For five years the prospect of a criminal prosecution has loomed over Binyamin Netanyahu. Today he becomes the first Israeli prime minister to testify as a defendant. A shocking fraction of master’s degrees confer no financial benefit—and may even leave degree-holders worse off (10:43). And our staff share their picks for the best books of 2024 (16:58). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our F...
Dec 10, 2024•23 min
President Bashar al-Assad has been run out, his regime in tatters. As Syrians awaken to a new era, how can they put their broken country back together peacefully? Australia has passed a law that will ban under-16s from social media: a bold move , but a tricky one to implement (10:21). And how “Dungeons & Dragons” jumped from nerd culture to popular culture (19:38). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, pl...
Dec 09, 2024•26 min
Many thought a five-year timeline was too ambitious. But even as France’s politics falls apart, it has managed to put the cathedral back together with aplomb . As an election takes place in Ghana, its status as a leading light of African democracy is looking shaky (10:11). And remembering John Kinsel , among the last of the second world war’s Navajo code-talkers (17.44). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, ...
Dec 06, 2024•25 min
An alliance of the far right and the left has sacked Prime Minister Michel Barnier; out goes his budget and the government. Can President Emmanuel Macron find a stable path between the political extremes? We ask why employees seem so much more comfortable using generative artificial intelligence than their employers do (8:25). And Britain’s giant craft-gin industry hits headwinds (14:33). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Eco...
Dec 05, 2024•21 min
The country’s increasingly unpopular president, Yoon Suk Yeol, backed down six hours after his shocking move of imposing martial law. South Korea’s democracy has held firm —so far. Brazil’s gangsters have found a neat way to launder assets through the legal economy: by getting involved with politics (7:26). And the hefty computations going into the design of breeze-free badminton arenas (15:17). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to acc...
Dec 04, 2024•20 min
The country has been turning increasingly away from Europe and towards Russia—but a halt to EU-accession talks has sparked enormous demonstrations . Researchers know unequivocally that ultra-processed foods are bad for you; we look into the persistent question of why (10.26). And fatherhood in East Asia is undergoing a quiet revolution as gender roles shift (18.22). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, pleas...
Dec 03, 2024•24 min
The country’s civil war never ended—it became a fragile stalemate that fell out of the news. A surprise rebel advance reveals how the war’s international players are busy facing their own challenges. Our correspondent found it so difficult to disappear from the internet that she gave up (10:30). And who were the stockmarket winners as “Trump trades” fired up again (16:54)? Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+...
Dec 02, 2024•20 min
In an interview with Javier Milei , our correspondent probes how far the “anarcho-capitalist” president plans to push his promise to slash spending and reform the state. Can seaweed and other fibrous packaging replace plastic (11:51)? And remembering Celeste Caeiro , who named the carnation revolution in Portugal in 1974 (18:20). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Econ...
Nov 29, 2024•26 min
As civil war rages in the country , millions of people have been displaced and famine is widespread. Why won’t the warring parties join talks to end it? Accusations of assassination plots and an attempted coup swirl in Brazil (9:28). And why Chinese bubble tea shops are conquering your local shopping street (17:33). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts...
Nov 28, 2024•24 min
This morning, a deal halting fighting between Israel and Lebanon for 60 days came into effect. Our correspondent considers if that can hold, and what it means for Gaza. What do Northvolt’s financial troubles mean for European hopes to produce batteries for electric vehicles (10:06)? And why the French are realising that women can still be sexy at 60 (16:08). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more informa...
Nov 27, 2024•21 min
Donald Trump had been facing a swathe of lawsuits this year. Now he has won a second term in office, the cases against him are falling away. Why wellness trends may be contributing to iodine deficiency (8:02). And the secrets of elevator etiquette (13:58). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining h...
Nov 26, 2024•20 min
Gautam Adani is one of India’s richest men, whose fortunes are closely aligned to those of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. What will the political ramifications be of bribery charges against him? China’s property crisis has left a truly staggering number of new homes empty (9:01). And why Jordan Peterson is so contrarian, yet so popular (17:09). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how ...
Nov 25, 2024•23 min
Should people have the right to choose how they die? Though many Britons support the principle, a vote on assisted dying in the House of Commons may fail. Donald Trump reshaped the Supreme Court in his first term. His second act could be just as dramatic (09:30). And remembering figurative painter Frank Auerbach (18:10). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Pod...
Nov 22, 2024•26 min
What will the world’s richest man do in the White House? Our correspondent analyses the political and ideological role Elon Musk could play in Donald Trump’s second term. “Small things like these” may be fiction but it is based on grim historical truths in Ireland (9:30). And Chile is suffering a spate of salmon heists (15:22). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Econom...
Nov 21, 2024•22 min
Donald Trump tore up America’s nuclear deal with Iran in his first term. What will he do when he becomes president again? The pushy tactics China’s government uses to press women to have more children (10:24). And the sneaker wars get more competitive (18:06). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaini...
Nov 20, 2024•25 min
Trade ties between the two countries have been increasing for over a decade. The election of Donald Trump for a second term means the relationship could now become even closer. Going to space could harm human health (7:57). And why Britain has such miserable mobile-phone service (14:43). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page...
Nov 19, 2024•21 min
America feared that letting Ukraine use US weapons to attack far-off targets in Russia would escalate the conflict. Why has President Joe Biden finally changed his mind? Markets soared when Donald Trump was elected, but the longer-term impact of Trumponomics may be less positive (9:42). And why airships are back in our skies (18:12). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access ...
Nov 18, 2024•25 min
Donald Trump admires Vladimir Putin’s strongman style and has failed to condemn his invasion of Ukraine. So why do some people in Kyiv think Trump’s election is good news? African churches are springing up across the world (10:20). Our critic reviews “Gladiator II” . She is not entertained (17:38). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit ou...
Nov 15, 2024•25 min
China is enacting a rapid project of military modernisation . Though in some areas its forces are already stronger than America, that does not mean China is ready for war. Why luxury shoppers are no longer buying so much online (10:16). And remembering Balthazar Uscha, Ecuador’s last ice-miner (16:45). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visi...
Nov 14, 2024•24 min
A week after Donald Trump won a decisive victory in the presidential election, he is making appointments to his new White House. What do they tell us about his second term? Many European governments are turning against immigration but they still need agricultural migrants (10:29). And why place names in India are getting longer (18:20). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to acce...
Nov 13, 2024•25 min
At a time when Russia is making gains in Ukraine and Donald Trump has been re-elected as president, Europe needs strong leadership. Instead, Germany’s ruling coalition has collapsed. A study that hinted at racism among white doctors in America may have been flawed (9:18). And the wondrous revival of King’s Cross in London (17:23). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Eco...
Nov 12, 2024•24 min
Last time Donald Trump was president he pulled America out of the Paris climate agreement. What is on the agenda at COP29 , as world leaders meet after a second Trump victory? The future of cloud computing (9:40). And how the culture wars came for remembrance poppies (17:35). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch ou...
Nov 11, 2024•24 min
Donald Trump will inherit a tangle of conflicts in the Middle East; will he deliver on his promise to “stop the wars”? That will depend on who has his ear . Our correspondent says the way to better rehabilitate people in British prisons is to take some of them out (10:33). And our obituaries editor on the staggeringly productive career of Quincy Jones (19:15). Additional audio in this episode includes Quincy Jones, “Soul Bossa Nova” and “In Cold Blood”; Michael Jackson, “Billie Jean”, “Bad” and ...
Nov 08, 2024•27 min
The American presidential election delivered a mercifully quick and decisive outcome . Our data editor explains why such a tight-seeming race was likely to result in a clear-cut victory. As ADHD prevalence keeps climbing, the science suggests it should be treated not as a disorder but as a spectrum (11:33). And the Indian startups cashing in on a rise in religiosity (19:47). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcast...
Nov 07, 2024•24 min
In the end America got a swift and decisive call as to the next president: Donald Trump. We invite the hosts of “Checks and Balance”, our subscriber-only podcast on American politics, onto the show to discuss what we know so far—about the presidency , Congressional races and ballot initiatives . Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your acc...
Nov 06, 2024•23 min
John Prideaux, Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon are on today's edition of The Intelligence with their take on the election results so far. To listen, head to The Intelligence feed. Checks and Balance will be back on Friday with a full episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 06, 2024•29 sec
America and the world hold their proverbial breath for what has become a dead heat . Our special episode explains how the vote works and how the count will proceed. We ask what to watch for , how countries outside America view the potential outcomes, how the country’s largest swing county has prepared and whether it is worthwhile staying up all night. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQ...
Nov 05, 2024•27 min
Both campaigns have racked up air miles covering the swing states that will decide America’s knife-edge election. We take a measure of things one day before the vote. The Turkic states of central Asia once depended heavily on Russia; now they are banding together to counterbalance it (10.38). And the costs arising as canal-boat living booms in Britain (17.46). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visi...
Nov 04, 2024•24 min
Our series concludes with an examination of the state with the most electoral-college votes: Pennsylvania. It is practically a must-win for either candidate—and it is on a knife-edge. As more and more people become influencers, fame is becoming more fickle and the entire economics of influencers is shifting (10:43). And how Gen Z is resurrecting goth culture (17:25). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, plea...
Nov 01, 2024•24 min
Rachel Reeves’s first budget as chancellor of the exchequer saw the biggest tax rises in decades, as well as promises of high spending and investment. Our correspondent explains what the announcement means for Britain. How Hurricane Helene may affect the election in North Carolina , a month after the storm (10:58). And the most disgusting dish you can add a pickle to (16:53). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts...
Oct 31, 2024•22 min
