

The Intelligence from The Economist
The Economist
Join Jason Palmer and Rosie Blau for noise-cancelling news and analysis from The Economist's global network of correspondents. Every weekday this award-winning podcast picks three stories shaping your world—the big shifts in politics, business and culture, plus things you never knew you needed to know. On Saturdays, download The Weekend Intelligence to dive deep into a single story, vividly told. 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
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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.

Oct 6, 2023 • 23min
Windows of opportunity: Microsoft’s AI push
Guy Scriven, The Economist's U.S. correspondent, shares insights on Microsoft’s strategic shift towards AI under CEO Satya Nadella, unveiling how this pivot could help the tech giant reclaim its market dominance. Rosie Blore discusses the WTA's response to serious allegations in China affecting tournaments, showcasing the intersection of sports and ethics. Anne Rowe reflects on the emotional impact of the fallen Sycamore Gap tree, symbolizing community grief and connection, and the broader repercussions of environmental loss.

6 snips
Oct 5, 2023 • 25min
So the Tory goes: Britain’s Conservatives meet
In this discussion, Tamara Jilks-Bohr, a U.S. policy correspondent for The Economist, dives into the UK's Conservative Party's struggles and the implications of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's new policies. She highlights the party's identity crisis amid low polling numbers and internal divisions. Switching gears, the talk shifts to groundbreaking treatments for alcohol use disorder, exploring how weight-loss drugs may offer new hope. Additionally, intriguing data reveals global sleep patterns, emphasizing cultural influences that affect rest.

9 snips
Oct 4, 2023 • 23min
Blown speaker: Kevin McCarthy is out
Daniel Franklin, the Deputy U.S. editor for The Economist, and Leo Marani, India correspondent based in Mumbai, bring expert insights into current events. They discuss the political chaos following Kevin McCarthy’s ousting as Speaker, highlighting implications for governance and urgent issues like Ukraine funding. Meanwhile, Marani delves into the Bollywood film "Jawan," showcasing its role in bridging cultural divides in India. They also explore fascinating findings about longevity in Okinawa, challenging the assumption that lifestyle alone determines age.

Oct 3, 2023 • 23min
SBF, FTX, WTF? Sam Bankman-Fried goes on trial
Henry Tricks, a business columnist for The Economist, and Max Norman, the culture correspondent, dive into the chaotic trial of Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of the failed FTX cryptocurrency exchange. They unravel the complex legal challenges he faces and the staggering losses suffered by investors. The conversation also shifts to the alarming rise in shoplifting across Britain, exploring the underlying motivations. Lastly, they share insights into the cultural phenomenon of the One Bite Pizza Festival and its founder's unique impact on the world of food.

Oct 2, 2023 • 24min
They need to talk about Kevin: America’s near-shutdown
Daniel Franklin, Deputy U.S. Editor for The Economist, shares insights into the political upheaval surrounding Kevin McCarthy’s leadership amid funding negotiations. Mike Bird discusses the surge of electric scooters in Asia, highlighting their environmental benefits and urban transformation. Catherine Nixie examines Britain's risk registers, revealing how they quantify potential disasters, and explores the unsettling implications of preparedness versus inaction. Together, they navigate pivotal themes in politics, urban mobility, and crisis management.

5 snips
Sep 29, 2023 • 25min
When politics dictates policy: China’s faltering economy
Simon Cox, the China economics editor for The Economist, dives into the challenges facing China's economy, particularly the Evergrande crisis and the tight grip of internal politics on policy-making. He discusses how shifting government strategies under President Xi Jinping have dampened consumer confidence. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe, Obituaries editor, reflects on Colombian artist Fernando Botero, exploring his unique artistic style that poignantly captures marginalized communities and addresses themes of violence and suffering.

8 snips
Sep 28, 2023 • 25min
A better pill to swallow: the bid to end AIDS
In this discussion, Robert Guest, Deputy Editor of The Economist, dives into the current landscape of HIV/AIDS treatment, emphasizing reduced mortality and the importance of medication access. He shares poignant stories from South Africa, highlighting stigma and the need for better drug adherence strategies. The conversation also navigates Japan's unregulated pornography sector, exploring legislative changes aimed at protecting performers while tackling serious economic implications. Lastly, the impact of UNESCO heritage status in China reveals the complex interplay of politics and preservation.

11 snips
Sep 27, 2023 • 23min
General’s knowledge: a chat with Ukraine’s spy chief
Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine's head of military intelligence, provides a revealing look at the current state of the war, discussing tactical shifts and the management of resources. He emphasizes confidence in Ukraine's counter-offensive strategy while dismissing rumors about drone capabilities. The conversation also dives into Brazil's gambling landscape, highlighting a likely shift in regulations to bolster the economy. Additionally, the influence of TikTok's BookTok is reshaping the literary world, driving interest in both classic and contemporary works.


