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The episode delves into the growing disunity between the US and Israel regarding the goals of the conflict in Iran and Lebanon, examining the implications for Netanyahu. It also analyzes the surprising investment strategy of buying low-quality "junk stocks" amidst market uncertainty, especially with rising oil prices. Finally, the podcast pays tribute to the legendary clown master Philippe Gaulier, celebrating his unique teaching methods and profound impact on theatre and comedy.
The Economist's "The Intelligence" dissects Iran's formidable drone arsenal, highlighting the Shaheed type and discussing innovative defense tactics, especially drawing lessons from Ukraine's experience. It also explores India's surging data center market, driven by high data consumption and government incentives. Finally, the episode examines the rise of "competitive socializing" through giant board games and other immersive adult entertainment, reflecting broader trends in leisure and social bonding.
Overnight, the Pentagon said it “eliminated” 16 Iranian mine-laying ships, raising further jitters about the global impact of the war in Iran. Fifteen years after a tsunami caused the Fukushima nuclear disaster , Japan is restarting reactors. And our correspondent meets Jafar Panahi , the Iranian director whose film is nominated for two Oscars this weekend. Guests and host: Rachana Shanbhogue, business and finance editor Noah Sneider, East Asia bureau chief Andrew Miller, “Back Story” columnist ...
The episode explores the volatile oil markets following Trump's shifting statements on the Iran conflict, analyzing market reactions and the complex trade-offs between US war aims and stable oil prices. It then examines China's surprisingly muted response to the Middle East crisis, revealing its pragmatic, non-interventionist foreign policy and potential strategic benefits from US distraction. Finally, it pivots to the unexpected transformation of Erewhon from a hippie grocery to a luxury, celebrity-favored supermarket.
After Iran appoints a new supreme leader , what does the choice tell us about the resilience of the regime and how the war will progress? Scientific research in America has taken a battering in Donald Trump’s second term. And why British choirs face a shortage of tenor voices. Guests and host: Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent Daniella Raz, US correspondent Joel Budd, Britain social affairs editor Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, oil prices ...
After a momentous week , our editors reflect on how uncertainty about the goals of the war in Iran will affect its course. Iran’s retaliation has been fierce and wide ranging. How long can Gulf stocks of missile interceptors last? And our obituaries editor looks back at the life of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei . Guests and host: Edward Carr, Economist deputy editor Josie Delap, Middle East editor Shashank Joshi, defence editor Ann Wroe, obituaries editor Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligen...
As America continues to batter Iran, what are the domestic implications of the war for Donald Trump? The widening conflict has prompted some European countries to deploy defensive forces. France has also announced a bigger shift in policy: to bolster its nuclear arsenal. And the politics of beer and nappies . Guests and host: Adam Roberts, foreign editor Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief Shera Avi-Yonah, business writer Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The inte...
As America and Israel continue to bombard Iran, much of Iran’s retaliation is directed against energy infrastructure . With tankers blocked and oil prices rising, our correspondent discusses the impact on the global economy. Why do student debts weigh heavily on Britain’s graduates? And is line dancing really becoming sexy? Guests and host: Rachana Shanbhogue, business affairs editor Josh Roberts, capital markets correspondent Hollie Berman, news editor, US bureau Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Int...
This episode details the fourth day of the escalating Middle East war, with Israeli strikes and a planned ground offensive in Lebanon, alongside Iranian retaliation across the region. It also explores the Pentagon's use of AI in these attacks and its public dispute with Anthropic over ethical guidelines. Finally, the podcast celebrates Pokémon's three-decade cultural impact, from its Japanese origins to its global media franchise dominance.
Join The Economist ’s Mike Bird, Alice Fulwood and Ethan Wu for award-winning reporting and discussion on the stories that move markets. They speak to top bosses, investors and analysts around the world for unmatched insight into global finance, business and economics. Published every Thursday. 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 ...
This weekend, America and Israel launched long-anticipated attacks on Iran , killing Ali Khamenei, the country’s supreme leader. Our correspondents analyse what his death means for the country and the strategy behind Iran’s retaliation. We report how Gulf States are dealing with unprecedented instability within their borders. And we assess Iran’s military capability and what might happen next. Guests and host: Nicolas Pelham, Middle East correspondent Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent G...
For all the promise of transformation that artificial intelligence offers, a close look at macroeconomic data shows little change . Sit tight. A brutal attack in Nigeria reveals how the security crisis is spreading ominously . And a tribute to Virginia Oliver , who cut an unusual figure on the lobster boat she skippered for decades. Guests and host: Alex Domash, economics correspondent Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondent Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intel...
As a military build-up continues in the Middle East, President Donald Trump’s messaging remains ambiguous . What could, at this stage, head off conflict? Our series on America’s 250th birthday continues with a dive into our archive on the era leading up to civil war. And a couple of recommendations for the silver and the small screen. Guests and host: Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent Annie Crabill, senior digital editor Alexandra Suich Bass, Culture editor Jason Palmer, co-host of “The...
The targeting of “El Mencho”, the leader of one of the country’s two biggest gangs, has resulted in a predictable spate of violence —more of which is virtually assured. We take a rare look inside Russia to see how four years of war has changed the country . And some surprising advice on how to get your best marathon time . Guests and host: Sarah Birke, Mexico City bureau chief Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor Tim Cross, senior science writer Ainslie Johnstone, data journalist Jason Palmer, co-hos...
On the fourth anniversary of a war that many predicted would last mere days, much has changed—even beyond the unthinkable misery in Ukraine itself . Alliances have weakened, Europe is rearming like never before and the very nature of modern war has been redefined. Our correspondents take stock and consider what kind of peace is even possible. Guests and host: Edward Carr, deputy editor Oliver Carroll, Ukraine correspondent Shashank Joshi, defence editor Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence...
The Supreme Court has struck down a significant portion of Donald Trump's tariffs, leading him to implement new, temporary measures and creating global trade uncertainty. Meanwhile, Australia's political landscape is shifting dramatically with the surging One Nation party challenging the established conservative coalition. The episode also explores the unique elements contributing to Agatha Christie's enduring success as a prolific mystery novelist.
The detainment of King Charles’s brother is almost without precedent in Britain’s long royal history. He denies wrongdoing, but damage to “The Firm” is already assured. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have fallen into a very public spat that may have grave implications far beyond the region. And our obituaries editor reflects on the life of Jesse Jackson . Guests and host: Sonny Loughran, Britain writer Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent Ann Wroe, Obituaries editor Jason Palmer...
Yoon Suk Yeol, South Korea’s ex-president, has been handed a life sentence for insurrection. That is by no means the end of the story of division in the country . Nervous AI-watchers fret about which workers might be replaced; our analysis suggests white-collar workers can breathe easy . And the memoir of Gisèle Pelicot , a rape survivor turned global symbol of strength. Guests and hosts: Noah Sneider, East Asia bureau chief Alex Domash, economics correspondent Alexandra Suich Bass, Culture edit...
Income inequality abounds and today’s rich are staggeringly rich, implying that tax regimes are giving the wealthy more and more of a pass. Our dig into the numbers suggests the opposite . We ask why so many of the world’s international mercenaries hail from Colombia . And despite the signs, Spanish may be reaching its peak in America. Guests and hosts: Callum Williams, senior economics writer Carla Subirana, news editor Lane Greene, senior digital editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence...
Many scientists are considering the notion of actively cooling the region that is warming fastest. We examine the merits and the risks—both environmental and geopolitical—of messing with the polar climate . We ask why the kind of gig economy that has struggled in many markets is booming in India . And an unsettling peek into the first social network for AI agents. Guests and hosts: Oliver Morton, senior editor Catherine Brahic, environment editor Kira Huju, Asia correspondent Alex Hern, AI write...
Our data journalists trawled through the vast email archive of Jeffrey Epstein, a dead sex offender. It is a revealing look at how and with whom he communicated. As interest grows in banning young people’s use of social media, we argue there are better ways to mitigate harms. And a blindfolded introduction to “ blouge ”, a new, more climate-resilient wine variety. Guests and host: Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence” Dan Rosenheck, data editor Tom Wainwright, media editor Tom Standage, deputy ...
Tech firms are spending so much on artificial intelligence that investors are getting nervous. Our correspondent explains whether it is possible to protect your portfolio from a crash. Turkey’s ruler has become increasingly autocratic–and increasingly old. Who might succeed him? And celebrating the life of literary agent Georges Borchardt . Guests and host: Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence” Josh Roberts, capital markets correspondent Piotr Zalewski, Turkey correspondent Jon Fasman, senior c...
The episode first examines the prospect of peace in Ukraine, noting Russia's slightly more constructive approach in talks despite continued fighting, as the war approaches its fourth year. It then shifts to Colombia's largely futile war on drugs, where police raids on coca labs barely dent record cocaine production, fueled by insatiable global demand. Finally, the podcast delves into London's crime statistics, revealing a decline in violent crime contrasted with a rising public perception of unsafety, heavily influenced by social media exaggeration and politically motivated narratives.
The toppling of authoritarian leader Sheikh Hassina in Bangladesh in 2024 was celebrated as a triumph for democracy. Tomorrow the country finally heads to the polls . Our correspondent weighs the choice. Can Mars and other bleak planets be made fit for human habitation ? And why AI bots are applying for human jobs. To find out how to have sex in space , listen to this episode of “The Weekend Intelligence”. Guests and host: Rosie Blau and Jason Palmer, co-hosts of “The Intelligence” Mark Johnson,...
Sir Keir Starmer has faced calls for his resignation from a senior party member. He has survived – but Britain’s prime minister is now fighting for his political survival. Assisted dying legislation is catching up with public opinion in America. And what happens when skiing meets rodeo ? Guests and host: Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence” Sacha Nauta, Britain editor Stevie Hertz, US policy correspondent Aryn Braun, West Coast corrrespondent Topics covered: Keir Starmer’s political future Ass...
Takaichi Sanae ’s gamble to call a general election has paid off. How will the prime minister’s thumping victory change Japan? New legislation in Republican states could imperil academic freedom . And why “ Taxi Driver ” resonates 50 years after the film’s release. Guests and host: Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence” Noah Sneider, East Asia bureau chief Rebecca Jackson, Southern correspondent Andrew Miller, author of The Economist’s Back Story column on culture Topics covered: Japan’s electio...
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...
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...
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...
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...
