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 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.
5 snips
May 11, 2023 • 29min
Autocrat v bureaucrat: Turkey’s crucial vote
Piotr Zalewski, The Economist's Turkey correspondent, discusses the high-stakes election that could reshape Turkey's political landscape, highlighting the challenges for both incumbent President Erdogan and his credible challenger. Erin Braun, covering the Hollywood writers' strike, reveals the deep frustrations writers face about compensation in the streaming era. She connects the current strikes to historical events, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for fair representation in the evolving entertainment industry. Tune in for insights on both topics!
May 10, 2023 • 27min
A scratch in the Teflon: Trump’s sexual-battery loss
John Priddo, United States editor and co-host of Checks and Balance, discusses Donald Trump's recent legal loss in a sexual battery and defamation case, highlighting its ramifications for both Trump and future victims. Su Lin Wong, Southeast Asia correspondent, analyzes Thailand's complex political landscape ahead of elections, focusing on the maneuvers of opposition parties amidst military influence. The conversation also touches on innovative tactics in the Ukraine conflict, showcasing how inflatable decoys are reshaping modern warfare.
May 9, 2023 • 30min
Ukraine 2.0: a revealing visit to Kyiv
Shishank Joshi, Defense editor at The Economist, shares insights from his visit to Kyiv, revealing a city returning to normal amidst ongoing conflict. He discusses Ukraine's military resilience and innovative citizen efforts in defense. Rosie Blau highlights China's demographic crisis, detailing the struggles of a shrinking workforce and immigration resistance as they grapple with exponential aging. Emily Taylor dives into the ethical dilemmas and community dynamics surrounding rattlesnake roundups in America, addressing safety and humane practices in this unique tradition.
May 8, 2023 • 29min
Good, bad and ugly: the Taliban and Afghanistan
John Boone, a seasoned writer on Afghanistan, shares his insights into the dire humanitarian crisis following the Taliban's return. He discusses the severe toll on women's rights despite some governmental improvements. Joining him is Nicolas Pelham, the Middle East correspondent, who delves into the challenges facing Morocco's monarchy and the king's peculiar associations. Their conversation also touches on how mobile phones have reshaped culture and cinema, emphasizing their dramatic disruptions in storytelling.
May 5, 2023 • 30min
Another season of the crown: the coronation of Charles III
Catherine Nixey, Britain correspondent for The Economist, shares insights on the upcoming coronation of King Charles III, emphasizing the blend of tradition and modern public sentiment. Meanwhile, Vijay Vaitheeswaran, Global Energy and Climate Innovation Editor, discusses America’s bold steps towards becoming a clean energy superpower, driven by innovative policies and new technologies. The conversation also touches on the significant historical repercussions of Emmett Till's tragic story, highlighting its role in advancing civil rights.
May 4, 2023 • 24min
Difference between right and Ron: DeSantis miscalculates
Alexandra Sewitch-Bass, a senior correspondent specializing in Florida politics, and Kinley Semon, Africa correspondent covering jihadist crises, engage in a provocative discussion. They unpack Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s controversial rightward shift and its implications for his presidential ambitions. Meanwhile, they delve into the harrowing rise of jihadist violence in Burkina Faso, impacting children’s lives, and highlight America’s rural shift towards Japanese Kei trucks, exploring changing consumer preferences and the evolving trucking market.
May 3, 2023 • 28min
Another think coming? An AI pioneer steps down
Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defence editor with a focus on military affairs, joins the discussion about AI risks sparked by Geoffrey Hinton, an AI legend, advocating for open dialogue on technology's dangers. The conversation shifts to Ukraine's Air Force and the urgent need for fighter jets like the F-16 amid the ongoing conflict. Finally, they explore a new video game about the Holocaust, examining its potential as an educational tool for raising awareness about history and combating anti-Semitism.
May 2, 2023 • 23min
Re-route of all evil: transnational crime and Ukraine’s war
Kinley Salmon, the Africa correspondent for The Economist, discusses the devastating impact of abductions in Nigeria, shedding light on the emotional turmoil faced by families of the missing. He reveals how the crisis relates to broader issues of organized crime exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine. The conversation also touches on the evolving dynamics of criminal networks and the innovative role of the Red Cross in reuniting families amidst violence, orphans of war, and the resilience found in these heart-wrenching stories.
May 1, 2023 • 23min
Long shots: the complex nature of civil wars
Robert Guest, deputy editor at The Economist, shares his insights on the complexities of civil wars, emphasizing how climate change and criminal activities exacerbate conflicts in regions like Ethiopia and Sudan. Noah Snyder, Tokyo Bureau Chief, discusses Japan's struggles to compete in the electric vehicle market, highlighting the risks for major brands like Toyota and Honda as they lag behind global trends. The podcast also pays tribute to cultural icon Harry Belafonte, celebrating his legacy as a musician and civil rights activist.
