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
4 snips
Jan 4, 2023 • 27min
We need to balk about Kevin: Congress opens in chaos
Alexandra Suich-Bass, a senior correspondent at The Economist, sheds light on the surge of catalytic converter thefts, linking it to rising precious metal prices. Dominic Ziegler discusses China’s massive fishing fleet and its damaging impact on local waters in West Africa, spotlighting the urgent need for better regulations. John Priddo dives into the chaos in U.S. Congress as Republicans struggle to elect a Speaker, revealing the internal tensions and their potential implications for governance.
Jan 3, 2023 • 24min
Ill news, spreads apace: covid in China
Gabriel Crossley, The Economist's China correspondent, shares insights on the chaotic aftermath of China's COVID-19 policy shift, revealing a stark rise in cases and overwhelmed healthcare systems. Arthur Holland Michel discusses the rise of unmanned surface vessels in the Ukraine conflict, showcasing their strategic impact on naval warfare. The conversation also touches on the evolving nature of French branding, with companies navigating between national identity and global appeal amidst modern challenges.
Jan 2, 2023 • 26min
The dragon chasing: China and a new nuclear order
Anton LaGuardia, a diplomatic correspondent for The Economist, unpacks China's rapid expansion of its nuclear arsenal, now on par with the U.S. and Russia. He discusses the implications for a complex three-way deterrence landscape. The conversation also touches on the importance of diplomatic efforts to navigate rising tensions linked to Ukraine and Taiwan. Additionally, LaGuardia explores the creative revolution spurred by classic intellectual properties entering the public domain, as well as the surge of community and competition in the increasingly popular sport of axe throwing.
Dec 30, 2022 • 34min
In passing: the notable lives lost in 2022
Reflecting on the profound loss of Queen Elizabeth II, her enduring legacy of duty takes center stage. The podcast also dives into the contrasting legacies of leaders like Mikhail Gorbachev and Jiang Zemin, revealing their unique impacts on history. It highlights the emotional toll of Abe Shinzo's assassination and state funeral, incorporating diverse public reactions. The life of Pelé, the king of football, is celebrated along with the courage of musicians faced with adversity in war-torn regions, showcasing resilience through art.
Dec 29, 2022 • 21min
Best-of three: our country, books and games of the year
Join foreign editor Robert Guest as he reflects on the standout cultural moments of the year. He passionately discusses Ukraine's heroism and resilience, earning its title as 'Country of the Year.' The conversation shifts to insightful literary recommendations, including Ed Yong's exploration of animal perceptions and Percival Everett's sharp satire on racism. Finally, he reviews impactful video games like 'Elden Ring' and the innovative creativity seen in indie titles, showcasing the industry's dynamic evolution.
Dec 28, 2022 • 29min
Debasement all around: lessons from 16th-century inflation
Charlie McCann, Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist, dives into historical inflation's modern echoes. He draws parallels between 16th-century England's currency debasement and today’s economic challenges, revealing how societal unrest followed financial turmoil. McCann also shares insights on the Baduy people's struggle to maintain their traditions amidst modern pressures. Plus, he touches on quirky global dog breed trends, exploring how media influences popularity and ownership dynamics across countries.
7 snips
Dec 27, 2022 • 30min
Cattle lines are drawn: cows in India
Avantika Chilkoti, an international correspondent and expert on Indian politics, joins Simon Cox, a senior economics writer focused on population ethics, and Catherine Nixey, a Britain correspondent skilled in history and linguistics. They explore the complex relationship between cows and political narratives in India, highlighting the disconnect between reverence for these animals and their treatment. They also dive into population ethics and its implications for future generations, alongside a historical look at phrasebooks and their cultural significance.
Dec 26, 2022 • 28min
Land, sea and air: let us move you
Andrew Miller, The Economist's culture editor, delves into the cultural phenomenon and unexpected legacy of the film 'Titanic.' He draws parallels between the iconic movie and today's climate crisis, exploring humanity's tendency to dismiss urgent warnings. The discussion also touches on Saudi Arabia's economic transformation and the social disparities in transportation, particularly between urban and rural France, shedding light on how these issues influence community connections and societal tensions.
Dec 23, 2022 • 32min
An oily sheen: Nicolás Maduro in from the cold
Stephen Gibbs, a seasoned journalist covering Venezuela, and Henry Hitchings, a cultural commentator, dive into Nicolás Maduro's surprising resurgence in political favor amid shifting global dynamics. They discuss the implications of geopolitical changes and American sanctions on Maduro's legitimacy. The conversation also delves into the complex themes of Charles M. Schultz's Peanuts comic strip, highlighting its profound impact on audiences and the nostalgic magic of its music, particularly the beloved jazz of Vince Guaraldi that continues to resonate during the holiday season.
Dec 22, 2022 • 36min
A figure of speeches: Volodymyr Zelensky in his own words
Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, shares his journey of resilience during the war, revealing his evolving speech style and the impact of communication in uniting a nation. Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor for The Economist, engages him in a discussion about the emotional toll on Ukrainians and the significance of authenticity in leadership. They highlight Zelensky's Christmas message and emphasize the importance of maintaining a light tone amidst serious challenges, showcasing how words can foster hope and rally support during crises.
