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
Aug 19, 2022 • 23min
Debtor luck next time? Meeting Sri Lanka’s new president
Leo Marani, Asia editor for The Economist, and John O'Sullivan, an economics writer for the publication, discuss pivotal changes in Sri Lanka following the presidential office protests. They analyze the new government's plans for economic recovery and international relations. Meanwhile, they explore Turkey's unexpected growth amidst rampant inflation, delving into President Erdogan's unconventional monetary policies. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of the British monarchy as Queen Elizabeth steps back, highlighting the rise of Prince Charles.
Aug 18, 2022 • 25min
Tax brakes: Britain’s PM contenders on the economy
Sumeya Keynes, The Economist's Britain economics editor, discusses the political maneuvers of UK PM contenders Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss amid a struggling economy. Tom Gardner highlights the humanitarian crisis in Tigray contrasted with government-led development in Addis Ababa, raising concerns about priorities during civil strife. Abby Bertics delves into the science of mental fatigue, exploring how cognitive effort drains our energy and the critical role of restorative sleep in recovery.
Aug 17, 2022 • 26min
The WY and the wherefore: Liz Cheney’s loss
David Adam, a science writer for The Economist, dives into the fallout from Liz Cheney's political defeat in Wyoming, revealing the shifting tides of the Republican Party under Trump's influence. They discuss the shaky foundations of nudge theory in behavioral science, highlighting recent critiques of its effectiveness. Additionally, Adam explores the UAE's controversial cloud seeding efforts, examining the challenges of water scarcity in the region amidst climate change. This conversation offers a blend of political analysis and scientific inquiry.
Aug 16, 2022 • 22min
Class action: Kenya gets a new president
Adrian Blomfield, East Africa correspondent for The Economist, dives into Kenya's recent presidential election and the surprising class-based voting patterns. He discusses William Ruto's victory and the potential for unity amidst public skepticism. Blomfield also addresses the challenges Ruto faces, including economic crises and the delicate balance between reform and authoritarianism. Additionally, he touches on rising drug crises in Mexico and the increasing trend of American travelers bringing guns onto flights, raising serious safety concerns.
Aug 15, 2022 • 23min
Poorer, hungrier, safer? Afghanistan one year on
Avantika Chilkoti, an international correspondent covering Afghanistan, and Arjun Ramani, a business and economics expert on tech and defense, dive into the current state of Afghanistan one year after the Taliban's return. They discuss the alarming regression of women’s rights and press freedom, juxtaposed with surprising rural stability. Ramani explores the burgeoning connection between Silicon Valley and the defense sector, revealing how tech is reshaping military capabilities in the face of geopolitical challenges.
Aug 12, 2022 • 26min
Crimea punishment: A Russian airfield in ruins
Shashank Joshi, Defense editor for The Economist, analyzes the recent attack on a Russian airfield in Crimea, discussing its implications for the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Vijay Vaitheeswaran, Global energy and climate innovation editor, explains the challenges posed by state-owned oil companies in the green-energy transition. The conversation also touches on cultural aspects, such as the significance of barbecue in America, illustrating its community spirit alongside pressing geopolitical and environmental issues.
Aug 11, 2022 • 24min
Teflon Don: Trump’s legal woes
In this discussion, James Bennett, a Lexington columnist, unpacks Donald Trump's tumultuous legal challenges, including a recent FBI raid and his strategic invocation of the Fifth Amendment. He highlights how these legal issues may paradoxically bolster Trump's political appeal among loyal supporters. Meanwhile, Tom Wainwright, Tech and Media Editor, delves into Apple's shift towards services to navigate a decline in iPhone revenue. The conversation lightens up with a quirky look at France's mustard shortage, blending culinary culture with geopolitical insights.
Aug 10, 2022 • 24min
Latin-ex Democrats: Republicans and Hispanic voters
Explore the intriguing dynamics of Hispanic voters and the Republican Party in Florida, where cultural values and economic concerns are reshaping political affiliations. Discover Britain’s pioneering drone superhighway, a bold venture aimed at revolutionizing commercial drone use. Additionally, meet a Thai dissident who channels her struggle against authoritarianism through pop music, gaining international recognition while navigating threats to her freedom. Dive into the evolving landscape of politics and activism!
Aug 9, 2022 • 23min
Strike repose: Hamas sits out Gaza violence
Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, discusses the surprising ceasefire dynamics in Gaza and why Hamas chose not to engage amidst recent violence. Vingeru Mkandawire, a business affairs writer, highlights Generation Z's demand for more flexibility and competitive salaries in the evolving job market. The conversation also touches on the influence of the pandemic on employment trends, and a reflective segment on the life and legacy of poet Philip Larkin, showcasing his unique poetic insights.
Aug 8, 2022 • 27min
Greenlighted: American climate legislation
Idris Kaloun, Washington bureau chief for The Economist, provides insights on the groundbreaking Inflation Reduction Act, marking a significant win for climate action in the U.S. Richard O'Callo, co-founder of Sango Capital, discusses the exciting surge of startups in Africa and the evolving venture capital landscape on the continent. They also touch on the intriguing research about the menstrual cycle's influence on female athletes, highlighting the importance of understanding these factors for improved training and performance.
