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
Mar 27, 2023 • 20min
Bibi bump: Israel’s unrest flares
Anshul Pfeffer, the insightful Israel correspondent for The Economist, discusses the rising tensions in Israel due to massive protests against Prime Minister Netanyahu's controversial judicial reforms. Over 500,000 citizens are voicing their dissent, with some reserve officers refusing to serve. The narrative also shifts to the curious trend of pregnant Russians seeking refuge in Argentina, highlighting their motivations for birthright citizenship. This engaging conversation encapsulates the chaotic political scene and the personal stories shaping our world.
Mar 24, 2023 • 23min
Iraq, a hard place: 20 years after the invasion
Nick Pelham, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, shares insights on Iraq two decades after the invasion, revealing a bustling Baghdad that masks past violence and human costs. He discusses the disillusionment of a younger generation facing corruption and environmental challenges. Meanwhile, Leo Marani, Asia correspondent, highlights India's ambitious infrastructure upgrade, focusing on the launch of semi-high-speed rail services and the economic implications of these developments under Prime Minister Modi's vision. It's a thought-provoking dive into recovery and progress.
Mar 23, 2023 • 25min
A bit Fed up: central banks’ dilemma
Simon Rabinovich, U.S. economics editor for The Economist, discusses the Federal Reserve's precarious balancing act between battling inflation and ensuring banking stability. He highlights the risks of rapid rate hikes in an already shaky financial landscape. Anne Rowe, Obituaries editor, reflects on Jacqueline Gold's impactful contributions to the UK's sexual empowerment through retail, emphasizing her role in transforming societal attitudes toward female sexuality. Their insights provide a captivating blend of finance and cultural change.
Mar 22, 2023 • 26min
Not shy and not retiring: pension reform in France
John Parker, an International correspondent for The Economist, dives into the turmoil surrounding France's pension reforms under President Macron, focusing on raising the retirement age and the public outrage it has provoked. He also discusses the severe demographic crisis in Russia, exacerbated by conflict and emigration, revealing its implications for the nation's future. Lastly, the podcast honors the legacy of Marcel Marceau, exploring how his silent artistry transformed mime into a powerful form of expression.
Mar 21, 2023 • 23min
Stopping the spread: how to fix the banks
Henry Kerr, the Economics editor for The Economist, delves into the shaky state of the banking sector, analyzing recent upheavals like Credit Suisse's collapse and the aftermath of Silicon Valley Bank. He critiques regulatory frameworks, stressing the urgent need for reforms to stabilize banks and credit markets. The discussion also intriguingly contrasts Russia's struggles in warfare with the rising trend of French bulldogs as America’s favorite pet, highlighting how cultural influences shape our choices.
Mar 20, 2023 • 26min
Bear backed: Xi heads to Moscow
Jeremy Page, Asia diplomatic editor for The Economist, provides insights into the geopolitical balance during Xi Jinping's strategic visit to Moscow amidst the Ukraine conflict. He highlights how China is navigating its support for Russia while managing ties with the West. Meanwhile, Daniel Knowles, Midwest correspondent, discusses the surprising decline in car ownership among younger generations, influenced by environmental concerns and changing values. This shift could reshape urban mobility and lead to a greener future.
Mar 17, 2023 • 25min
Felling through the cracks: rainforests in crisis
In this compelling discussion, Robert Guest, Deputy Editor at The Economist, examines the urgent need for rainforest preservation, emphasizing that its economic benefits far outweigh deforestation. He explores the lawlessness crippling conservation efforts in the Amazon and shares potential solutions for sustainable governance. Anne Rowe reflects on Nobel Prize winner Oe Kenzaburo's poignant life, intertwining his personal struggles with themes of resilience and the human condition. Together, they highlight the interconnectedness of environmental and personal narratives.
Mar 16, 2023 • 25min
Puts Bibi in the corner: Israel’s protests
Anshul Pfeffer, an expert on Israeli politics, dives into the ongoing protests against government reforms threatening the judiciary, revealing deep societal divides in Israel. Tom Wainwright, tech and media editor, discusses how AI impacts news media, especially in the context of debates over compensation from tech giants like Google. The conversation sheds light on the troubling implications for democracy in Israel and challenges in the British produce market, highlighting the precarious balance between food supply and economic pressures.
Mar 15, 2023 • 24min
One Tory building: Rishi Sunak’s mission
Matthew Hulhaus, a British political correspondent for The Economist, discusses Rishi Sunak's strategic efforts to revitalize his Tory party amid economic difficulties. He details Sunak's diplomatic engagements with global leaders and grapples with tough domestic issues like immigration. Oliver Carroll, a foreign correspondent, sheds light on the Kremlin's attempts to influence Russia's cultural spaces, revealing a complex landscape of resistance and conformity in the arts. Their insights provide a vivid picture of the political and cultural arenas shaping current events.
Mar 14, 2023 • 25min
Starched rival: Turkey’s opposition candidate
Fyodor Zalewski, The Economist's Turkey correspondent, sheds light on the turbulent political landscape in Turkey as the opposition rallies behind Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, a candidate with both promise and peril. Rachel Dobbs, climate writer, outlines the significance of a new UN high-seas treaty aimed at marine conservation amid ecological crises. The discussion also touches on the rising popularity of Thai Boys' Love dramas, exploring their cultural impact and the strategic parallels with K-pop in enhancing Thailand's global influence.
