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
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 24, 2022 • 22min
Prime mover? Mario Draghi and the Italian presidency
John Hooper, The Economist's Italy and Vatican correspondent, dives into the turbulent political landscape of Italy as the presidential election looms, highlighting Mario Draghi's significant role and the implications of power shifts. Kinley Salmon, the Africa correspondent, discusses the struggles of resource-rich African nations like Sierra Leone, emphasizing the dire conditions faced by diamond miners and the broader economic challenges. The podcast also features a culinary renaissance, showcasing chefs celebrating Native American cuisine and its rich heritage.
Jan 21, 2022 • 20min
Unsustainable envelopment goals: China’s zero-covid fight
Simon Cox, China economics editor at The Economist, shares insights on China's stringent zero-COVID policies and their damaging effects on consumption and growth. He discusses the mounting pressures of the Omicron variant and its implications for upcoming events like the Winter Olympics. Joining him is Simon Speakman-Kordahl, who analyzes the remarkable rise of cycling in the Arab world, emphasizing its potential as a sustainable transport alternative amidst challenges in infrastructure and safety.
Jan 20, 2022 • 24min
Heavyweight-price fight: how to beat global inflation
Henry Kerb, Economics editor at The Economist, and Charlie McCann, Southeast Asia correspondent, delve into rising global inflation and its chaotic impact on economies, including the situation in Myanmar. They discuss how past U.S. economic policies have exacerbated current inflation issues and explore the political unrest in Myanmar after a military coup. McCann shares insights on the personal stories of defectors from the military, highlighting the risks they face and the weakening influence of the Tatmadaw amidst growing dissent.
Jan 19, 2022 • 23min
Drilling into the numbers: ExxonMobil
Join Vijay Vaithi Swaran, Global Energy and Climate Innovation Editor, and Sumaya Keynes, Britain's Economics Editor, as they dissect ExxonMobil's surprising shift towards net-zero emissions by 2050. They scrutinize motives behind these pledges, raising concerns of greenwashing. The conversation dives into the nuances of tipping culture, revealing its impact on behavior and economics. They also touch on the unique challenges elite athletes face regarding vaccination, spotlighting how their choices can sway public health and perceptions.
Jan 18, 2022 • 23min
Through deny of a needle: vaccine mandates
Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chief, shares insights on Austria's upcoming fines for the unvaccinated, exploring the motivations behind such measures and their effectiveness. Noah Snyder, Tokyo bureau chief, discusses Japan's innovative strategies for managing an aging population, emphasizing the importance of redefining old age. They also touch on the struggles of the Mormon Church with member retention abroad, highlighting the cultural challenges it faces within its expansion efforts.
Jan 17, 2022 • 23min
But who’s counting? Voting rights in America
Idris Kaloun, a Washington correspondent, and David Hambling, a science writer, delve into the urgent debate over voting rights in America amid rising concerns about voter suppression and electoral integrity. They explore the legislative battles ahead and the implications of gerrymandering and strict regulations. Additionally, they discuss groundbreaking research on earthquake prediction, highlighting how machine learning can enhance our understanding of seismic activity. The resilience of traditional Arab hammams is also examined, showing their cultural significance despite modern challenges.
Jan 14, 2022 • 23min
His royal minus: Prince Andrew
Catherine Nixey, Britain correspondent for The Economist, shares her insights on Prince Andrew's significant fall from grace, revealing the royal family's swift actions to distance themselves from his controversies. Kinley Salmon, Africa correspondent, discusses the political chaos in Mali, highlighting the impact of sanctions and the growing influence of Russia in the region. The conversation also touches on the evolution of eco-horror films, reflecting society's anxieties about the environment and humanity's role within it.
Jan 13, 2022 • 23min
In vino, veritas: Boris Johnson under fire
Avantia Chulcoti, an international correspondent for The Economist, delves into how religious institutions have adapted during the pandemic, selling assets and embracing online services to maintain community connections. Meanwhile, Daniel Knowles, the Midwest correspondent, highlights the alarming escalation of road rage incidents in America, including the tragic story of Sarah Nicole Morales. They discuss the contributing factors behind this surge, including urban stress and increased gun ownership, revealing a grim intersection of road rage and firearms.
Jan 12, 2022 • 22min
Not in the same class: America and schools
Dominic Ziegler, Senior Asia correspondent for The Economist, discusses the challenges faced by Philippine education during the pandemic and the unfulfilled promises of Rodrigo Duterte's presidency. He highlights the dire impact on children's learning compared to wealthier nations. Ziegler critiques Duterte's record on corruption and drug policy, revealing the gap between public support and actual reforms. Additionally, he explores the booming digital real estate market in the metaverse, shedding light on the parallels to traditional property investment.
Jan 11, 2022 • 22min
Talking out his asks: Putin’s NATO demands
Shoshan Joshi, The Economist's defense editor, and Ryan Avent, their trade and international economics editor, dive into the high-stakes diplomatic tensions surrounding Putin's demands on NATO. They assess the likelihood of a Ukrainian invasion and the ensuing security implications for Europe. The conversation also touches on innovative shifts in remote work post-pandemic and Cuba's intriguing underground garlic trade, revealing the cultural significance of garlic in a land facing food shortages. These topics blend geopolitics with everyday economic challenges.
