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
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Episodes
Mentioned books
May 24, 2023 • 24min
Still the one that I want: Greece’s prime minister wins again
Chris Lockwood, Europe editor for The Economist, brings his expertise on Greek politics and economics as he discusses the surprising electoral performance of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Although his party fell short of a parliamentary majority, Mitsotakis remains hopeful for Greece's economic rebound. The conversation also dives into America's booming clean energy sector and the innovative use of defensive nets in Ukraine, highlighting their unexpected role in modern warfare.
May 23, 2023 • 28min
Narcos and avocados: Mexico’s diversifying drug cartels
Join Sarah Burke, Mexico City Bureau Chief for The Economist, as she unpacks the evolving landscape of drug cartels in Mexico, with insights into their diversification beyond narcotics into mining. Alongside her is Gilad Amit, Science correspondent, who shines a light on the promising future of bacteriophages as an alternative to combat antibiotic resistance. They discuss the serious economic impacts of cartel activities and delve into groundbreaking scientific efforts that could reshape the fight against bacterial infections.
May 22, 2023 • 27min
Raise the roof? America’s debt-ceiling debacle
Simon Rabinovich, US economics editor, shares insights on America's looming debt ceiling crisis and the potential global fallout of a government default. Mian Ridge discusses Britain’s evolving surrogacy laws, highlighting how changes could benefit same-sex couples and address parental rights. John Fassman takes listeners on a delightful foraging adventure, diving into the joys of finding wild ingredients like ramps in nature. Together, they explore critical financial, social, and environmental topics that resonate across borders.
9 snips
May 20, 2023 • 53min
The Economist: Kissinger on avoiding world war
Henry Kissinger, a defining figure in 20th-century diplomacy and former National Security Advisor, dives deep into contemporary global challenges. He discusses the significance of U.S.-China relations and the risks of great power conflict, especially around Taiwan. Kissinger critiques American leadership amid rising tensions and the implications of AI in warfare. He advocates for direct communication between nations to build trust and explores China's evolving role in international diplomacy, particularly regarding Ukraine. His insights remain as provocative as ever.
May 19, 2023 • 27min
Shining armour: China’s new fleet
Jeremy Page, Asia diplomatic editor, discusses China's military ambitions and naval modernization, highlighting the growing tension over Taiwan. Ainsley Johnston, data correspondent, reveals the alarming rise in European mortality rates linked to soaring energy prices during winter, indicating a complex relationship between public health and energy costs. Finally, Anne Rowe pays tribute to Pema Tsieden, a pioneer of Tibetan cinema, exploring his unique storytelling style and its reflection on Tibetan life and culture amidst adversity.
May 18, 2023 • 24min
In from the cold: Assad’s diplomatic redemption
Greg Karlstrom, a Middle East writer for The Economist and an expert on Syrian politics, discusses Bashar al-Assad's surprising return to the Arab League. They explore the diplomatic shifts in the region and the motivations behind normalizing relations with Syria, despite its controversial past. The conversation also touches on the ineffectiveness of sanctions affecting ordinary Syrians and highlights the growing importance of small community banks in the U.S. financial landscape, showcasing their resilience and role in supporting local economies.
May 17, 2023 • 30min
Better call Kissinger: an interview with the renowned diplomat
James Frencham, a data journalist at The Economist, dives into intriguing discussions with the legendary diplomat Henry Kissinger as he approaches 100. They tackle Ukraine's complex NATO membership dilemma, with Kissinger revealing his evolving views on military support. The conversation also explores the persistent issue of crony capitalism, spotlighting wealth among Russian oligarchs and their ties to power. Additionally, they examine Lego's journey in China, where the brand navigates regulatory hurdles while remaining a favorite among creative-minded parents.
May 16, 2023 • 25min
New school Thais: a military establishment voted out
Sue-Lin Wong, Southeast Asia correspondent, dives into the recent Thai election where a reformist party surged, challenging military dominance amid hopes for true democracy. Avantika Tilkoti sheds light on the bureaucratic inefficiencies plaguing USAID's international aid, emphasizing the need for reform to empower local initiatives. Abby Bertics reveals the Ocean Census project, which aims to discover 100,000 new marine species, highlighting its significance for biodiversity and climate resilience.
May 15, 2023 • 25min
Changing the Guard? Turkey’s inconclusive election
In this discussion, Piotr Zalewski, The Economist’s Turkey correspondent, delves into the surprising results of Turkey’s elections, highlighting the implications of a potential runoff. Daniela Raz reveals alarming data linking social media use to declining mental health in teenage girls, urging a deeper look into this pressing issue. Meanwhile, Shashank Joshi offers insights into the world of espionage, contrasting romanticized images with the realities of intelligence work and recommending thought-provoking books on the subject.
May 12, 2023 • 26min
Suck in the middle: the hole in America’s consumer base
Tom Lee Devlin, a global business correspondent, analyzes the decline of middle-of-the-road American brands amid post-pandemic consumer behavior shifts. Tom Wainwright, Tech and Media editor, discusses how AI is setting to revolutionize journalism, enhancing news delivery while raising concerns about job security. Fiametta Rocco reflects on historian Ranajit Guha's impact, highlighting the importance of viewing history through the lens of marginalized voices, including a poignant tale from 19th-century Bengal.
