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
Dec 21, 2022 • 25min
Needs Musk? Tumult at Twitter
Elon Musk's potential exit from Twitter sparks discussions about the platform's chaotic culture and the ongoing free-speech debate. In Kenya, rising food prices highlight the grim reality of shrinkflation affecting daily life. Meanwhile, the enlistment of BTS member Kim Sook Jin sheds light on South Korea's mandatory military service, contrasting celebrity exemptions with the experiences of regular conscripts. As voices debate fairness in national duty, the importance of military service takes center stage, drawing unique parallels from history.
Dec 20, 2022 • 29min
Trump card marked: the January 6th investigation
James Bennett, a seasoned political commentator, dives into the January 6th Capitol riot and the complex legal battles facing Donald Trump. Rachel Dobbs shares insights from the recent UN biodiversity summit, highlighting a pivotal agreement aimed at protecting the planet. Lane Green adds flair by discussing the 2022 'word of the year,' 'goblin mode,' reflecting a cultural shift in response to global challenges. Together, they unravel the landscape of politics, environmental commitments, and the evolution of language.
Dec 19, 2022 • 26min
Under the missile flow: North Korea
Andrew Knox, The Economist's bureau chief, shares expert insights on North Korea's alarming missile advancements and their geopolitical fallout. Farah Chia discusses Indonesia's contentious new criminal code, revealing the social unrest sparked by its harsh regulations. Caitlin Talbot highlights Wales's booming leech and maggot industry, showcasing their surprising medical benefits. Together, they unravel the intricate ties between national policies and unexpected economic developments.
Dec 16, 2022 • 26min
More generals, less pacific: Japan’s new defence policy
Lena Shipper, the Economist South Asia Bureau chief, delves into India's rampant violence against women, sparked by the tragic 2012 Delhi case. She discusses societal attitudes and the challenges of reform, highlighting the inadequacies of the justice system. The conversation also touches on the complexities of domestic abuse, the stigma survivors face, and the traditional gender roles that compromise women's safety. Amidst these issues, Shipper notes the urgent need for change and reflects on recent progress in addressing these hurdles.
Dec 15, 2022 • 28min
No rest for the weary: meeting Ukraine’s high command
Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor for The Economist, shares insights from exclusive interviews with Ukrainian leaders, including President Volodymyr Zelensky. They discuss the high stakes of upcoming military strategies and the urgent need for support as winter looms. Meanwhile, Greg Karlstrom explores Morocco's remarkable World Cup journey, which sparked discussions about Arab identity and pride. In a lighter note, they touch on the cultural legacy of Jewish delis in America, reflecting on their significance and fading presence in contemporary society.
Dec 14, 2022 • 29min
Precious joules: a fusion-energy result
Join Alok Jha, science correspondent, as he delves into the recent breakthrough in nuclear fusion—a crucial step towards clean energy, though challenges remain. John Priddo discusses the Respect for Marriage Act, a significant win for same-sex marriage in America amid ongoing cultural debates. Hamza Jalani shines a light on the struggles of Darjeeling tea growers facing climate change and illegal trade, exploring the impact on this cherished industry. It’s a captivating mix of science, social progress, and agriculture!
39 snips
Dec 13, 2022 • 27min
Continental drift: Europe’s challenges
Henry Kerr, Economics editor for The Economist, unpacks Europe's immediate energy crisis and the looming impact of American policies on its green ambitions. Kinley Salmon, the West Africa correspondent, provides an eye-opening look at the cocoa industry in Ivory Coast, spotlighting the struggles of local farmers caught between welfare and market demands. Catherine Nixie, the Britain's correspondent, reveals the rich historical narratives embedded in London's street names, illustrating how they reflect societal values and the city’s evolving identity.
Dec 12, 2022 • 27min
Zero to sickly? China’s covid climbdown
James Miles, a seasoned China writer at large for The Economist, discusses the rapid dismantling of China’s strict COVID-19 measures, predicting a surge in infections and hospital cases as social interactions resume. Alexandra Sewitch Bass, Senior correspondent, highlights a winemaker's lawsuit against Napa County, revealing the regulatory challenges faced by local producers and the impact on California's wine industry. They also explore innovative solutions to protect vulnerable shark populations from fishing bycatch.
22 snips
Dec 9, 2022 • 25min
Second time as farce: Peru’s president falls
Mike Reed, The Economist's Bello columnist, shares insights on the dramatic fall of Peru's president, Pedro Castillo, highlighting his failed coup attempt and rapid arrest within just 16 months. Tamara Jokes-Boer, a U.S. policy correspondent, discusses the complexities surrounding e-cigarette policies, emphasizing their potential benefits and risks for public health. Their conversation also touches on the evolving culture in Kenya, reflected through the vibrant funerals of motorcycle taxi drivers, symbolizing broader societal changes.
Dec 8, 2022 • 25min
Like biding a Reich: Germany’s alleged coup plot
Wendelin von Bredoff, Senior Germany correspondent at The Economist, discusses a shocking coup plot by far-right extremists in Germany, revealing their bizarre ambitions to dissolve the republic. Meanwhile, Daniel Knowles, Midwest correspondent, highlights rising violence in Chicago, stemming from a shift in gang dynamics towards smaller, more chaotic groups. Both guests delve into the societal implications of these issues, presenting an alarming portrait of extremism and crime in contemporary society.
