

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

Dec 7, 2022 • 28min
Pastor present: Georgia’s Senate runoff
John Prudhoe, United States editor for The Economist, offers sharp insights into the significance of Reverend Raphael Warnock’s Senate win, showcasing its implications for national politics and the Republican Party's future. Zan Smiley, Editor at The Economist, dives into Algeria's turbulent political climate, highlighting citizens' despair amid corruption and economic instability. The conversation also touches on a significant AI breakthrough in the game Diplomacy, raising intriguing questions about the future of technology and negotiation.

14 snips
Dec 6, 2022 • 25min
Suspension of this belief? Iran’s morality police
Nicholas Pelham, Middle East correspondent, and David Rennie, Beijing bureau chief, dive into the evolving social landscape of Iran and China. They discuss the disbandment of Iran's morality police amid ongoing protests for women's rights and freedoms. Pelham highlights public defiance and the struggle for reform, while Rennie contrasts state-controlled media narratives in China with the reality of widespread unrest. They also explore the surprising influx of women into the funeral services industry and how it reflects broader societal changes.

Dec 5, 2022 • 23min
The for-sixty-dollar question: a cap on Russian oil
Rachana Shanbog, Deputy Business Affairs Editor at The Economist, discusses the implications of the $60 price cap on Russian oil, exploring potential production cuts and geopolitical tensions. Kinley Salmon, Africa Correspondent, highlights Senegal's acclaimed Generation Foot football academy and how it continues to nurture talent for future successes, despite the national team's recent World Cup exit. The conversation also touches on the peculiar challenges of sourcing everyday items like deodorant in New York City, bringing a quirky twist to current events.

Dec 2, 2022 • 27min
In sofa as I can recall: troubles for Cyril Ramaphosa
John McDermott, Chief Africa correspondent for The Economist, delves into the political crises faced by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, highlighting scandalous allegations that could threaten his presidency. Shaquille Hashim discusses Britain’s ambitious hydrogen economy plans, revealing the complexities and tradeoffs of decarbonization strategies. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe pays tribute to Jay Pasachoff, an expert on eclipses, celebrating his passion for astronomy and efforts to inspire future generations.

Dec 1, 2022 • 26min
Square dealing: Jiang Zemin dies
James Miles, a seasoned China writer at large for The Economist, shares insights on the influential legacy of Jiang Zemin, who managed to strengthen the Communist Party while liberalizing the economy. They delve into how Jiang's leadership contrasts with Xi Jinping's and its impact on current political dynamics in China. The conversation also touches on a promising Alzheimer's treatment that may change the future of care, alongside a look at the global cost of living trends, spotlighting New York as the priciest city.

Nov 30, 2022 • 28min
On the Horn’s dilemma: meeting Somalia’s president
The Horn of Africa’s resurgent jihadists of al-Shabab pose the biggest problem to Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. He tells us his plans—political, economic and principally ideological—to calm tensions. Western pilots have been training their Chinese counterparts, to widespread consternation. And looking back on the best footballers never to have appeared in a World Cup.For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer
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Nov 29, 2022 • 24min
The French connection: Macron’s state visit to America
Sophie Petters, the Paris bureau chief for The Economist, shares her expert insights on Emmanuel Macron's state visit to the U.S., highlighting the complex dynamics of US-France relations amidst geopolitical tensions. Ainsley Johnstone, a data journalist, reveals chilling predictions about the mortality toll from Europe’s energy crisis, potentially surpassing the human cost of the Ukraine war. The discussions also touch on the struggles of small businesses in Ghana, showcasing the broader economic challenges faced in sub-Saharan Africa.

Nov 28, 2022 • 25min
Patience zero: China’s remarkable unrest
Gabriel Crossley, The Economist's China correspondent, shares insights on the bold protests erupting across China, fueled by public discontent over strict zero-COVID policies. He examines a recent candlelit vigil that morphed into a call for political change. Katrine Breich, the Environment Editor, discusses the alarming impact of California's wildfires, highlighting how they overshadow the state’s environmental efforts and escalate carbon emissions. Both guests tackle pressing societal issues with depth and urgency.

Nov 25, 2022 • 29min
Forgoing a song: protest inside and beyond Iran
In this engaging discussion, Middle East correspondent Greg Karlstrom sheds light on the profound protests in Iran, ignited by Masa Amini's death, spotlighted by the national team’s silent stand during the World Cup. Senior economics writer Callum Williams warns of a looming global recession, emphasizing persistent inflation amidst rising market optimism. Meanwhile, Obituaries editor Anne Rowe reflects on Hebe de Bonafini, an emblem of resilience in Argentina’s human rights struggle, illustrating the intertwining of personal loss and collective activism.

Nov 24, 2022 • 26min
Scar from the madding crowd: Korea probes a tragedy
Andrew Knox, The Economist's Korea correspondent, unpacks the emotional aftermath of the Itaewon tragedy, revealing the political tensions surrounding accountability and emergency response failures. Simon Wright, industry editor, discusses the seismic shift in the automotive world towards software-centric vehicles, depicting cars as evolving multimedia platforms. The conversation touches on the challenges traditional manufacturers face against upstarts like Tesla and explores the potential of subscription models, transforming consumer expectations in the auto industry.