

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

Jun 24, 2022 • 26min
Shooting from the hip: The Supreme Court expands gun rights
Join Steve Mazey, the brilliant Supreme Court correspondent, as he provides insights on the recent pivotal ruling that expands gun rights across America. Hear from Olena Zelenska, Ukraine's First Lady, as she shares moving stories of resilience amid war. Plus, Gilad Amit dives into the intriguing and often humorous origins of the Black Death, sparking discussions on historical pandemics and their relevance today. This engaging blend of law, personal struggle, and history captivates listeners with urgent and thought-provoking topics.

Jun 23, 2022 • 22min
Pride and prejudice: China’s LGBT crackdown
Alice Su, Senior China correspondent at The Economist, sheds light on the troubling crackdown of LGBT rights in China, showcasing the stark contrast to global pride celebrations. She delves into the repression faced by the LGBTQ community, including the dangerous practices of conversion therapy and increased government censorship. Meanwhile, Rachel Dobbs discusses the unprecedented flooding in Bangladesh, highlighting the surprisingly low death toll and improvements in disaster management amidst ongoing climate challenges.

Jun 22, 2022 • 27min
Eastern encroaches: Ukraine’s losses in Donbas
Shoshan Choshy, Defense editor at The Economist, provides sharp insights on the current dynamics of the war in Ukraine, discussing the outgunned Ukrainian forces and the ongoing challenges they face against Russian advancements in Donbas. Mueka Ida reveals the surprising rise of CBD among Japan's elderly, exploring its appeal as a health alternative and how societal attitudes towards cannabis are gradually shifting. The discussions highlight profound themes of resilience, rehabilitation, and changing perceptions in war and health.

Jun 21, 2022 • 23min
Estranged bedfellows: Israel’s government collapses
Anshul Pfeffer, The Economist's Israel correspondent, dives into the turmoil of Israel's political landscape as the fragile coalition dissolves, prompting a fifth election in four years. He explores the complexities of governance, leadership rivalries, and the critical role of opposition leader Binyamin Netanyahu. The discussion sheds light on the historical context of this instability and its ramifications for both Israel and global relations. Additionally, the podcast touches on unique strategies cities are employing to attract new residents amidst economic shifts.

Jun 20, 2022 • 23min
Stuck in the middle with few: Macron’s parliamentary pasting
Sophie Petter, Paris bureau chief for The Economist, and Matthew Valencia, deputy business affairs editor, dive into Emmanuel Macron's recent parliamentary challenges after losing his majority. They dissect the shifting dynamics in French politics, revealing the rise of far-right and leftist coalitions. The conversation shifts to corporate espionage, highlighting a high-stakes trial involving tech rivals. Additionally, they explore the paradox of road death statistics potentially leading to more accidents, questioning their effectiveness in enhancing driver safety.

Jun 17, 2022 • 24min
Menace to democracy: The January 6th hearings
Idris Kaloun, The Economist's Washington correspondent, analyzes the alarming revelations from the January 6th hearings and the pressure on Mike Pence regarding the 2020 election aftermath. Tim Cross, the technology editor, engages in a thought-provoking discussion on AI's potential for sentience, questioning how we might recognize it if it occurs. They further examine the ineffectiveness of internet shutdowns to curb cheating in academia, highlighting the broader implications for democracy and education.

Jun 16, 2022 • 25min
Powell to the people: The Fed raises rates
Simon Rabinovich, U.S. economics editor, dives into the Federal Reserve's significant rate hike and its potential effects on inflation and recession. Shashank Joshi, defense editor, questions the obsolescence of tanks in modern warfare, highlighting vulnerabilities exposed by advanced anti-tank technology. Claire McHugh, culture writer, explores the powerful war anthems from Ukraine, showcasing their cultural significance and how they reflect the resilience of its musicians in the face of adversity.

Jun 15, 2022 • 23min
Planes have changed: Britain’s controversial asylum policy
Guests Joel Budd, Social Policy Editor, and Avantika Chukoti, International Correspondent, dive into the complexities of asylum policies and Afghanistan's economy. They discuss Britain's controversial plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, halted by the European Court of Human Rights. Budd highlights legal and moral objections while Chukoti reveals the Taliban’s surprising ability to collect taxes amidst a collapsing economy. Both emphasize the dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and the global challenges facing electric vehicle adoption.

Jun 14, 2022 • 23min
No magic bullet: a Congressional agreement on guns
Rosemary Ward, who covers Northeast America for The Economist, discusses the recent bipartisan efforts in Congress to address gun control after tragic mass shootings. Alok Jha, the science correspondent, dives into the exciting rethinking of what constitutes extraterrestrial life, emphasizing a broader definition beyond Earth. They also explore the surprising appeal of mundane simulation games like 'Power Wash Simulator', revealing how these seemingly boring experiences can provide players with a satisfying sense of accomplishment.

4 snips
Jun 13, 2022 • 21min
Nyet effects: Russia’s resilient economy
Dive into the surprising resilience of Russia's economy amid harsh sanctions and rising oil profits. Explore Miami’s evolution as a commercial powerhouse for Latin America, driven by immigration and political upheaval. Discover the intriguing concept of eco-bridges in France that aid wildlife navigation, though not a panacea for biodiversity crises. Each topic unveils complexities regarding culture, economics, and environmental conservation, painting a vivid picture of global challenges and resilient communities.