights on the Maui wildfires, detailing the environmental factors that contributed to this catastrophic event. He discusses personal stories of loss and the ongoing recovery efforts. Meanwhile, Mie Dahl, the publication's Latin America correspondent, examines the economic fallout from falling coca prices in Colombia, shedding light on the struggles of farmers and the implications for rural communities. Together, they paint a stark portrait of crisis and resilience.
Aug 15, 2023 • 23min
“Witch hunt”, Part Four: Trump indicted, again
John Priddo, the US editor and co-host of Checks and Balance, provides keen insights into Trump’s latest indictment under a unique racketeering act. He explores the implications of these charges on Trump’s political future and the GOP’s dynamics. The discussion also highlights Ukraine's creative 'candy bombs' in response to munitions shortages, showcasing resourcefulness in wartime. Additionally, the challenges of affording studio apartments in major American cities are examined, revealing discrepancies between salaries and rental costs.
Aug 14, 2023 • 24min
West-siding story? Turkey’s tactical shift
Join Piotr Zalewski, The Economist’s Turkey correspondent, and Ed Carr, Deputy editor, as they dissect Turkey's shifting geopolitical stance under President Erdogan. They explore the nuances of Turkey's renewed ties with the West and skepticism around true alignment. The conversation also dives into a global survey revealing the mixed reception of liberal values. Plus, the hosts discuss a monumental paleontological discovery that could redefine the title of the largest animal ever, adding a prehistoric twist to the dialogue.
