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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Gain a deeper understanding of China with Jeremy Page and Sarah Wu. The Economist ’s China correspondents report from across the country and the places it influences beyond its borders. Jiehao Chen joins the discussion from London. This award-winning podcast takes on everything from the CCP to EVs and from ageing to AI. Published every Tuesday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
For decades governments have found minimum-wage rises a politically expedient means of redistribution. But the onward economic distortions have at last become clear. Of course AI can write a faster cover letter — perhaps even a better one. But there are knock-on costs when everyone is doing it. And a look at Florida’s bold experiment in the free choice of unbundled education . Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podca...
It is telling and troubling that the annual climate talking-shop’s outcome did not even mention fossil fuels. We ask whether the COP process is still fit for purpose. Cryptocurrencies could be heading for an almighty fall : what would they take down with them? And the revealing vowels and diphthongs of whale communications . (Hear much more on animal communication in our series on “Babbage”: part 1 asks whether animals truly have language, and part 2 whether AI could translate it.) Additional au...
Britain’s home secretary Shabana Mahmood proposed a big shift in immigration policy this week. Our correspondent explains Labour’s reforms – and the reasoning behind them. Why military spy balloons are making a comeback. And celebrating historian Gillian Tindall , who illuminated ordinary lives to bring the past to life. 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...
Pentagon officials are meeting President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv to discuss a Russia-US peace proposal Ukraine had no part in writing. That merely adds pressure as a giant corruption crisis is already embroiling top officials. Fifty years on from the death of Franco , our correspondent assesses how much Spain has changed. And should you date your boss ? Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more informati...
Muhammad bin Salman’s first visit to the White House in seven years earned the Saudi crown prince new weapons, giant tech deals and a burnished reputation. Our correspondent explains Trump’s warm welcome. Why gay rights in Hong Kong are going backwards. And how snail farms help Britons dodge tax. 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 ...
Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s former prime minister, has been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity. The country is at a pivotal moment as it heads towards parliamentary elections next year. Donald Trump hopes tariffs will return furniture making to America. And why English speakers use their alphabet so oddly. 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...
This weekend, thousands of people protested in Mexico City about violent crime. But our correspondent notes that the government has had some success in confronting drug gangs and cutting homicides. Three years ago Japan’s former prime minister Abe Shinzo was assassinated. Now his killer is on trial . And celebrating the life of the bomb-disposal mastermind Peter Gurney . For “The Weekend Intelligence”, our Mexico bureau chief Sarah Birke recently visited the Mexican city of Culiacán, capital of ...
After two years of war, over 80% of the buildings in Gaza have been destroyed. Our correspondent assesses various plans for reconstruction . Do large lay-offs in American firms mean AI is coming for white-collar jobs ? And remembering James Watson , the controversial scientist who discovered the structure of DNA. 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+, ...
Last night Donald Trump finally managed to end the longest federal government shutdown in history. But, amid a new release of emails relating to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, the political storm continues. Why Airbnb is searching for new beds in new markets. And the amazing role of lead poisoning in humanity’s success. 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 Economi...
America has boycotted this week’s COP climate talks, but China has sent a giant delegation. The world’s biggest polluter is increasingly pivotal to tackling global warming . Why young protesters around the world brandish a pirate flag. And since sports leagues cannot stamp out pirate broadcasters , they are monetising their viewers. 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 E...
People are spurning marriage and any other kind of romantic relationship in record numbers. Our correspondents explore the non-dating market. The rise of AI companions could also have profound implications for society. And why tobacco companies are thriving. 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...
The BBC faces a deep crisis following the resignations of its director-general and head of news over alleged bias in a Donald Trump documentary, sparking wider debate on its funding and role in a polarized media landscape. Concurrently, harrowing testimonies from Ukrainian prisoners of war reveal systematic torture and ill-treatment by Russian forces, aimed at propaganda and breaking morale. The episode also celebrates Kanchha Sherpa, a member of the first Everest ascent, exploring his contributions, spiritual reverence for the mountain, and concerns about its commercialization.
Jordan Bardella, the leader of the National Rally party, has a stonking lead in voting-intention polls. His plans , our correspondent says, would put France on a collision course with the rest of Europe. We examine a new conservation-finance mechanism being trialled in the Democratic Republic of Congo. And reflecting on the life of Dick Cheney , a remarkably consequential American vice-president. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to ac...
Just as soon as President Donald Trump started applying sweeping tariffs on trading partners, legal challenges to them started piling up. We listen in on the Supreme Court proceedings that might end them . America’s gender gap in labour-force participation is growing for the first time; we ask why. And the “ dark patterns ” that nudge—or trick, or bully—online buyers. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, ple...
In the first electoral test of Donald Trump’s second term, Democrat supporters voted in a socialist mayor of New York and governors to New York and Virginia. What does this mean for next year’s midterms? Democracy in Turkey is being eviscerated . And the world may be becoming less grumpy . 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 pa...
As America sends its biggest naval hardware to the Caribbean, we ask whether the intent is more than mere sabre-rattling —and why the Trump administration has appetite for another foreign entanglement. Our correspondent sits down with Salman Rushdie to discuss his new book and the value of humour. And as AI-generated spreads, more of the lyrics get filthy . Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit o...
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have at last taken El Fasher, the capital of Darfur. Reported atrocities are sharply rising , in a chilling echo of what happened in the region two decades ago. Artificial intelligence is narrowing the information asymmetry between sellers and buyers, spelling an end to the “ rip-off economy ”. And why the literary genre of questionnaires is fading . Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Econ...
The podcast dissects the recent US-China trade truce, examining its agreed terms, outstanding issues, and the broader geopolitical tensions that persist despite the temporary ceasefire. It also explores the burgeoning industry of private military contractors, tracing their historical roots to modern, corporatized firms, and discussing the incentives and ethical dilemmas surrounding their use. Finally, the episode celebrates the 'golden age of horror,' analyzing its box office success, genre evolution, and psychological appeal for audiences.
Taxes upon taxes are just one of the reasons that both financial-industry hotshots and businesses are moving out of the Big Apple. We look at what that might cost the city. A snapshot of the drinks business reveals a subtle picture of who is drinking what, and where. And the Chinese rapper that is fast becoming a global household name. 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 ...
The podcast explores Europe's pivotal role in financing Ukraine's war effort, debating the use of 140 billion euros in seized Russian assets and the potential for common European debt. It also investigates new data suggesting AI's adoption is flattening junior-level hiring, particularly for mid-tier graduates. Finally, the episode examines the Henley & Partners passport index, revealing shifts in global power with Asian nations leading and the US/UK declining, prompting Americans to seek additional citizenships.
Ships of unknown origin or intent are flummoxing NATO forces on the high seas. Our correspondent visits the Latvian navy on the Virsaitis as it intercepts a mystery vessel. We examine China’s enormous gig economy and how 200m workers are turning precarious conditions to their advantage. And a new book explores what people talk about when they talk about antisemitism. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, plea...
Voters overwhelmingly backed the party of President Javier Milei, handing him a lifeline he was not expected to get. We ask how he can finish his vast project of economic change. Meanwhile Germany’s promised package of sweeping reforms is turning out to be lacklustre . And why many video games appear to be getting harder after years of popular-appeal ease. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit ou...
The Economist explores China's strategic use of rare earth export controls, highlighting its increasing dominance and leverage in the ongoing trade war with America. The episode also investigates the complex issue of screen time among the elderly, discussing both the anxieties around addiction and the significant benefits digital devices offer for connection and cognitive health. Finally, it celebrates the 200th anniversary of Johann Strauss II, tracing the waltz's transformation from a simple peasant dance to a global cultural phenomenon.
The government shutdown in America is now the second-longest on record. Yet there is no apparent urgency to end it, either from Republicans or Democrats. Why Ghana has escaped the jihadist violence of its neighbours in the Sahel. And bottled water is going upmarket. 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 ex...
America has been blowing up ships in foreign waters suspected of carrying drugs. That will do little to dent today’s narco-business , which is more inventive and adaptable than ever. Why business executives in China keep disappearing . And the jewels stolen in the brazen Louvre heist may never be found. 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...
Takaichi Sanae , Japan’s new prime minister, rode motorbikes and plays heavy-metal drums. Will her political ambitions be as bold? America, a nation of immigrants, is turning against new arrivals . Our correspondent explains the consequences. And a fast-growing chain of coffee shops creates a stir in Germany. 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+, plea...
Ten days into the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the truce remains tenuous. Today our correspondent speaks to people on the ground in Gaza about what they expect from the future. Why global cities are coming round to bikes again. And being left-handed may give you an advantage in certain sports. Photo courtesy of Omar Mahmood. 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...
John Bolton, a former Trump ally-turned-critic has been charged with mishandling classified information. That raises further fears that the justice department is being politicised. Why dropping a case against two people accused of spying for China has engulfed the British government. And celebrating Saul Zabar , whose deli delighted New Yorkers. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about ho...
When Giorgia Meloni was elected Italy’s prime minister, many people feared she would prove divisive and volatile. Instead, at a time when many other European governments have been in turmoil, her three years in office have been remarkably tranquil. Why German trains no longer run on time. And a very British battle: conker competitions . 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...
