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
Episodes
Mentioned books
25 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 24min
Gene genies: CRISPR’s critical moment
Emily Steinmark, a writer for The Economist's technology quarterly, and Leo Marani, the Asia correspondent based in Mumbai, delve into the transformative potential of CRISPR technology in medicine and agriculture. They discuss the challenges and regulatory hurdles that accompany this Nobel-winning innovation. The conversation shifts to Asia's surging gold demand, particularly in India, exploring the cultural and economic factors behind it. Lastly, they touch on the alarming trend of New Zealanders emigrating due to economic dissatisfaction.
37 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 25min
Trump’s fickle, Xi’s pickle: the dynamic driving US-China tensions
David Rennie, the Geopolitics editor at The Economist, John Fasman, a senior culture correspondent, and Hannah Vioke, a migration writer, discuss the contrasting negotiation styles of Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, revealing the complexities of US-China tensions. They delve into the tragic crisis of migrant deaths in Spain, uncovering the strain on morgues and affected families. Also, they explore the unexpected revival of pinball, celebrating its nostalgic charm while highlighting its growth as a competitive sport. Insights abound in this engaging conversation.
9 snips
Apr 16, 2025 • 22min
Cash and checks: Argentina’s next IMF loan
Kinley Salmon, the Latin America correspondent for The Economist, and Stanley Bignall, a Charlemagne columnist, dive into Argentina's ongoing saga with the IMF, analyzing potential reforms and the $20 billion loan's implications. They also discuss rising high-speed chases in Texas and how local police are navigating these dangerous situations. Additionally, the conversation shifts to Europe, where geopolitical tensions are prompting individuals to prepare for crises, echoing lessons from the Cold War.
32 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 24min
The buck stops here? The threats to dollar primacy
Henry Kerr, the Economics editor at The Economist, dives into the precarious status of the U.S. dollar as the world’s dominant currency. He discusses the rising bond yields and the growing mistrust among investors that could lead to a shift in reserve currencies. Additionally, Kerr highlights France's young far-right leader, Jordan Bardella, and the challenges in Hong Kong’s taxi industry amid efforts to revitalize tourism. These insights reveal a complex landscape of economic and political dynamics shaping global finance.
5 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 23min
Bloody Sunday: Russia’s strikes on Sumy
Tim Judah, a Special Correspondent for The Economist reporting from Ukraine, joins Christian Odendahl, the European Economics Editor, to discuss the devastating missile strikes on Sumy and the urgent need for peace amid escalating violence. They delve into the chilling aftermath of the attack, which tragically claimed 34 lives. Additionally, they highlight Europe's challenge in attracting scientific talent as researchers flee the U.S., and explore how historical shifts in Britain's consumer-price index reveal changing shopping habits over time.
39 snips
Apr 11, 2025 • 27min
The great brawl: China v America
This discussion features Don Weinland, a China business and finance editor, Tom Nuttall, the Chief Germany Correspondent, and Anne Rowe, Obituaries editor at The Economist. They dive into the escalating U.S.-China trade war and its global economic implications, analyzing tariffs and their effects on supply chains. The conversation shifts to Germany's political landscape, highlighting Friedrich Merz's new coalition government. Additionally, they reflect on the vital, yet overlooked, contributions of women at Bletchley Park during WWII.
14 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 21min
Art of the real: Trump bows to markets
Tom Standage, the Deputy Editor at The Economist, shares insights on the intriguing idea of building data centers in space. He discusses how this innovation could address energy efficiency and environmental concerns, utilizing new rocket tech and solar power. The conversation also emphasizes the relevance of 'The Great Gatsby' in today's society, linking its themes of ambition and wealth to current issues. Additionally, Standage analyzes the immediate impacts of Trump’s tariff pauses on global trade and market reactions, shedding light on complex international negotiations.
9 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 23min
Pulp friction: the trade war bites Apple
Join Henry Trix, US Technology Editor, and Owen Winter, a Data journalist, as they tackle pressing issues amid a global trade war affecting giants like Apple. They discuss how tariffs create challenges for Apple as it aims to diversify its production, potentially impacting consumer prices. The conversation also dives into softening class divides in Britain, supported by surprising social connections. Additionally, they examine the evolving identity of conservative women and their role in today’s political landscape.
6 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 25min
Economies of sail: migrant-smuggling entrepreneurs
In this engaging discussion, Joel Budd, the Social Affairs editor at The Economist, and data journalist Ainsley Johnston delve into the dark world of migrant smuggling. They reveal how these operations resemble small businesses, evolving to embrace technology amid increasing migration. The duo also tackles the urgency of environmental crises, particularly the raging wildfires in East Asia, linking them to climate change. Additionally, they discuss shifting American views on global alliances, reflecting changing political dynamics that impact international relations.
16 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 21min
Doomed traders: Trump’s tariff fallout
Rachna Shambhog, Business affairs editor at The Economist, and Tom Sass, Britain Public Policy Editor at The Economist, dive into the fallout from Trump's recent tariffs. They discuss the immediate chaos in stock markets and how businesses are reacting amid uncertainty. The conversation also touches on personalized diets and their controversial effectiveness in improving gut health. Plus, they explore the fascinating science behind seals and their unique ability to dive for long durations without breathing, revealing remarkable physiological adaptations.
