The Intelligence from The Economist
The Economist
Join Jason Palmer and Rosie Blau for noise-cancelling news and analysis from The Economist's global network of correspondents. Every weekday this award-winning podcast picks three stories shaping your world—the big shifts in politics, business and culture, plus things you never knew you needed to know. On Saturdays, download The Weekend Intelligence to dive deep into a single story, vividly told. 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 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.
Sep 2, 2022 • 24min
No quiet on any front: Ethiopia’s clash of conflicts
Tom Gardner, Horn of Africa correspondent, shares insights on the resurgence of violence in Ethiopia's Tigray region, deepening the humanitarian crisis. Jeremy Page, Asia diplomatic editor, discusses the challenges stemming from China's Belt and Road Initiative, revealing the implications of rising debts for developing countries. Anne Rowe, Obituaries editor, reflects on Issey Miyake's philosophy of inclusive fashion, intertwined with his personal journey from Hiroshima to becoming a global icon.
Sep 1, 2022 • 25min
Ready, steady, slow: Ukraine’s bid for Kherson
Oliver Carroll, The Economist's Ukraine correspondent, sheds light on Ukraine's strategic counteroffensive in Kherson, emphasizing careful military tactics and the challenges of troop morale. Alice Fullwood, Wall Street correspondent, dives into the cashless payment revolution, discussing the implications of interchange fees and the rising dominance of Visa and Mastercard. The podcast also touches on the controversial extraction of horseshoe crab blood for biomedical use, highlighting sustainability issues and the quest for synthetic alternatives.
Aug 31, 2022 • 26min
Iron Curtain call: Mikhail Gorbachev
Join Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor for The Economist, who shares insights from his interviews with Mikhail Gorbachev. He discusses Gorbachev's complex legacy as both a reformer and traitor in today’s Russia. Simon Wright provides a deep dive into the electric vehicle market’s hurdles, revealing potential supply chain issues that could stunt growth. Fiametta Rocco takes listeners on a journey through Neville's monumental sculpture 'City', showcasing how art can transform landscapes and perceptions.
Aug 30, 2022 • 23min
Home truths: a global property wobble
Vinjera Makandawire, The Economist’s global property correspondent, shares insights on the fading pandemic property trends and the instability of housing markets worldwide, while offering predictions for the future amid rising interest rates. Shashank Joshi, an expert on military affairs, discusses the complexities of urban warfare, emphasizing the logistical challenges and dangers of modern conflicts in cities like Mariupol. Plus, a lighthearted dive into the evolving grammar of 'data' adds a twist to the discussion.
Aug 29, 2022 • 25min
The third horseman: famine stalks Somalia
In this illuminating discussion, Adrian Blomfield, The Economist's East Africa correspondent, sheds light on the looming famine in Somalia, driven by drought, skyrocketing food prices, and decades of conflict. Personal stories reveal the gut-wrenching choices families face amid the crisis. Meanwhile, Tom Wainwright, the tech and media editor, explores the intense rivalry between traditional Hollywood and streaming platforms, highlighting the financial stakes behind blockbuster releases and the shift in focus towards profitability over mere subscriber counts.
Aug 26, 2022 • 24min
Them that’s got shall have: student-debt relief
Idris Kaloun, an economist and Washington bureau chief, offers deep insights into the U.S. student debt relief debate, examining its political motivations and controversial implications. He critiques the policy's failure to address rising education costs. Meanwhile, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, a correspondent in Nigeria, sheds light on the al-Majiri system, revealing the harsh realities faced by young boys forced into street begging for survival. Their discussions highlight pressing educational challenges, cultural impacts, and the complex dynamics of student debt globally.
Aug 25, 2022 • 23min
Cell-by date: Malaysia’s ex-PM is jailed
John Bleasdale, film critic for The Economist, discusses the recent sentencing of Malaysia's former Prime Minister Najib Razak for his role in the 1MDB scandal and its implications for the political landscape. He also delves into the legal challenges surrounding animal welfare reforms in Massachusetts, highlighting the clash between public demand for humane practices and institutional resistance. Finally, Bleasdale reviews the film 'Prey,' exploring its themes of empowerment and cultural identity, showcasing a fresh approach to sci-fi narratives.
Aug 24, 2022 • 26min
Putin on the fritz: Six months of war in Ukraine
Kinley Salmon, Africa correspondent for The Economist, shares insights on the tumultuous landscape of Ukraine six months into the war, emphasizing Russia's strategic failures and Ukraine's resilience. He discusses the shifting dynamics in the region, highlighting Angola's competitive presidential elections and the rising opposition. With economic challenges intensifying discontent among the youth, the implications for stability in Angola are profound. The conversation also touches on the vibrant, yet financially strained, Edinburgh Festival Fringe as it marks its 75th anniversary.
Aug 23, 2022 • 26min
How the father figures: a mysterious Moscow killing
In this episode, Edward Carr, Deputy Editor at The Economist, dissects the assassination of Darya Dugina, a prominent figure in Russian nationalism, exploring its implications and the swirl of conspiracy theories surrounding her murder. Lane Green, a language expert and correspondent, sheds light on the survival of minority languages, highlighting how some thrive while others fade away. They also discuss the complex landscape of LGBTQ+ rights in Singapore, including recent legal changes and the push for equality amidst conservative pushback.
