Every weekday our global network of correspondents makes sense of the stories beneath the headlines. We bring you surprising trends and tales from around the world, current affairs, business and finance — as well as science and technology.
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This episode of The Intelligence covers European efforts to address the Ukraine crisis after a public dispute between Trump and Zelensky. It also discusses Mexico's attempts to stem the flow of fentanyl into the US, examining the challenges and limited success of these efforts. Finally, the episode commemorates Muhsin Hendricks, the first openly gay imam, highlighting his ministry and advocacy for LGBTQ+ Muslims.
This week European leaders have lined up to charm Donald Trump. But the broad smiles belie a bigger fear: what would it mean for the continent’s security if America forsakes its security guarantees ? What the pull-out of French forces will mean for Africa (10:56). And the Maha Kumbh Mela shows how piety became political in India (18:55). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how ...
As the baby-boom generation starts to die and economic growth slows many more people are getting rich from family wealth. Are we returning to the age of Jane Austen? The latest EIU Democracy Index reveals what a bumper election year did to country rankings (9:36). And our correspondent takes an ice bath (16:40). 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 Podcas...
The first phase of Gaza’s ceasefire is near its end , but planning for the even more fraught second phase has hardly begun. What chance for near-term peace? We examine the harmful outcomes from the Trump administration’s slashing funding for America’s science institutions (9:45). And “I’m Still Here”, an Oscar-tipped film, confronts Brazilians with a dark past many had chosen to forget (18:35). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to acce...
The meeting between France’s and America’s presidents had a familiarly chummy feel. We ask whether Emmanuel Macron’s charm offensive might have changed Donald Trump’s mind on security matters. Norway’s stocks of wild salmon are in trouble—owing in part to their farmed brethren (9:42). And how the Michelin Guide is trying to maintain its tastemaking primacy (17:20). Additional audio courtesy of @eatingwithtod. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information ab...
Instead of needing three parties to cobble together a majority, the country’s two traditional main ones have the numbers . What to expect once the talks are done? Donald Trump claims America has supported Ukraine far more than Europe has; we comb through the data that prove him wrong (10:38). And a job opening for fans of pomp, circumstance and wearing tights (19:06). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, ple...
Europe must move boldly as the American-led world order shatters beneath it; we explain how. Many people view the freedom to work from home as a perk. Some academics reckon there should be, in effect, a tax on it (10:41). And we pay tribute to Pableaux Johnson , a New Orleans fixture who understood that supper was more about company than food (18:02). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQ...
Africa’s young are educated, ambitious side-hustlers. But they are hampered by their economies and dispirited by their politicians. How to harness their vast potential? America’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency is, in a real-world accounting , not actually budging the budget much (8:25). And why Germans take more days off sick than other Europeans do (15:48). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Pod...
The possibilities for an inevitable coalition government are a head-spinning colour wheel of party logos. We look at the most likely outcomes , and the smaller parties that may well play kingmakers. A series of scandals in Japan has propelled the country to a belated #MeToo crisis (10:35). And London’s once-abundant pie shops struggle with changing tastes and relocating clientele (16:53). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Eco...
We investigate China’s under-the-radar push to get other countries to change their official language on Taiwan’s independence. Would it make a difference in a bid to reunify by force? The case of a nurse jailed for killing babies exposes deep problems with British justice (10:10). And how top footballers get a smaller slice of their clubs’ take than they once did (17:35). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+,...
Backing away from European security guarantees and seeking mineral rights in Ukraine as recompense for military aid: at the Munich Security Conference the Trump administration made its convention-trashing, transactional nature clear . What Europe will or even can do is not so obvious. And a tribute to Donald Shoup , whose studies on keeping cars moving focused on where they parked (17:45). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Ec...
The American president and Indian prime minister have long been friends. But when the two met at the White House yesterday, they had many thorny issues to discuss, including trade and immigration. Why the skies are getting smaller –and more crowded (10:40). And “Saturday Night Live” at 50 (17:57). 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 vis...
During a 90-minute telephone conversation, the American and Russian presidents started negotiating a future for Ukraine. What will this mean for Europe? Our correspondent interviews a leader of the Rwandan-backed rebel group M23 in Goma, Congo (9:44). And how Bridget Jones changed cinema (and Chardonnay) (18:08). 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+, ...
In an interview with The Economist ahead of the Munich Security Conference, Ukraine’s president is pessimistic that Trump can end the conflict. How fish farming in West Africa could improve food security (11.57). And contemplating the holy hashtags of FaithTok (17:10). 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 Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our...
The winner of Germany’s upcoming election will also play a crucial role in Europe. The Economist’s editor-in-chief speaks to Friedrich Merz , the front-runner for chancellor, on the scale of the problems–and his rather cautious solutions. Taiwan faces Chinese infiltration of its armed forces (14:00). And are backpacks really becoming cool (23:10)? Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information ...
Some of the most frenetic innovation of Ukraine’s war happens in the electromagnetic spectrum: detecting and denying signals to and from materiel. This invisible battle will play out elsewhere. Cycling is notorious for doping scandals, but the latest way to gain an edge will be hard to spot (7:40). And why speeches in Britain’s Parliament are getting shorter and less important (15:00). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economis...
How do you run a scam operation? Perks, recruitment, outsourcing and a monthly landscaping budget—this is Scam Inc. To listen to the full series, subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ . If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist , you have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in...
Who are the scammers? They aren't who you think. To listen to the full series, subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ . If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist , you have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
You wouldn’t fall for a scam—would you? A small town in Kansas is left reeling after one of its best and brightest gets sucked in. To listen to the full series, subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ . If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist , you have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo...
Our new podcast series is a shocking look at transnational organised crime : nearly as big as the illegal-drug trade and far more sophisticated than you might think. Beware. After a week that started with bold tariff moves by the Trump administration, what can be gleaned from how things progressed (09:20)? And a staid, ancient game gets a glitzy modern makeover (16:20). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, p...
We meet the opposition leader who is likely to be the next president. Cleaning up the domestic mess after an alleged coup would seem easy compared with his tasks on the international stage. Our correspondent reports on renewed violence in Colombia; again, or still, it is about cocaine (10:10). And remembering the ups and downs of Marianne Faithfull, a beloved British singer (17:40). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist...
A sophisticated, predatory, multi-billion dollar industry is emerging from the shadows. It already rivals the size of the illicit drug trade. And it’s about to get bigger and much more powerful. The Economist ’s Sue-Lin Wong follows a trail that starts with the collapse of a bank in rural Kansas to uncover a global, underground scam economy built around human trafficking, corruption and money laundering. Can it be stopped? Available now. To listen to the full series subscribe to Economist ...
The details President Donald Trump laid out for American ownership and redevelopment of the Gaza Strip took everyone by surprise—not least Israel’s prime minister. As improbable as it all is, though, it may play into Binyamin Netanyahu’s hands. As a second-world-war-era dispute reignites between Ukraine and Poland, Russia is the beneficiary (10:00). And the growing appetite for eye-wateringly pricey baby products (19:10). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more i...
From media-studies dropout to international jihadist to Syria’s ruler, Ahmed al-Sharaa has an unlikely résumé. He speaks with our editor-in-chief, sharing hopeful-sounding hints of his vision—but precious little detail. Japan’s economy has been hobbled by low inflation for years; is that now in the past (14.05)? And the lucrative media gigs of Britain’s lawmakers (21.30). Special thanks to Mamoon Alhidayat, our interpreter in Syria. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podca...
A sophisticated, predatory, multi-billion dollar industry is emerging from the shadows. It already rivals the size of the illicit drug trade. And it’s about to get bigger and much more powerful. The Economist ’s Sue-Lin Wong follows a trail that starts with the collapse of a bank in rural Kansas to uncover a global, underground scam economy built around human trafficking, corruption and money laundering. Can it be stopped? Available now. To listen to the full series subscribe to Economist ...
President Donald Trump followed through on his tariff threats, starting with Canada, Mexico and China. We look at the first skirmishes in what promises to be a painful trade war (10:30). A Concorde -style supersonic passenger jet could soon be flying again, if one company gets its way. And why standing ovations are no longe r a rare sight (16:40). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs pa...
The Mahabharata is one of India’s two great Hindu epics. It is thousands of years old and thousands of pages long. Over the past 75 years archaeologists in India have been searching for evidence that this mythological story might be based on true events. The Economist’s Leo Mirani travels to Delhi to unearth the story behind the story, and asks who gets to control the past? Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ ...
The fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria will reshape the wider region. Our correspondent says few countries have as much to gain from a stable Syria as Turkey . How will it use its leverage (09:25)? Donald Trump’s enthusiasm for cryptocurrencies will change America’s economy. And remembering Italian hermit Mauro Morandi (17:30). 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 Ec...
A sophisticated, predatory, multi-billion dollar industry is emerging from the shadows. It already rivals the size of the illicit drug trade. And it’s about to get bigger and much more powerful. The Economist ’s Sue-Lin Wong follows a trail that starts with the collapse of a bank in rural Kansas to uncover a global, underground scam economy built around human trafficking, corruption and money laundering. Can it be stopped? Available now. To listen to the full series subscribe to Economist ...
As some of Donald Trump’s most controversial choices for top jobs are questioned this week, our correspondent analyses how supine Republicans may be in his second term. Has the luxury business passed its peak (09:57)? And why scientists are finding new ways to deal with an invasive pest in Australia: the cane toad (16:55). 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 P...
