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
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
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.
Mar 13, 2023 • 22min
End run: Silicon Valley Bank
Alice Fullwood, a Wall Street correspondent, and Shashank Joshi, the Defense editor, delve into the dramatic collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, analyzing the panic and regulatory response that followed. They also discuss the ramifications of the AUKUS agreement, focusing on Australia’s shift to nuclear-powered submarines to counter China's assertiveness. The conversation takes a poignant turn as they explore the story of Alamayu, an Ethiopian prince, reigniting the debate around cultural restitution and the complexities of repatriating looted artifacts.
Mar 10, 2023 • 30min
A vote for Ukraine: why Estonia’s election matters
Joining the discussion are Matt Steinglass, Europe correspondent for The Economist, who sheds light on the recent Estonian election that substantially supports Ukraine, and Andrew Knox, the Seoul bureau chief, who delves into the contentious South Korea-Japan compensation deal. They explore Estonia’s role as a significant military donor to Ukraine, the political dynamics surrounding Prime Minister Kaja Kallas's victory, and the historical tensions affecting compensation efforts in Korea. A fascinating mix of geopolitics and social issues!
Mar 9, 2023 • 24min
Not so Pacific: the frightening prospect of war over Taiwan
Anton LaGuardia, the diplomatic editor for The Economist, dives into the escalating tensions between China and the U.S. over Taiwan, highlighting the growing risk of conflict and its potential global economic impact. He discusses the U.S. military's strategic preparations and training aimed at deterring aggression, while also reflecting on Taiwan's crucial role in global supply chains. Additionally, LaGuardia touches on political unrest in Mexico, where protests are erupting against threats to electoral integrity and discussions around exonerating victims of historical witch trials in Connecticut.
Mar 8, 2023 • 22min
Home affairs: America’s revealing property market
Simon Rabinovich, U.S. economics editor at The Economist, shares insights on the American property market's current trends and potential recession indicators. He highlights the effects of rising mortgage rates on housing activity and the tension between affordability and inflation. Meanwhile, James Miles, China writer at large, discusses the challenges plaguing Chinese football, including corruption and administrative failures. They also delve into the controversial use of rap lyrics as court evidence, exploring its implications for artistic expression and justice.
Mar 7, 2023 • 25min
Bakhmut point: Ukraine readies a counter-offensive
In this insightful discussion, Shashank Joshi, defense editor at The Economist, delves into Ukraine's preparation for a spring offensive, fueled by a surge of Western arms. He emphasizes the strategic significance of Bakhmut and how it symbolizes a turning point in military dynamics as Ukraine defends against aggressive claims from Russia. The conversation also touches on the shifting landscape of corporate governance in light of recent financial crises, highlighting the challenges of board recruitment and accountability in today's environment.
Mar 6, 2023 • 26min
Hedge of allegiance: South Africa’s diplomatic shift
John McDermott, The Economist's chief Africa correspondent, dives deep into South Africa’s shifting alliances, revealing its drift towards Russia and China amidst global scrutiny. He explores the implications of the country's abstention on a UN resolution regarding Ukraine and the historical context of its foreign policy. The discussion also touches on the transformative power of debate for former inmates and the resilience of street artists in Kharkiv, who use creativity to cope with war's devastation. It's a captivating look at diplomacy and art in challenging times.
Mar 3, 2023 • 25min
Seed of doubt: venture capital tightens up
Guy Scriven, U.S. technology correspondent for The Economist, discusses the dramatic shift in venture capital from lavish investments to more strategic, profitable ones amid a tech slump. Ore Ogunbiyi, a British-Nigerian journalist, examines the aftermath of Nigeria's contentious presidential election, revealing deep public distrust fueled by claims of irregularities. Additionally, the surprising rise of chili crisp, a beloved Chinese condiment during the pandemic, highlights how food trends can capture cultural shifts.
Mar 2, 2023 • 23min
Losing the threads: Bangladesh
Dominic Ziegler, a columnist on Asian affairs, and Andrew Knox, The Economist's Korea correspondent, dive into Bangladesh's complex transformation over fifty years. They discuss how economic growth is threatened by rampant corruption and challenges in the garment industry. The conversation shifts to North Korea's funding of missile programs through illicit means like crypto scams. They also explore the legacy of BBC Monitoring, revealing its crucial historical role in information gathering and the impact of modern technology on media.
Mar 1, 2023 • 25min
The belt buckles up: China’s grand plan slims
Kerry Richmond-Jones, a finance and economics writer, and Mathieu Favas, finance correspondent, delve into China's evolving Belt and Road Initiative, which is now focusing on profitable projects rather than sprawling infrastructure. They discuss how recent global energy shifts force a balance between urgent decarbonization and financial viability. Additionally, the success of the TV show 'The Chosen' is explored, highlighting its unique storytelling and mass appeal across diverse audiences, reshaping cultural conversations around faith.
