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
Episodes
Mentioned books
43 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 25min
Executive disorder: Trump’s first 100 days
Join John Prideaux, US editor at The Economist, as he dissects the chaotic first 100 days of Donald Trump's presidency, examining controversial policies and their impact on governance. Joshua Spencer, News editor in Asia, explores the Vietnamese diaspora's journey post-Saigon's fall, highlighting their influence on Vietnam's development. Anne Rowe, Obituaries editor, celebrates the inspiring life of busker Alice Tan Ridley, showcasing how her music transformed the mundane subway experience into moments of joy.
28 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 21min
The Carney army: Canada unites against Trump
Hal Hodson, America's editor, discusses how Donald Trump's presidency has shaped Canadian politics, helping the Liberal Party under Mark Carney secure a significant victory. They delve into the economic challenges Canada faces while leveraging intra-provincial trade to negotiate with the U.S. They also explore Japan's evolving workforce, focusing on the rise of job hopping among younger generations, and Volkswagen's unexpected success with its currywurst, which is outpacing car sales despite challenges in the auto industry.
40 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 21min
Modi behaviour: will India retaliate against Pakistan?
In this discussion, Jeremy Page, Asia diplomatic editor, and Kerryon Richmond-Jones, international economics correspondent, delve into the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. They analyze Prime Minister Modi's potential military responses and the precarious diplomatic landscape. The conversation also touches on the surprising relevance of cassette tapes in our digital age, revealing unexpected intersections between commerce, faith, and technology.
13 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 26min
Carney score: last days of Canada’s campaign
Sarah Larniuk, Audio correspondent for The Economist, dives into the complexities of Canada's political landscape as it navigates a pivotal election. She discusses rising voter engagement and local issues like housing affordability amid growing political polarization. Larniuk also highlights America's strategic considerations in shipbuilding to counter China's naval power, while reflecting on the historical context of political communication and the aftermath of WWII. This blend of contemporary politics and historical insight offers a riveting glimpse into global dynamics.
28 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 23min
Fed man walking? Trump v Powell
Simon Rabinovich, the U.S. economics editor at The Economist, dives into the tumultuous relationship between Jerome Powell and Donald Trump. He discusses the Fed's precarious position amidst political shifts, especially concerning interest rates. The conversation shifts to remote work preferences, revealing demographic insights and its lasting effects post-pandemic. Finally, Rabinovich unpacks the environmental paradox of electric vehicles, emphasizing that while they reduce tailpipe emissions, they still pose air quality challenges from other pollution sources.
18 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 23min
Division multiplication: the UAE’s foreign meddling
Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, and Moeka Iida, a Japan analyst for The Economist, delve into the UAE's enigmatic foreign policy, revealing its dual role as both mediator and supporter of regional militias, complicating its diplomatic image. They also discuss Japan's recent rice crisis, spotlighting farmer protests for better working conditions amid rising prices and climate issues. The conversation touches on the broader implications for food security and the delicate balance between government intervention and free market efficiency.
Apr 22, 2025 • 21min
Cardinals in: choosing the next pope
Join John Hooper, The Economist's Italy and Vatican correspondent, and Sarah Burke, the Bureau Chief in Mexico City, as they delve into weighty issues. They discuss the upcoming conclave to choose the next pope, exploring the ideological divides among cardinals and the challenges the new leader will face. The conversation shifts to Mexico's crisis of disappearances, revealing a grim reality exacerbated by criminal gangs. Lastly, they touch on the surprising success of the Minecraft movie, which incited rowdy audience behavior and raised questions about future video game films.
31 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 20min
A man of the people: Pope Francis has died
Anne Rowe, the Obituaries editor at The Economist, reflects on the transformative legacy of Pope Francis, emphasizing his humble leadership and compassion for the marginalized. Avantika Chilkoti, a Global business correspondent, discusses the booming trend of high-protein snacks, driven partly by weight-loss medications. They also delve into employee management tactics like 'quiet firing' and the controversial 'pay to quit' schemes, exploring their implications for workplace dynamics and engagement.
25 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 24min
Gene genies: CRISPR’s critical moment
Emily Steinmark, a writer for The Economist's technology quarterly, and Leo Marani, the Asia correspondent based in Mumbai, delve into the transformative potential of CRISPR technology in medicine and agriculture. They discuss the challenges and regulatory hurdles that accompany this Nobel-winning innovation. The conversation shifts to Asia's surging gold demand, particularly in India, exploring the cultural and economic factors behind it. Lastly, they touch on the alarming trend of New Zealanders emigrating due to economic dissatisfaction.
37 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 25min
Trump’s fickle, Xi’s pickle: the dynamic driving US-China tensions
David Rennie, the Geopolitics editor at The Economist, John Fasman, a senior culture correspondent, and Hannah Vioke, a migration writer, discuss the contrasting negotiation styles of Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, revealing the complexities of US-China tensions. They delve into the tragic crisis of migrant deaths in Spain, uncovering the strain on morgues and affected families. Also, they explore the unexpected revival of pinball, celebrating its nostalgic charm while highlighting its growth as a competitive sport. Insights abound in this engaging conversation.
