With Iran emboldened and America an ever more capricious security partner, Gulf countries face several post-war challenges. They should put their divides aside to tackle them. We dig one last time into our archive to chronicle American history , bringing our series up to the present day. And the mounting evidence that plants can “hear” . Guests and host: Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent Annie Crabill, senior digital editor Matt Kaplan, science correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The ...
Jun 30, 2026•24 min
For all the Trumpian chaos in Latin America, no other developing-world regional economy has done so well in the past year. We examine the Donroe dividend . The cost to make jollof rice, a staple dish in Nigeria and Ghana, is a window into the countries’ economies . And the BBC waves goodbye to its long-wave radio service. Guests and host: Cerian Richmond-Jones, international economics correspondent Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondent Bo Franklin, senior editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intellig...
Jun 29, 2026•17 min
Ukraine is intensifying cross-border attacks in a strategic and psychological effort to make ordinary Russians take notice of the war. We have been collecting reports from the ground on shifting attitudes as occupied Crimea comes under fire. Why the valuation of Elon Musk’s SpaceX affects us all. And celebrating the life of former Fed chair Alan Greenspan . Guests and host: Matt Steinglass, Europe editor Josh Roberts, capital markets correspondent Ann Wroe, obituaries editor Rosie Blau, co-host ...
Jun 26, 2026•28 min
Americans are becoming more anxious about how artificial intelligence will affect jobs, society and even human existence. Republican and Democrat voters are unusually united in their concerns. Divorce rates are rising in China and the Communist party cannot stop them. And the politics of air-conditioning in a scorching Europe. Guests and host: Robert Guest, Economist deputy editor Sarah Wu, China correspondent Lane Greene, senior digital editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The intelligence” Jason Pal...
Jun 25, 2026•21 min
When Alexis de Tocqueville visited America from France in 1831 he saw a new kind of society. Not just a country, but an idea that would change the world. His book “Democracy in America” was a big influence on later generations of writers and thinkers, including The Economist ’s US Editor John Prideaux. Now, 250 years after its birth, the vitality of that democracy is under question. In this series, John retraces the route Tocqueville took to find out how much of what inspired Tocqueville about A...
Jun 24, 2026•3 min
Our correspondent joins an embed in Lebanon , where Israel claims that Hizbullah’s continued strength justifies its campaign. If Israel’s goals diverge from America’s, how does this affect peace talks over the Iran conflict? The impact of the oncoming “ Godzilla" El Niño . And why Japan’s popular princess will never take the throne. Guests and host: Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent Catherine Brahic, environment editor Moeka Iida, East Asia correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligen...
Jun 24, 2026•22 min
When Alexis de Tocqueville visited America from France in 1831 he saw a new kind of society. Not just a country, but an idea that would change the world. His book “Democracy in America” was a big influence on later generations of writers and thinkers, including The Economist ’s US Editor John Prideaux. Now, 250 years after its birth, the vitality of that democracy is under question. In this series, John retraces the route Tocqueville took to find out how much of what inspired Tocqueville about A...
Jun 23, 2026•3 min
On June 23rd 2016, Britain voted to leave the European Union, triggering years of argument, lost economic opportunities and political malaise. Our correspondents look back on the seismic moment and its aftershocks. And, as Britain prepares to get its seventh prime minister in a decade, we ask how the government can look forward to new opportunities . Guests and host: Daniel Franklin, senior editor John Peet, associate editor Tom Carter, Britain economics correspondent Georgia Banjo, Britain corr...
Jun 23, 2026•29 min
When Alexis de Tocqueville visited America from France in 1831 he saw a new kind of society. Not just a country, but an idea that would change the world. His book “Democracy in America” was a big influence on later generations of writers and thinkers, including The Economist ’s US Editor John Prideaux. Now, 250 years after its birth, the vitality of that democracy is under question. In this series, John retraces the route Tocqueville took to find out how much of what inspired Tocqueville about A...
Jun 22, 2026•3 min
After winning a resounding victory for Britain’s Labour party two years ago, Sir Keir Starmer has announced his departure. As the country gets ready for its 7th prime minister in ten years, our correspondent asks if it has become ungovernable. A Trump-loving right winger wins Colombia’s presidency . And “ Toy Story 5 ” sets the toys against technology. Guests and host: Hugo Gye, Britain political editor Hal Hodson, Americas editor Alexandra Suich Bass, culture editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The ...
Jun 22, 2026•21 min
When Alexis de Tocqueville visited America from France in 1831 he saw a new kind of society. Not just a country, but an idea that would change the world. His book “Democracy in America” was a big influence on later generations of writers and thinkers, including The Economist ’s US Editor John Prideaux. Now, 250 years after its birth, the vitality of that democracy is under question. In this series, John retraces the route Tocqueville took to find out how much of what inspired Tocqueville about A...
Jun 21, 2026•3 min
When Alexis de Tocqueville visited America from France in 1831 he saw a new kind of society. Not just a country, but an idea that would change the world. His book “Democracy in America” was a big influence on later generations of writers and thinkers, including The Economist ’s US Editor John Prideaux. Now, 250 years after its birth, the vitality of that democracy is under question. In this series, John retraces the route Tocqueville took to find out how much of what inspired Tocqueville about A...
Jun 19, 2026•3 min
Andy Burnham won a by-election he needed in order to challenge Sir Keir Starmer, Britain’s prime minister. We look at the path ahead for him. The Iran deal seemingly promises a financial windfall for the country and its regime—one that its battered economy sorely needs . And the mythmaking of presidential libraries, as seen in the latest one: Barack Obama’s . Watch extended clips from Insider here . Guests and host: Hugo Gye, British political correspondent Fraser McIlwraith, foreign corresponde...
Jun 19, 2026•24 min
As expected, the new Federal Reserve chairman kept rates steady. More interesting were what he did and did not say. How will he handle inevitable pressure from President Donald Trump? After nearly disappearing altogether, Germany’s left-wing Die Linke party is roaring back —particularly among the young. And a selection of our readers’ examples of upward-management tips and tricks. Guests and host: Archie Hall, US economics editor Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chief Andrew Palmer, Bartleby columnist...
Jun 18, 2026•25 min
When Alexis de Tocqueville visited America from France in 1831 he saw a new kind of society. Not just a country, but an idea that would change the world. His book “Democracy in America” was a big influence on later generations of writers and thinkers, including The Economist ’s US Editor John Prideaux. Now, 250 years after its birth, the vitality of that democracy is under question. In this series, John retraces the route Tocqueville took to find out how much of what inspired Tocqueville about A...
Jun 17, 2026•3 min
Geopolitics has dominated this year’s G7 political meeting in Evian, France. Donald Trump offered scant detail on the Iran peace deal but leaders promised to boost support for Ukraine . Though prostitution in Japan has a long history, recent scandals have drawn it into the spotlight. And Britain’s Country Life magazine has a winning formula: ignore the news. Guests and host: Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief Moeka Iida, East Asia reporter Catherine Nixey, Britain correspondent Rosie Blau, host o...
Jun 17, 2026•23 min
When Alexis de Tocqueville visited America from France in 1831 he saw a new kind of society. Not just a country, but an idea that would change the world. His book “Democracy in America” was a big influence on later generations of writers and thinkers, including The Economist ’s US Editor John Prideaux. Now, 250 years after its birth, the vitality of that democracy is under question. In this series, John retraces the route Tocqueville took to find out how much of what inspired Tocqueville about A...
Jun 16, 2026•3 min
The World Cup may seem to be proof that the digital commons centralises a global audience. We find that entertainment is in fact fragmenting , with big implications for soft power. Our series examining America’s 250 years of history tackles the AIDS crisis and the war on terror . And mosquitoes may in fact be attracted to a gold-standard repellent. Guests and host: Tom Wainwright, media editor Annie Crabill, senior digital editor Matt Kaplan, science correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Int...
Jun 16, 2026•23 min
Despite exchanges of missiles and drones between Israel and Lebanon, the start of a deal was struck overnight. What exactly has been agreed, and will it hold? We examine the idea that part-nationalisation could be a way to share the coming onslaught of AI wealth. And our series on World Cup contenders concludes with a look at England’s side. Guests and host: Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent Alex Domash, economics correspondent Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent Rosie Blau, co-hos...
Jun 15, 2026•23 min
Tocqueville saw America’s faith in its own democracy as a vital force. But these days the majority of Americans think the country is headed in the wrong direction. Can a group of maximum security prisoners in Sing Sing offer a vision of how to get back on track? Guests and Hosts John Prideaux, The Economist ’s US Editor Sean Pica, executive director of Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison Jean Frantz, prisoner at Sing Sing Correctional Facility Topics Alexis de Tocqueville’s views on volun...
Jun 13, 2026•44 min
John Prideaux, The Economist ’s US Editor, embarks on a roadtrip to see how America’s democracy is faring in the era of Trump. His companion is a long-dead French aristocrat called Alexis De Tocqueville, author of arguably the best book ever written about America. When Tocqueville arrived in New York in 1831, it was a small, low-slung city where pigs roamed the streets. But he was able to see past that—to a vision of the future. Arriving in Manhattan today, John finds cause for concern, even amo...
Jun 13, 2026•51 min
An interview with Lee Jae Myung , South Korea’s president, a year into his role. Though he has stabilised a turbulent polity and overseen a stock market rally, the path ahead may be bumpy. Can India’s cockroach party become a powerful political movement? And celebrating the creator of “Persepolis”, Marjane Satrapi . Watch extended clips from Insider here Guests and host: Noah Sneider, East Asia bureau chief Tom Sasse, South Asia bureau chief Ann Wroe, obituaries editor Rosie Blau, host of “The I...
Jun 12, 2026•26 min
Tocqueville saw America’s faith in its own democracy as a vital force. But these days the majority of Americans think the country is headed in the wrong direction. Can a group of maximum security prisoners in Sing Sing offer a vision of how to get back on track? Guests and Hosts John Prideaux, The Economist ’s US Editor Sean Pica, executive director of Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison Jean Frantz, prisoner at Sing Sing Correctional Facility Topics Alexis de Tocqueville’s views on volun...
Jun 11, 2026•44 min•Season 1Ep. 2
John Prideaux, The Economist ’s US Editor, embarks on a roadtrip to see how America’s democracy is faring in the era of Trump. His companion is a long-dead French aristocrat called Alexis De Tocqueville, author of arguably the best book ever written about America. When Tocqueville arrived in New York in 1831, it was a small, low-slung city where pigs roamed the streets. But he was able to see past that—to a vision of the future. Arriving in Manhattan today, John finds cause for concern, even amo...
Jun 11, 2026•49 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Millions of people will tune in when the World Cup starts today. But demonstrators in Mexico, which hosts the first match, are using the international spectacle to draw attention to their causes. Commercial enterprises are on the cusp of making money in space: who will tax the heavens ? And Narendra Modi is unsettling India’s middle class. Guests and host: Hal Hodson, Americas editor Shera Avi-Yonah, business correspondent Leo Mirani, Ashoka columnist Rosie Blau, co-host of “The intelligence” Ja...
Jun 11, 2026•22 min
Nearly two centuries ago, a French aristocrat called Alexis De Tocqueville went on a trip around America and wrote up his findings in a book called Democracy in America . Many people still think it’s the most insightful thing ever written about the country. John Prideaux, The Economist ’s US Editor, is one of them. Tocqueville found Americans' faith in freedom and self-improvement exhilariting—he was the first foreigner to foresee how this new society would change the world. On America’s 250th b...
Jun 11, 2026•3 min
