

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

Sep 16, 2022 • 25min
Minority report: the Rohingya, five years on
Charlie McCann, Southeast Asia correspondent, and Jeremy Page, Asia diplomatic editor, delve into the dire situation of the Rohingya five years after their exodus from Myanmar. They discuss the horrific living conditions of refugees in Bangladesh and the ongoing violence in Myanmar. The conversation also shifts to Central Asia's proposed railways, highlighting their potential to reduce reliance on Russia while bolstering ties with China. It's a compelling mix of humanitarian crisis and evolving trade dynamics that paints a stark picture of resilience and geopolitical shifts.

11 snips
Sep 15, 2022 • 26min
Xi sells sanctuary: a telling Putin meeting
David Rennie, Beijing bureau chief for The Economist, and Shashank Joshi, Defense editor, share insights on Xi Jinping's recent visit to Russia. They discuss the complexities of China-Russia relations, especially amid the Ukraine conflict, and potential strains on their alliance. The duo also delves into the resurgence of jihadist networks in Africa, exploring the evolving threats posed by al-Qaeda and ISIS. Additionally, a fascinating trend emerges as young South Koreans abandon urban life for farming, seeking new economic opportunities in the countryside.

Sep 14, 2022 • 25min
Cautiousness in the Caucasus: Azerbaijan and Armenia clash
Piotr Zalewski, The Economist's Turkey correspondent, and Greg Karlstrom, the Middle East correspondent, dive into the simmering conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, examining historical tensions and recent clashes fueled by Azerbaijan’s confidence amid a distracted Russia. They also discuss how rising oil prices impact Gulf states' spending, sparking debates on future investments versus social responsibility. Plus, explore the trend of virtual weddings in Lebanon as couples adapt to modern challenges. It's a fascinating blend of geopolitics and cultural evolution!

Sep 13, 2022 • 25min
Joule of denial: Russia’s energy games
Matt Steinglass, Deputy Europe Editor for The Economist, discusses the precarious energy situation in Europe as the looming threat of Russian gas supply cuts hangs over winter. He highlights strategies like subsidies and price caps that countries are implementing to combat rising costs. Avantika Chilkoti, an International correspondent, shares touching stories from Ukraine's surrogacy industry, focusing on the resilience of surrogate mothers amid conflict. Their experiences reveal the lasting impact of war on personal lives and industries.

Sep 12, 2022 • 27min
Russian rush-out: Ukraine’s stunning gains
Shashank Joshi, Defense editor at The Economist, analyzes Ukraine's unexpected military gains against Russia, highlighting the strategic implications of reclaimed territories. Tamara Jokes-Boer discusses the severe water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi, revealing the broader issues of infrastructure failures affecting many Americans. Alice Fullwood explores the resurgence of chartist methods in financial markets, illustrating how investors use technical indicators to navigate uncertainty. This engaging conversation weaves together pressing geopolitical, environmental, and economic themes.

Sep 9, 2022 • 20min
Beyond the call of duty: Britain’s queen dies
Miranda Mitra, a Senior Editor at The Economist, and Catherine Nixey, the Britain correspondent, delve into the profound implications of Queen Elizabeth II's death. They discuss her unparalleled reign and its impact on modern Britain, highlighting the nation's deep sense of grief. The conversation shifts to the transitional responsibilities facing King Charles III amid uncertainty. Personal tributes from the public are shared, reflecting on the queen's legacy and the monarchy’s future, including potential changes under Charles's leadership.

Sep 8, 2022 • 28min
Playing his Trump card: Bolsonaro and the election
In this insightful discussion, guests Sarah Maslin, Sao Paulo bureau chief for The Economist, and Mark Johnson, education correspondent, delve into the brewing political tensions in Brazil as Jair Bolsonaro faces a potential loss in the upcoming elections. Maslin reveals growing fears of unrest and coup attempts fueled by Bolsonaro's anti-democratic rhetoric. Meanwhile, Johnson tackles the debate on free school meals, exploring their crucial role as a social safety net in various countries, amidst a changing educational landscape.

Sep 7, 2022 • 27min
America’s next top model: predicting the midterm results
Shoshan Joshi, a Defense editor at The Economist, and Catherine Nixey, the Britain correspondent, dive into the complexities of the U.S. midterm elections. They showcase a predictive model that suggests Republicans could take the House while Democrats may keep the Senate, amid poll uncertainties. The conversation shifts to nuclear dynamics in South Asia, exploring historical developments and current tensions. Finally, they tackle the contentious debate over the Rosetta Stone's ownership, considering its significance in art restitution and national identity.

Sep 6, 2022 • 22min
Deed of Truss: Britain’s new leader
Andrew Palmer, The Economist's Britain editor, provides keen insight into Liz Truss's leadership transition, discussing her tax-slashing agenda and the pressing economic challenges facing Britain, including soaring energy costs. He also explores Japan's aging prison population and the necessary reforms to address their specific needs. Meanwhile, the conversation shifts to Ukraine, analyzing the strategic implications of anti-tank missile shortages in their defense against Russia, highlighting modern warfare dynamics.

Sep 5, 2022 • 25min
Cereal numbers: the fall in food prices
In this discussion, Mike Bird, Asia business and finance editor at The Economist, highlights the unexpected stability of global food prices, attributing it to resilient Russian wheat exports amidst the Ukraine crisis. Meanwhile, Slavea Chankova, health correspondent, tackles the alarming resurgence of polio in the West, stressing the urgent need for vaccination to protect vulnerable populations. They also delve into the chaotic landscape of viral food trends, focusing on the safety concerns surrounding the infamous 'Pink Sauce' and the challenges faced by cottage food producers.