After weeks of negotiations , Hamas has agreed to release some hostages. In exchange, there will be a four-day pause in fighting. But then what? Americans really love their cars and dependence on them is making the country fairer (09:34). And what Netflix’s latest spin-off reveals about the changing trends in TV (15:56). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. 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...
Nov 22, 2023•22 min
It is still unclear why the board of OpenAI fired him last week, but hundreds of staff are revolting anyway. The debacle reveals a sizeable rift between the tech companies at the forefront of AI development. Canadians typically consider themselves pro- immigration . Is the tide changing (10:45)? And the books you didn’t know were propaganda (18:49). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part o...
Nov 21, 2023•26 min
He is a self-proclaimed “anarcho-capitalist” and in a run-off, the people have entrusted this political firebrand to shake the country out of economic malaise. Will he deliver ? Hamas has an intricate network of tunnels under Gaza, but new tech could help Israel fight them (10:48). And what AI can glean from listening to the forests (19:03). Additional audio courtesy of Jörg Müller Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full ...
Nov 20, 2023•25 min
If the election were held tomorrow, Donald Trump would probably be the favourite to win . How should we be thinking about the race with a year to go? And how can the world outside of America prepare itself for the possibility of a second Trump term? John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon. They’re joined by Vanderbilt University’s John Sides and The Economist ’s Ed Carr. Checks and Balance will be recording a live show in Philadelphia later this month. Find out more and get ...
Nov 17, 2023•50 min
Were America’s presidential election to be held today, Donald Trump would probably win . We examine the winds shifting in his favour, and how the Biden campaign might tack against them. The town of Basildon best matches Britain’s national-average statistics—a mean reason to pay a visit (13:13). And remembering Vivian Silver , a Canadian-Israeli peace activist who died at the hands of Hamas (20:51). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, ...
Nov 17, 2023•29 min
There is little left, in terms of people or infrastructure, in the north of the strip. Our correspondent, embedded with the Israel Defence Forces, considers the humanitarian crisis growing in the south. Our film on American school shootings discovers the growing phenomenon of hoaxes known as “swatting” (11:49). And how, despite its ahistorical nature , “The Crown” will influence perceived history (19:28). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Econ...
Nov 16, 2023•28 min
In the European country with both the largest Jewish and largest Muslim populations, a rise in antisemitic acts brings particular perils; we examine them. Winemaking was always going to be hit hard by climate change. Our oenophile correspondent looks at how things are already changing—and it is not all bad news (08:52). And why India’s explosives industry is blowing up (16:04). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full acce...
Nov 15, 2023•22 min
Former prime minister David Cameron is back from the political wilderness—and his appointment as foreign secretary reveals much about the state of the ruling Conservative party. We ask how Israel has kept its airspace open during the conflict in Gaza, even as the threat of missiles has grown (10:11). And China’s long-suffering delivery drivers fight more quietly to improve their lot (17:04). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll ...
Nov 14, 2023•22 min
After a grinding and lethal eight-month battle, Ukraine’s forces retook the port city a year ago. Our correspondent visits, finding a populace both anxious and defiant . As with technological transformations that came before, the benefits of artificial intelligence will accrue disproportionately to the very stars who rail against it (10:22). And why New York is now safer —if you’re a bird (19:46). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, y...
Nov 13, 2023•27 min
Miscalculating the prowess of the People’s Liberation Army is dangerous. Overestimating it could cause unnecessary confrontation, but underestimating it is risky for Taiwan. We bring you some balance. Can descendants of slave traders be absolved of the sins of their ancestors (09:00)? And a tribute to a man who believed life is best lived dangerously (16:50). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+ If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist , you’ll have full access to all our shows...
Nov 10, 2023•24 min
President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act promised $370bn for green infrastructure and industry. It has spurred a surge in massive construction efforts such as battery plants and electric-vehicle factories. Our correspondent goes on a road trip, visiting small towns with big new projects under way and gauging the success of Mr Biden’s economic policy so far. Hosts: Alice Fulwood, Tom Lee-Devlin and Henry Tricks Runtime: 44 min This is a free episode of Money Talks. To listen every week, sign...
Nov 09, 2023•45 min
Economists have stopped waiting for interest rates to drop because it doesn’t seem to be coming. The upward pressure on long-term bond yields suggests that this situation could last for a while. How should the world adjust? Israel’s economy might be in good enough shape to withstand the next few months, but a longer war won’t come cheap (12:00). And, Jilly Cooper’s sexy new book (18:55). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+ If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist , you’ll have...
Nov 09, 2023•24 min
A high-profile money-laundering case in Singapore with links to Chinese gamblers has shed light on a broader web of organised crime across the region. As governments wake up to the problem, what are the odds of them getting it under control? Muhammad Dahlan , often tipped to be next leader of the Palestinians, sets out his post-war vision (09:32). And how to stop turmeric from killing people (18:00). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+ If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist ...
Nov 08, 2023•23 min
One month on from Hamas’ attack on Israel, we meet Najib Mikati . He is hoping to prevent Hizbullah from joining the conflict, and broader spillover into the rest of the Middle East. Can he? The American state of Ohio is voting on abortion rights today and opposition campaigners are hoping that their new tactics will work this time (11:30). And, how lying is compromising hiring (20:20). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+ If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist , you’ll have ...
Nov 07, 2023•27 min
Israeli troops are gearing up to enter Gaza city, bracing for the next round of urban warfare. Our correspondent spends some time with a brigade on the front-lines. How prepared are they for the task ahead? The pandemic is over, so why are consumers still staying home, alone, and withdrawing from social activities (09:16)? And, why Gen-Z isn’t the only group “ quiet quitting ” (17:40). Audio clip courtesy of Zaid Khan (@zaidleppelin). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+ If you’re alr...
Nov 06, 2023•23 min
In our second episode of The Weekend Intelligence, The Economist correspondents Catherine Brahic and Sacha Nauta tell a different story about fertility treatment . A story about the pain, the hope and the despair that is paid for a life to be created. And a personal story about two women, over five years, whose lives followed parallel tracks in their quest for a baby. Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+ If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist , you’ll have full access to all ...
Nov 04, 2023•49 min
From can-do-no-wrong wunderkind to one of the biggest fraudsters in the history of finance: we look at Sam Bankman-Fried’s fall and conviction , and what it has done to the wider cryptocurrency industry. The evident successes of IVF treatment mask many disappointments; how to improve both outcomes and accessibility (13:15)? And take note, y’all: generational change is affecting America’s southern accent (22:14). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+ If you’re already a subscriber to Th...
Nov 03, 2023•29 min
General Valery Zaluzhny concedes that five months of counter-offensive have not gained much—and can see from history why the impasse may be impassable. Paris is starting to nip at London’s heels in the battle for supremacy in the art world (10:27). And India’s influencers battle to teach the country’s youth about sex—because the government will not (17:16). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+ If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist , you’ll have full access to all our shows a...
Nov 02, 2023•22 min
Online and on-screen reactions to the conflict reflect a subtle but important shift in Western attitudes , driven by three related forces: technology, demography and ideology. Britain’s King Charles is visiting Kenya—and will have a harder time navigating historical tensions than his mother ever did (09:56). And sleeping less tight: Paris is not the only place bedbugs are on the rise (18:24). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+ If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist , you’ll...
Nov 01, 2023•24 min
As country after country in the Sahel has fallen prey to coups, President Macky Sall’s Senegal seemed an outpost of stability. Yet our correspondent finds him less than sanguine about democracy in the region. We sift through what little is known about “ the Phantom ”, the Hamas fighter behind the attacks in Israel (11:57). And eating steak frites gets political in France (19:47). Sign up for Economist Podcasts+ now and get 50% off your subscription with our offer that ends today . If you’re alre...
Oct 31, 2023•24 min
The long-anticipated invasion is not the expected blitzkrieg; we ask how a longer, more cautious war will be fought. Kemal Ataturk is still wildly popular a century after he founded modern Turkey—so instead of undoing his legacy, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is simply claiming it (10:57). And an ode to Canada’s “long dash”, a time-marking tradition that has now gone silent (21:15). Sign up for Economist Podcasts+ now and get 50% off your subscription with our limited-time offer. You will not b...
Oct 30, 2023•29 min
On foreign policy, trade and immigration, the Republican Party wants America to push the world away. This is a departure, but also a return to what the party used to believe . How did the Republican Party go from isolationism to internationalism and then back again? And what does that mean for America’s foreign policy ? John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon. They’re joined by Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, and The Economist ’s Edward Carr. Sign up for...
Oct 27, 2023•51 min
American airstrikes on Syrian bases linked to Iran are a reminder that Iran’s proxies lie behind many Middle East conflicts. But the ayatollahs’ angling for wider war in Gaza is a deeply dangerous game . We introduce you to our latest subscriber-only show, “ The Weekend Intelligence ”—our new home for storytelling (10:35). And why Britain is outlawing laughing gas (16:07). Sign up for Economist Podcasts+ now and get 50% off your subscription with our limited-time offer. If you’re already a subsc...
Oct 27, 2023•23 min
Last week, we spoke to the author Michael Lewis, who was embedded with Sam Bankman-Fried, as FTX, the crypto-trading empire he built, came crashing down amid allegations of fraud, which Mr Bankman-Fried denies. Mr Lewis credits Changpeng Zhao - the boss of Binance, a rival exchange - with bringing Mr Bankman-Fried to prominence. But CZ, as he’s known, may also have played a role in his downfall. This week, we speak to him about what the future holds for crypto. Hosts: Alice Fulwood, Mike Bird an...
Oct 26, 2023•44 min
With the accession of Mike Johnson as the lower chamber’s majority leader, Congress can at last get back to lawmaking—unless the leadership circus starts again. China’s banks may be loaded up with hidden bad loans ; the industry’s covid-era hangover could be about to intensify (09:29). And why so many films have become so very, very long (17:35). Sign up for Economist Podcasts+ now and get 50% off your subscription with our limited-time offer. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist , yo...
Oct 26, 2023•24 min
The Weekend Intelligence is a new podcast from the award-winning team at The Economist. It’s a space for our reporters and writers to take a break from the news cycle, to tell the stories that mean the most to them, and to broaden all of our horizons. Hosts Ore Ogunbiyi and Jason Palmer introduce one story to take you somewhere new every Saturday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 25, 2023•1 min
In the coming decades, electric vehicles will dominate the roads and renewables will provide energy to homes. But for the green transition to be successful, unprecedented amounts of energy storage is needed. Batteries will be used everywhere—from powering electric vehicles, to providing electricity when the sun doesn’t shine or the wind doesn’t blow. The current generation of batteries are lacking in capacity and are too reliant on rare metals , though. Many analysts worry about material shortag...
Oct 25, 2023•45 min
A network of captives’ families has sprung up to accomplish what Israel’s government has so far failed to do—and may yet emerge as a political force. Protecting rhinoceroses from poachers is an expensive business; we look at what has become a bear market for rhinos (12:37). And why a coin toss is not the even-odds proposition you might think it is (20:30). Sign up for Economist Podcasts+ now and get 50% off your subscription with our limited-time offer. If you’re already a subscriber to The Econ...
Oct 25, 2023•24 min
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, many have worried: is Taiwan next? China is giving Taiwan a terrifying choice: unify with China, or face war. People in Taiwan want neither of these. For this special four-part series, David Rennie, The Economist ’s Beijing bureau chief, and Alice Su, our senior China correspondent, ask whether Taiwan can preserve its freedoms and decide its own future . In this first episode, they explore how Taiwan’s divided and changing identity impacts how close Taiwanese ...
Oct 24, 2023•47 min
President Vladimir Putin has long had it in for Alexei Navalny, Russia’s principal opposition figure. But now his lawyers are in peril , too, and Mr Navalny’s privations in prison are ramping up. Gaza’s need for aid may be urgent but is not new—Israel’s economic stranglehold goes back years (10:24). And, introducing “ Boss Class ”, our new, subscriber-only podcast series on being a better manager (19:50). Sign up for Economist Podcasts+ now and get 50% off your subscription with our limited-time...
Oct 24, 2023•27 min
