Get a daily burst of illumination from The Economist’s worldwide network of correspondents. Our reporters dig past the headlines to get to the stories beneath—and to stories that aren’t making headlines, but should be. A unique perspective on the issues and events shaping your world.
She was once the great hope for Myanmar. Though Aung San Suu Kyi fell from grace – and now sits in jail – she still has much support. How LifeWise, a Christian group, is changing religious education in America. And what to make of butter yellow , the colour of the moment. 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 vi...
This episode explores the fragile peace deal brokered by Donald Trump between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, examining the historical context and significant challenges to lasting reconciliation. It also delves into Mark Zuckerberg's aggressive $14bn AI hiring spree at Meta, analyzing the company's strategy and position in the competitive AI landscape. Finally, the discussion turns to the 'manosphere', debating whether this online network is truly dangerous or largely a moral panic, drawing insights from a new book.
This episode explores Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa's tough strategy against transnational criminal gangs, discussing his background, the severity of the violence, and challenges like international cooperation. It also delves into why global financial markets remain unfazed by major geopolitical events, examining historical data and structural reasons. Finally, it revisits The Economist's 1945 reporting on the founding of the United Nations, comparing it to the failed League of Nations and assessing its design based on Hobbesian realism.
We examine the path of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei , once a bookish cleric underrated by everyone—including himself. He has hung on to power perhaps in part by not making decisions at crucial points. Our finance correspondent looks at the shifting wisdom on how best to manage an inheritance . And why India’s addresses are so long, complex and ultimately costly. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit ou...
Western brands used to define cool and luxurious in China. No longer. Now consumers are turning to homegrown brands , some of which are becoming global tastemakers. Across Africa the Christian conservative movement is gaining ground fast —with a little help from American brethren. And why Britain is such a locus for the nuts and bolts of Formula 1. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs p...
Iran’s strikes both before and apparently after a ceasefire began seem to threaten peace. If it holds, what will that mean for Iran’s ambitions, and for the wider region? A meeting of NATO-country leaders seems precision-engineered to appease the alliance’s most fickle member. And why Germany is considering cancelling one of its many public holidays. Additional audio courtesy of Chatham House's “Independent Thinking” podcast. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For mo...
After America’s strikes intended to destroy Iran’s nuclear programme, one question is whether they succeeded . Another is how Iran will respond; all of its options are bad ones . In the West people have been shedding religion for decades, but that secularist shift now seems to be slowing . And what is driving the decline of inverted commas (aka “quotation marks”). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please ...
The most consequential decision of Donald Trump’s presidency is now on pause for two weeks. We examine how the choice pits two sides of Mr Trump against one another. India is an advanced-manufacturing powerhouse, but can it become a hub for high-tech innovation, too? And as “Jaws” turns 50 our correspondent says its hero is probably not who you remember. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our ...
The workplace wisdom that a university degree is a sure-fire key to success is very much in question —and the trend started long before AI began eating jobs. Russia has launched yet another summer offensive in Ukraine, and appears to be going for broke . And our journalists share their picks for the year’s best books so far. 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 e...
Political assassinations. Troops on city streets. National protests . We examine the edgy mood inside America through the lens of past periods of intense, violent partisanship. Our correspondent sees two motives for the visit to Greenland by Emmanuel Macron, France’s president: one aimed at Donald Trump and another at Europe’s self-conception. And what AI learned from scans of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to ...
A sudden war made Iran’s leaders look unprepared. And many Iranians loathe the regime. But there are no signs yet that internal dissent will shape the conflict. Shortly after Nayib Bukele became El Salvador’s president, he was labelled as the world’s first millennial dictator; now he is going after his critics . And remembering Valmik Thapar , tireless campaigner for India’s tigers. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist...
So far, Israel’s strikes have not accomplished the stated mission of crippling Iran’s nuclear programme. A war of endurance will be decided by which side runs out of materiel first. South Asia has not been heating up as fast as other regions—thanks in part to its notorious pollution . And a close listen to the music-production genius of the late Brian Wilson. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit...
After Israel launches an all-out assault on Iran without clear US backing, our correspondent explains how the conflict could escalate. The Trump administration has reduced America’s readiness for hurricane season. And what FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup will mean for football. 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 o...
The all-famous Murdoch clan is engaged in a fierce battle over control of the family’s media companies. Our correspondent explains why turmoil at the top has not deterred investors. After decades of fruitless research into Alzheimer’s , there are finally some new drugs in the pipeline. And pop songs are getting shorter . 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...
For centuries, male children were prized as heirs and breadwinners. Now the desire to have boys is diminishing and some parents would rather have a girl. What Germany’s expanded armed forces mean for Europe. And if coffee can benefit your health, how many mugs should you consume a day? 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 o...
This episode examines the challenges facing Apple as it struggles to keep pace in the AI race and navigates significant legal issues concerning its App Store. It then analyzes the dramatic reversal in the China-Russia relationship, where Russia is now heavily dependent on China following sanctions and the war in Ukraine. Finally, it profiles the life and work of Amanda Feilding, a pioneer who championed scientific research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs.
Our correspondent reports from LA , where Donald Trump’s decision to send in troops risks inciting further antagonism. The argument is now about far more than immigration. A visual investigation confirms that Myanmar’s junta is still bombing civilian settlements after the deadly earthquake, despite agreeing to a humanitarian ceasefire (9:25). And should kids play contact sports (14:32)? Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economi...
This episode delves into the escalating public feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, examining its origins, political dynamics, and potential consequences for both figures and the MAGA-tech coalition. It also analyzes how Israel's hardline factions are shaping the ongoing war in Gaza, focusing on a key figure's influence and the complex political challenges facing Netanyahu. Finally, the episode explores the curious disappearance of rhyme from contemporary English poetry, tracing its historical decline and discussing various contributing factors.
This episode examines the grim milestone of one million Russian casualties in the war in Ukraine, discussing how these figures are verified, the reasons for the high losses, and the impact on Russian society. It also explores the challenge of combating online misinformation as fact-checking resources shrink, and how new methods are being used to prioritize debunking the most harmful claims. Finally, the episode delves into the quirky tradition of cheese rolling and its potential recognition as protected British heritage.
The election of South Korea’s new president represents a resounding rejection of the political turmoil that preceded the campaign. Our correspondent explains the domestic and international challenges ahead. How Africa’s diaspora is shaping Afrobeats (10:06). And why culling dingoes in Australia may be a mistake (16:44). 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 Podc...
Britain, alongside other European countries, faces rising threats to its security. But a bold new strategy to bolster its defence forces risks being underfunded. Investors may be losing faith in long-term government bonds as a safe haven (8:42). And why a surprising number of French adults are choosing to be baptised (16:27). 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 Economis...
Poland’s presidential election was a fight between two distinct visions of the country’s future. Our correspondent explains how the nationalist victor, a political newcomer, will shape Europe. Why drunken bar brawls are declining in Britain (7:31). And remembering the “Wonga Coup” mercenary, Simon Mann (12:18). 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+, pl...
A newly formed, private foundation took charge of aid distribution in the territory; a melee ensued . What is the group’s origin, and what is its plan? A pandemic treaty at last agreed by the UN is an important step—even if the most desired signatory was absent (10:54). And a novel exhibition in London shows how to make the most of a museum’s collection (18:22). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please vi...
The US Court of International Trade ruled that Donald Trump’s so-called fentanyl and Liberation Day tariffs constituted executive overreach . Now what? Artificial intelligence is on a wild ride through a well-known hype cycle—and is arriving at a “ trough of disillusionment ” (8:49). And a new book about Xi Jinping’s father reveals much about the Chinese president himself (16:42). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist P...
The Trump administration’s determination to bend higher-education institutions to its will seems to know no bounds—and nowhere is getting it worse than Harvard University . The outcome of Poland’s presidential runoff matters far beyond its borders, now that it is a continental heavyweight (11:23). And a bid to elevate the humblest drink to a luxury beverage (19:25). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, pleas...
No one knows which soldiers will be on the buses; many families simply come in hope. As the wider war grinds on , our correspondent witnesses a mix of joy, confusion and disappointment. Big American brands once had it easy in the global marketplace. Now they bear the brunt of anti-Trump sentiment (12:05). And Brazil’s bustling bull market—that is, market for bulls (18:28). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+...
Voters will be electing each and every one of the country’s judges—removing the last meaningful check on Morena, the ruling party. Nigeria has more people without electricity than any other country, but fixing that will be fiendishly difficult (7:50). And if it is so easy to order a takeaway pizza, why are home pizza ovens all the rage (14:11)? Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page ...
The country’s leader is in a mad rush to transform his country into an upper-middle-income powerhouse before geopolitical forces stall its rise. America’s army is being thinned out; we examine the risks of putting both weapons and generals on the chopping block (10:12). And remembering Ed Smylie , who saved the crew of Apollo 13 with a delightfully low-tech plan (17:47). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, ...
Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia know their borders may be the next front for Russian aggression. They do not want to deploy mines and razor wire— but they must . Our correspondent visits the American city of Baltimore to investigate a national drop in violent crime (9:46). And a sweeping new biography of Mark Twain, who created a uniquely American style of fiction (17:19). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, ...
A careful study of a range of data sources suggests that Israel’s military actions in Gaza have resulted in far more deaths than published tallies indicate. The Church of England, facing declining numbers of parishioners, is selling up its properties on the cheap (14:10). And we ask whether those trendy “ juice shots ” confer any health benefits (20:29). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our ...
