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
Feb 21, 2022 • 24min
Trial run: genocide claims against Myanmar
Susanna Savage, South Asia correspondent for The Economist, dives into The Gambia's groundbreaking genocide case against Myanmar, uncovering the ongoing plight of the Rohingya people. She discusses the severe repercussions of the military coup and the dire conditions in refugee camps. Meanwhile, Matt Kaplan shares fascinating research about how noise pollution negatively affects plant health, exploring the surprising ways that plants react to urban stressors. Together, they shed light on crucial geopolitical issues and the silent struggles of nature.
Feb 18, 2022 • 26min
On the brinkmanship: a special episode on Ukraine and Russia
Ludwig Siegel, the European business editor of The Economist, dives deep into Russia's quest for digital independence. He discusses the country’s innovative 'tech stack', from chips to apps, as a means of self-isolation amidst heightened tensions. Siegel highlights the economic fallout of the conflict and the resilience of Ukraine, sharing poignant insights from a Ukrainian woman caught in the chaos. The conversation unpacks the implications of these developments on global geopolitics and technology.
Feb 17, 2022 • 22min
Sharpest tools, in a box: miniature vaccine factories
Hal Hodson, Technology correspondent for The Economist, dives into BioNTech's groundbreaking initiative to create mini vaccine factories in shipping containers, aiming to boost global vaccine equity. Meanwhile, James Frencham, Data correspondent, sheds light on the undeniable biases in Olympic judging, revealing significant statistical evidence that national affiliations influence judges' scores. Together, they discuss the implications of these innovations and biases on both health and sports, stirring a thought-provoking conversation.
Feb 16, 2022 • 22min
Judge, jury and executive: another power-grab in Tunisia
Greg Karlstrom, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, discusses Tunisia's political landscape, focusing on President Kais Saied's alarming consolidation of power and the public's surprising apathy. Meanwhile, Mike Reed explores Brazil's vibrant modern art scene, celebrating its historic roots while highlighting the ongoing cultural suppression under the current regime. Lastly, the duo reflects on the quirky yet critical battle for Bangkok's street food vendors as they navigate government evictions, showcasing the resilience of local culinary traditions in the face of adversity.
Feb 15, 2022 • 21min
Yen here before: Japan’s “new capitalism”
In this discussion, Noah Snyder, The Economist's Tokyo bureau chief, delves into Japan's economic growth and the challenges Prime Minister Kishida faces with his 'new capitalism' policies. Tim Judah offers insights into Bosnia's political instability, drawing parallels to the war-torn past and rising ethnic tensions. Meanwhile, Aaron Braun presents the quirky new law in Wyoming that allows harvesting roadkill, promoting community safety and culinary creativity. Together, they tackle serious issues with a surprising twist of humor.
Feb 14, 2022 • 22min
Not trucking around: Canada’s protests spread
Margaret Kadifa, a foreign affairs writer for The Economist, dives into Canada’s escalating protests, sparked by vaccine mandates and transforming into broader anti-government expressions. She examines the backlash against public health policies and its political ramifications. The discussion also ventures into Haiti's struggle, questioning the effectiveness of billions in foreign aid amidst rampant corruption and gang violence. The complexities of aid, governance, and civil unrest in Haiti offer a stark contrast to the Canadian situation.
Feb 11, 2022 • 24min
Withdrawal symptoms: Afghanistan goes hungry
Ben Farmer, a journalist focused on Afghanistan, provides a stark analysis of the humanitarian crisis, revealing desperate measures Afghans take to survive, including selling organs and children. Simon Willis discusses an innovative snow recycling method in response to the environmental challenges facing the Winter Olympics. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe reflects on the life of Lata Mangeshkar, highlighting her role in shaping modern Indian music. Together, these topics weave a narrative of crisis, innovation, and remembrance.
Feb 10, 2022 • 23min
Which way UP: India’s bellwether election
Max Rodenbeck, The Economist's South Asia bureau chief, dives into the critical Uttar Pradesh election, discussing its implications for Prime Minister Modi and his Hindu-national agenda. Meanwhile, Mathieu Favas, finance correspondent, sheds light on the complex sale of fossil fuel assets by oil majors to private equity, illustrating the tension between sustainability commitments and ongoing hydrocarbon operations. The conversation also touches on the troubling trends in global democracy, examining shifts that have relegated countries like Afghanistan to the bottom of the Democracy Index.
Feb 9, 2022 • 24min
The quiet man of Europe: Olaf Scholz
Benjamin Sutherland, a technology and defense writer for The Economist, discusses the often-overlooked German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his shift from invisibility to a proactive role in European diplomacy amid the Ukraine crisis. Sutherland delves into the vulnerabilities of military satellites and the groundbreaking potential of nuclear-powered spacecraft for enhanced defense. The conversation also touches on the transformative impact of AI in various sectors and the intersection of technology with contemporary art, as exemplified by the innovative Kaws exhibition.
Feb 8, 2022 • 23min
FAANGer danger: big tech takes a beating
Jan Petrovsky, The Economist's business editor, delves into the turbulent waters of the tech market, emphasizing how companies like Netflix and Meta face harsh scrutiny while others thrive. Nicholas Pelham sheds light on the shifting perceptions of Jews in the Arab world, revealing a surprising revival of Jewish life in unexpected places. Meanwhile, Shashank Joshi discusses how muddy terrain impacts military strategies in Ukraine, showcasing the historical and tactical challenges posed by the weather on the battlefield.
