This week Elon Musk announced the merger of two of his companies: SpaceX and xAI, which makes chatbots. Is the new firm viable? As migrant workers return home for lunar new year, the Chinese Communist Party tells migrant workers not to stay for too long. And our culture editor’s hot take on “ Heated Rivalry ”. 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+, ple...
Feb 06, 2026•23 min
The New START nuclear deal was signed in 2010 to restrict the number of strategic warheads and missiles America and Russia could amass. Will there be a new deal – and what will happen if not? How social media has helped fuel recruitment to cults . And our baldness correspondent bristles at some hairy questions. Listen back to " The Bomb ", our Babbage series on America's quest to modernise its nuclear arsenal. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technolo...
Feb 05, 2026•25 min
Peter Mandelson was a totem of Britain’s Labour party for decades. The newest Epstein files mark the end of his political career. What are the consequences for the country’s prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer? Ryanair is controversial and widely hated—yet strangely successful. And why so many animals engage in same-sex relationships . To get 15% off Economist Education’s new business writing and storytelling course, register with the code ECONWRITING-15. Listen to what matters most, from global po...
Feb 04, 2026•20 min
After months of speculation, Donald Trump has picked Kevin Warsh to run the Federal Reserve. Our correspondent explains what this means for America–and the world economy. What matters more in Thailand’s election : the will of the people or the power of the monarchy? And why Hong Kong’s humble tram network could help keep tourism on track. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to ac...
Feb 03, 2026•20 min
After Narendra Modi ’s setback in the 2024 Indian elections, many thought his star was falling. Our correspondent explains the surprising resurgence of popular support. Why pushing your child to specialise may not be the best way to nurture their genius . And what the departure of pandas from Japan says about the country’s relationship with China. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about ...
Feb 02, 2026•21 min
Can AI do my job? How should employees and bosses be using the technology right now? And how should all of us prepare for the future? Andrew Palmer returns for a third season of Boss Class. This time it’s all about AI. In the first episode, he starts introducing AI into his daily work routines, and receives a nasty shock. To listen to the full series, subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ . https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist , you have ful...
Jan 31, 2026•36 min
On the streets of Minneapolis, in polls and in the halls of Congress, disapproval of President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda is mounting. Democrats won a near-term battle on funding—for now—but a wider war awaits. Kim Jong Un, North Korea’s leader, appears to be positioning his daughter ever more visibly as his successor. And remembering Mark Tully , a veteran BBC correspondent in India. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access ...
Jan 30, 2026•27 min
A conversation about the potential and limits of AI agents with the co-founder of Sierra, an agentic customer-service company. Bret Taylor, who is also the chairman of OpenAI, tells Andrew Palmer about the imperfections of the technology, the competition between model-makers and vendors, and how he uses AI to manage. 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...
Jan 29, 2026•34 min
How should employees and bosses be using the technology right now? And how should all of us prepare for the future? Andrew Palmer returns for a third season of Boss Class. This time it’s all about AI. In the first episode, he starts introducing AI into his daily work routines, and receives a nasty shock. Guests Tom Blomfield, Partner at Y Combinator Ethan Mollick, Professor at Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania Ludwig Siegele, AI Editorial Lead, The Economist Ruth Berry, AI engineer, The...
Jan 29, 2026•35 min•Season 3Ep. 1
As the smoke of a murderous crackdown clears, Iranians have hardened into two camps. Moderates and reformists are out; a sense of looming civil war is in. As America nears its 250th birthday, we launch our series examining the highlights and low points of its history. And why the wild playground popularity of the song “ Sigma Boy ” is so worrisome. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs p...
Jan 29, 2026•22 min
Many of the continent’s populist-right leaders once saw President Donald Trump as an example-setting fellow traveller. But his actions and policies on Venezuela, Greenland and Canada have them pulling back . Dating apps from the West failed to make inroads in India; now the country has its own crop of them. And scientific spying in the jungle reveals where predators hunt. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+,...
Jan 28, 2026•19 min
The two men under investigation are in the army’s highest echelon, and are some of President Xi Jinping’s closest counsel. We examine the probable motives for a surprising purge . In Ukraine’s freezing capital thousands upon thousands of people suffer unpredictable cuts to electricity, heat, even water; we ask them how they cope. And why Strava is leading the fitness-app footrace . Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist ...
Jan 27, 2026•23 min
For the second time this month, federal agents in Minneapolis killed a citizen under disputed circumstances . We take a wider look at the immigration-enforcement effort and what, if anything, might limit it. OpenAI remains a generative-AI darling but it is burning through eye-watering amounts of money; 2026 may be its make-or-break year . And the effort to save Britain’s red squirrels . Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Econo...
Jan 26, 2026•26 min
AI is changing how we work. It's turning us all into managers. Be a good one. The Economist ’s management columnist, Andrew Palmer, takes on the bots in the third season of Boss Class. From cloning to coding, agents to entry-level jobs, he tackles the threat head on and figures out how to turn anxiety into opportunity. Along the way he meets bulls and bears and the people who can help you to master management in the age of AI. Full Season 3 out 29th January 2026. To listen to the full series, su...
Jan 25, 2026•2 min
AI is changing how we work. It's turning us all into managers. Be a good one. The Economist ’s management columnist, Andrew Palmer, takes on the bots in the third season of Boss Class. From cloning to coding, agents to entry-level jobs, he tackles the threat head on and figures out how to turn anxiety into opportunity. Along the way he meets bulls and bears and the people who can help you to master management in the age of AI. Full Season 3 out 29th January 2026. To listen to the full series, su...
Jan 24, 2026•2 min
Our Middle East correspondent reports from the largest holding camp for ISIS fighters in northern Syria , which government troops have just retaken from Kurdish control. What will happen to the inmates? Custom-made drugs are a medical milestone. And our obituaries editor remembers Cecilia Giménez , whose “Monkey Jesus” transformed the fortunes of a Spanish church. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more i...
Jan 23, 2026•27 min
AI is changing how we work. It's turning us all into managers. Be a good one. The Economist ’s management columnist, Andrew Palmer, takes on the bots in the third season of Boss Class. From cloning to coding, agents to entry-level jobs, he tackles the threat head on and figures out how to turn anxiety into opportunity. Along the way he meets bulls and bears and the people who can help you to master management in the age of AI. Full Season 3 out 29th January 2026. To listen, subscribe to Economis...
Jan 22, 2026•2 min
After an astonishing week, Donald Trump has said America will not take Greenland by force, nor put tariffs on those who oppose his acquisition plan. Our correspondent asks if America-Europe relations can ever be repaired. A deal to transfer TikTok to American ownership is due today––why is no one watching? And pop songs get gloomier. 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 ...
Jan 22, 2026•22 min
In recent days Syrian government troops have tried to retake territory held by the country’s Kurdish minority. Our correspondent reports from the region. Factions are fighting to control Vietnam’s Communist Party Congress : the winner will change Vietnam’s future. And are millennial fathers more hands-on than their crusty forbears? 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...
Jan 21, 2026•21 min
Japan’s prime minister Takaichi Sanae has called an election three months into her term. Can she capitalise on her popularity, or will her less-popular party be punished at the ballot box? Will a new treaty curb the destruction of the oceans ? And how fancy restaurants are responding to the age of Ozempic . 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...
Jan 20, 2026•24 min
Donald Trump has promised to impose a 10% tariff on eight countries, all NATO members, that oppose his plan to acquire Greenland . As the argument over the territory’s future continues, our correspondent analyses the fragile state of international relations. American megachurches are becoming more like businesses. And the rise of vodcasts : why audio is becoming video. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For m...
Jan 19, 2026•24 min
Reza Pahlavi, son of the shah deposed in the 1979 revolution, tells us he sees himself as the people’s choice to lead. We ask how that might work. Our correspondent reckons that, in a full accounting of buying versus renting a home, the smart choice has become clear . And our obituaries editor on Aldrich Ames , a prolific CIA double agent for Russia. To see much more of our interview with Reza Pahlavi, and deep analysis with our editors and correspondents on how he might fit into Iran’s future, ...
Jan 16, 2026•27 min
As Maria Corina Machado, Venezuela’s opposition leader, meets with President Donald Trump, we talk through our exclusive polling on what the country wants for its future. Childhood in the age of AI promises to be bespoke and personalised—and perhaps also lonely and atomised . And on America’s National Bagel Day, our correspondent explores the foodstuff’s murky history . Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, p...
Jan 15, 2026•21 min
More inflation numbers, more jabs by President Donald Trump at Jay Powell, the Federal Reserve chairman. We ask what the Fed is doing, should be doing and is being pressured to do . Six years after the official Brexit divorce, we count the costs and ask what making-up is now possible. And how self-help books reveal the anxieties of their times. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page ...
Jan 14, 2026•24 min
From Argentinian beef to German cars, a freshly inked deal between the EU and a bloc of South American countries should ease trade barriers—and is a sign of global trade’s topsy-turvy time. Foreigner-bashing is politically fashionable in Japan, but focuses on the wrong problems . And a look at Parkrun , a free weekly event that has unwittingly made many Britons healthier. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+,...
Jan 13, 2026•23 min
Each country fears an attack from the other: Iran may wish to distract from internal conflict, Israel to exploit it. In an interview with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu we explore perspectives on the war-gaming . As the first cohort of graduates weaned on generative AI enters the workforce, we examine a changing career ladder . And why European pension systems badly need reform . Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist...
Jan 12, 2026•27 min
Demonstrations are growing once again—but this time the message is notably different, and the regime has little means available to calm tensions. Where will it end? Our World Ahead series lays out what to expect this year in China’s dealings with Taiwan, Japan and beyond. And a tribute to Nino Loureiro , a pioneering fusion physicist slain by a former classmate. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please vi...
Jan 09, 2026•28 min
It had real dramatic elements: a (slow) chase scene, faked locations, a literal false flag, a daring helicopter descent. But what is the broader picture of America’s bid to disrupt the Venezuelan-oil network? And how will the expanding oil saga affect an already weakened regime in Cuba ? Also, we ask whether Hispanic football fans might avoid the World Cup in America. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, ple...
Jan 08, 2026•23 min
We return to the Los Angeles suburbs that were consumed by wildfires a year ago. The varying rebuilding efforts reveal divides in wealth, but also strains in California’s insurance industry. Never mind the AI job apocalypse, if it comes: the technology will create plenty of new roles , too. And why “ peak wine ” may be a good thing for sippers of the fine kind. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please vis...
Jan 07, 2026•24 min
The countries have a decades-long relationship—debt freely given in one direction and plenty of oil sold in the other. Yet America’s intervention has served as a reality check on China’s power in Venezuela and elsewhere. Our World Ahead series examines the risks to the American dollar as global reserve currency. And pricey handbags ain’t built like they used to be. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please...
Jan 06, 2026•20 min
