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 3, 2023 • 25min
Seed of doubt: venture capital tightens up
Guy Scriven, U.S. technology correspondent for The Economist, discusses the dramatic shift in venture capital from lavish investments to more strategic, profitable ones amid a tech slump. Ore Ogunbiyi, a British-Nigerian journalist, examines the aftermath of Nigeria's contentious presidential election, revealing deep public distrust fueled by claims of irregularities. Additionally, the surprising rise of chili crisp, a beloved Chinese condiment during the pandemic, highlights how food trends can capture cultural shifts.
Mar 2, 2023 • 23min
Losing the threads: Bangladesh
Dominic Ziegler, a columnist on Asian affairs, and Andrew Knox, The Economist's Korea correspondent, dive into Bangladesh's complex transformation over fifty years. They discuss how economic growth is threatened by rampant corruption and challenges in the garment industry. The conversation shifts to North Korea's funding of missile programs through illicit means like crypto scams. They also explore the legacy of BBC Monitoring, revealing its crucial historical role in information gathering and the impact of modern technology on media.
Mar 1, 2023 • 25min
The belt buckles up: China’s grand plan slims
Kerry Richmond-Jones, a finance and economics writer, and Mathieu Favas, finance correspondent, delve into China's evolving Belt and Road Initiative, which is now focusing on profitable projects rather than sprawling infrastructure. They discuss how recent global energy shifts force a balance between urgent decarbonization and financial viability. Additionally, the success of the TV show 'The Chosen' is explored, highlighting its unique storytelling and mass appeal across diverse audiences, reshaping cultural conversations around faith.
Feb 28, 2023 • 24min
Let’s remake a deal: Brexit and Northern Ireland (again)
John Peete, Brexit editor for The Economist, dives into the tumultuous saga of Brexit, focusing on the volatile trade status of Northern Ireland. He discusses a potential deal that could mend UK-EU relations and highlights the political complexities, particularly the challenges posed by the Democratic Unionist Party. Additionally, the conversation touches on the transformation of urban real estate post-COVID, as office spaces are repurposed into luxury homes. Lastly, the desolation of Bakhmut is examined, reflecting the grim realities of war in Ukraine.
Feb 27, 2023 • 28min
Has Obi won, can Obi? Nigeria’s elections
Ore Ogunbiyi, a dual British-Nigerian journalist, shares her first-time voting experience in Nigeria, highlighting the enthusiasm and hope among young voters for change. Meanwhile, Max Rodenbeck, The Economist’s Berlin bureau chief, discusses Germany's significant shift in defense policy since Olaf Scholz's stirring address, especially in response to the Ukraine conflict. The conversation touches on Nigeria's challenging electoral climate and Peter Obi's rise as a candidate, juxtaposed with the evolving dynamics of Germany's military commitments.
Feb 24, 2023 • 28min
A year of war: a Ukraine special
Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defense editor, dissects the unexpected resilience of Ukraine a year into war. Arkady Ostrovsky, the Russia editor, sheds light on the strain within Russian civil society post-invasion. Ukrainian Kate Buchoslavska shares her poignant journey returning to Kharkiv, revealing the war's deep emotional scars. The discussion captures military strategies, the exodus of educated Russians, and the indomitable spirit of those affected, painting a rich portrait of conflict and its aftermath.
7 snips
Feb 23, 2023 • 25min
The prices fight: conflicting views on inflation
Callum Williams, a Senior economics writer at The Economist and an expert in inflation, delves into the complexities of inflation management. He discusses the conflicting views between market optimism and central bankers' caution, emphasizing how persistent inflation pressures make forecasting challenging. The conversation also touches on the plight of Ukrainian refugees adjusting to life in Europe, highlighting integration difficulties. Lastly, they explore how technology is reshaping the traditional winter pastime of ice fishing in Minnesota.
Feb 22, 2023 • 26min
Fire and grim tone: Putin’s and Biden’s speeches
Edward Carr, a geopolitical affairs expert, analyzes the contrasting speeches of Biden and Putin on the war in Ukraine. He discusses how Biden's firm stance reflects a commitment to supporting Ukraine against authoritarianism. The conversation also touches on the personal narratives of a Chinese blogger revealing the complexities of China's stance, and testimonies from Ukrainians vlogging to counter misinformation. Additionally, young Japanese are seeking careers abroad, frustrated by local economic challenges, highlighting a shift in ambition and opportunity.
Feb 21, 2023 • 28min
The air of their ways: South Asia’s crippling pollution
Join Leo Marani, The Economist's South Asia correspondent, as he dives into the severe air pollution crisis gripping the region, where nine of the ten most polluted cities reside. Explore how urgent policy changes and international cooperation could turn the tide. Also featured are Charlie McCann, sharing a gripping escape story of two Russian men fleeing conscription, and Tamara Jolks-Bohr discussing the longevity secrets of the Seventh-day Adventist community and their healthy lifestyle. It's a captivating mix of desperation, hope, and health!
Feb 20, 2023 • 24min
What it is in aid of: Syria’s earthquake response
Greg Karlstrom, the Middle East correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on the insufficient aid following the earthquakes in Syria's war-torn northwest and the complex issues surrounding international sanctions. Meanwhile, Mike Bird, Asia business and finance editor, discusses the perilous downturn in South Korea's property market, triggered by rising interest rates and high household debt. Their insights reveal how geopolitical dynamics and financial challenges intertwine, affecting lives and investments.
