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
Mar 17, 2023 • 25min
Felling through the cracks: rainforests in crisis
In this compelling discussion, Robert Guest, Deputy Editor at The Economist, examines the urgent need for rainforest preservation, emphasizing that its economic benefits far outweigh deforestation. He explores the lawlessness crippling conservation efforts in the Amazon and shares potential solutions for sustainable governance. Anne Rowe reflects on Nobel Prize winner Oe Kenzaburo's poignant life, intertwining his personal struggles with themes of resilience and the human condition. Together, they highlight the interconnectedness of environmental and personal narratives.
Mar 16, 2023 • 25min
Puts Bibi in the corner: Israel’s protests
Anshul Pfeffer, an expert on Israeli politics, dives into the ongoing protests against government reforms threatening the judiciary, revealing deep societal divides in Israel. Tom Wainwright, tech and media editor, discusses how AI impacts news media, especially in the context of debates over compensation from tech giants like Google. The conversation sheds light on the troubling implications for democracy in Israel and challenges in the British produce market, highlighting the precarious balance between food supply and economic pressures.
Mar 15, 2023 • 24min
One Tory building: Rishi Sunak’s mission
Matthew Hulhaus, a British political correspondent for The Economist, discusses Rishi Sunak's strategic efforts to revitalize his Tory party amid economic difficulties. He details Sunak's diplomatic engagements with global leaders and grapples with tough domestic issues like immigration. Oliver Carroll, a foreign correspondent, sheds light on the Kremlin's attempts to influence Russia's cultural spaces, revealing a complex landscape of resistance and conformity in the arts. Their insights provide a vivid picture of the political and cultural arenas shaping current events.
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.
