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
Jul 18, 2023 • 25min
Charming the prince: Biden seeks a deal with Saudi Arabia
Greg Karstrom, a Middle East correspondent and diplomacy expert, and Su Lin Wong, a Southeast Asia specialist, delve into the challenges faced by President Biden in securing a diplomatic deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel. They explore Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's demands and the implications for U.S. foreign relations. Additionally, they discuss Cambodia's political landscape under Hun Sen, the complexities of succession planning, and the innovative plans for sustainable urban development in Stockholm, showcasing how historical context shapes modern governance.
Jul 17, 2023 • 25min
Cruel summer: heatwaves rage across the world
Joining the conversation are Rachel Dobbs, a climate expert from The Economist; Josh Roberts, a finance correspondent analyzing market resilience; and Stanley Pinal, who writes about European affairs. They discuss alarming global heatwaves and their severe health impacts. The resilience of financial markets amidst inflation and potential recessions is explored, alongside a cultural shift in Europe towards larger cars, reflecting changing consumer preferences. The podcast reveals the urgent need for climate action amidst economic turmoil.
8 snips
Jul 14, 2023 • 28min
Mass destruction: is the Ethiopian government covering up war crimes?
Tom Gardner, East Africa correspondent, shines a light on the devastating Tigray conflict, revealing alarming allegations of war crimes and government cover-ups. Simon Rabinovich, U.S. economics editor, discusses new research, highlighting the surprising decline in productivity for remote workers and the importance of in-person collaboration. Anne Rowe, obituaries editor, pays tribute to Ukrainian civil-rights campaigner Victoria Amelina, reflecting on her impactful legacy in the fight for human rights.
Jul 13, 2023 • 26min
Second thoughts: Donald Trump’s policy plans
John Priddo, US editor for The Economist, and Dominic Ziegler, Singapore bureau chief, dive into Donald Trump's evolving policy plans as he gears up for a possible second term, emphasizing a more organized approach compared to 2016. They discuss how China's near-monopoly on critical minerals could shift with Australia's strategic initiatives to localize processing. The conversation also highlights the implications for global geopolitics and features a unique exploration of a Chinese reality show that intertwines rural farming with government outreach for food security.
5 snips
Jul 12, 2023 • 23min
AI-pocalypse: predicting the threat from artificial intelligence
Arjun Ramani, a Global Business and Economics Correspondent for The Economist, and Michael Hahn, a music writer for the same publication, dive into the ominous predictions surrounding artificial intelligence. They discuss the potential catastrophic impacts of AI, weighing differing expert views on existential risks. Additionally, Ramani sheds light on an inspiring educational initiative at Sing Sing prison, while Hahn celebrates the cultural resurgence of British working men's clubs as vital music venues that have supported rock bands for decades.
Jul 11, 2023 • 27min
Rutte, damn: the Dutch prime minister steps down
Matt Steinglass, Europe correspondent for The Economist, shares insights into the political turmoil in the Netherlands following Prime Minister Mark Rutte's resignation after 13 years. He highlights how migration policy was pivotal in his downfall and the challenges of forming a new coalition. Shoshan Joshi, Defense editor, discusses NATO's evolving defense strategies in response to Russia's actions, emphasizing the urgency for modernization and increased readiness among member countries as geopolitical tensions escalate.
Jul 10, 2023 • 27min
States, disunited: the controversy around cluster bombs
Joining the discussion are Chris Lockwood, Europe editor for The Economist, who dives into the controversial decision to send cluster bombs to Ukraine, and Guy Scriven, US technology editor, analyzing the AI Early Adopters Index and the impact of AI on American businesses. They explore the ethical dimensions of military aid amidst NATO's differing views. Additionally, Philip Coggan, a former columnist, shares intriguing book recommendations centered on corporate scandals, shedding light on narratives behind high-profile fraud cases.
7 snips
Jul 7, 2023 • 27min
I spy: meeting Ukraine’s intelligence chief
Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine’s youngest spymaster, discusses his intense leadership and key strategies amid ongoing military tensions. Hal Hudson highlights deep-sea mining as a sustainable alternative for nickel needed in electric vehicle batteries, critiquing current land mining practices. Catherine Nixie reflects on the life of Donald Triplett, the first person diagnosed with autism, emphasizing his remarkable abilities and the societal context of the 1930s that shaped his experience. Their insights spark thought-provoking discussions on resource ethics and historical understanding.
7 snips
Jul 6, 2023 • 24min
Clone wars: Meta’s Threads takes on Twitter
Tom Wainwright, Technology and Media Editor for The Economist, discusses Meta’s Threads as it challenges Twitter under Elon Musk’s leadership. He highlights how Threads leverages Instagram's user base and Twitter's current struggles to attract users. Meanwhile, Greg Karlstrom, the Middle East Correspondent, delves into the economic crises in Arab countries like Lebanon and Egypt, examining their struggles for IMF assistance amid inflation and political tensions. The conversation also playfully touches on the fascinating yet invasive monk parakeets thriving in Brooklyn.
14 snips
Jul 5, 2023 • 23min
Group dynamics: Wagner in Africa
John McDermott, The Economist's chief Africa correspondent, discusses the Wagner Group's operations in Africa amidst its uncertain future. He explores how the group continues to wield influence by supporting local regimes and exploiting resources despite leadership changes. McDermott also examines the intricate relationships African leaders maintain with the group, navigating the complexities of Russian foreign policy. Additionally, he touches on the implications of a recent Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action and the resurgence of the nostalgic White Rabbit candy in China.
