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.
The choice of Robert Prevost reflects a desire for unity and compromise . But insofar as Pope Leo XIV represents a middle path, how will he lead on the church’s trickiest questions? The Trump administration has axed Biden-era export controls on AI chips. Good. Now they must enact simpler, more-effective ones (11:29). And remembering Martin Graham , founder of the Longborough Festival Opera (19:34). Economist Education is running a new six-week online course on international relations—a window in...
Eighty years since the surrender of Nazi forces, we consider the differing ways that nations frame that distant history for today; none does so more gravely than Russia. Our “ Archive 1945 ” project relives The Economist ‘s reporting on the last days of war in Europe. And we examine how European defence has changed, and how Britain’s celebrations hint at a world perhaps forever lost. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Ec...
Two weeks after a terrorist attack in Kashmir, Indian missiles streaked into Pakistan . Will the retaliation end this latest flare-up or intensify it? Our correspondent meets Alexandre de Moraes , a swashbuckling Brazilian supreme court justice who is taking sides in the global free-speech fight (8:35). And appetite for Sweden’s rare-earth minerals will pose difficulties for the Sami people and their reindeer (tk). Please take a moment to fill out our listener survey —let us know what you like a...
This episode analyzes the unexpected failure of Germany's parliamentary vote for chancellor and its implications. It also investigates the ongoing plight of slave-labor scammers in Myanmar, despite recent raids, and explores the surprising trend of improving mental health among young Americans. The episode provides insights into complex political dynamics, human trafficking, and youth well-being.
Good bosses are rare. They don’t have to be. The skills of management can be learned. The Economist ’s management columnist, Andrew Palmer, is here to help. The second season of Boss Class features leaders at some of the world’s best performing companies, from Levi’s to Novo Nordisk to Google. New episodes are out weekly starting May 12th. To listen to the full series, subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ . https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus If you’re already a subscriber t...
Many people view plastic as an environmental disaster that blights landscapes and chokes marine life. Our correspondent argues that instead we need to better understand this miracle material. To make prison work, governments need to have better strategies for managing inmates’ release (10:04). And could saying sorry harm your career (16:16)? Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about ...
This episode of The Intelligence covers the Australian election shaped by Trump, India's rural road revolution and its impact, and Michael Johnson's new track league. It analyzes the influence of Trump on Australian politics, the transformative effects of rural road construction in India, and the potential of Grand Slam Track to elevate track and field.
America and Ukraine have signed a deal to share the profits of extracting natural resources. Our correspondent explains its significance. How the trade war with China will hit US shoppers (8:29). And a century on, why Art Deco is still in style (17:36). 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 explainin...
Since Donald Trump took office, there has been a deluge of news. Our correspondent considers what might happen next. Fifty years on from the fall of Saigon , we meet the Vietnamese who fled the country (10:47). And our obituaries editor celebrates the life of busker and star Alice Tan Ridley (18:06). Music credit: Seikilos Epitaph with the Lyre of Apollo by Lina Palera Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For m...
This episode of The Intelligence discusses Mark Carney's victory in the Canadian election against the backdrop of Donald Trump's influence. It explores the reasons for Carney's success, his plans for the Canadian economy, and the implications for future elections in other countries. The episode also examines the rise of job hopping in Japan, its impact on corporate culture and the economy, and concludes with a look at Volkswagen's surprising success in selling sausages amidst financial struggles.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have flared after the terrorist attack in Kashmir last week. Our correspondent explains what Narendra Modi may do next. Why even priests and the clergy need the free market (8:56). And the surprising survival of cassette tapes (15:45). 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 w...
Canada’s sovereignty has loomed large in the federal election campaign , but beyond the show of national unity the country’s media and political landscape is riven with division. To counter China’s capabilities, America may have to start building ships in Asia (11:26). And how “The Economist” reported the defeat of the Nazis: a sample from our 1945 interactive archive (20:33). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist P...
First, Jerome Powell, chairman of the Federal Reserve, was for the chop; then he was safe. As elsewhere President Donald Trump’s flip-flopping chips away at American credibility. After years of working from home, data make clear which demographic likes to do more of it (10:40). And electric vehicles do pollute the air —just not from the tailpipe (17:19). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our ...
The United Arab Emirates projects an image of level-headed calm in the Gulf. Its actions abroad, however, betray a far more divisive and ideological agenda. Japan’s recent rice crisis is in part about market reforms—but solving it is mostly about making farmers happier (10:29). And a romp through the linguistics (and culture-war triggers) of personal pronouns (17:08). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts...
As the cardinals of the coming conclave prepare, our correspondent considers what will guide them. Which of the church’s challenges will the next pope be elected to address? In Mexico the discovery of a ranch littered with clothing adds disturbing evidence to a torrent of mysterious disappearances (9:24). And the wild goings-on at cinema screenings of “A Minecraft Movie” (15:55). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Po...
He shunned fancy vestments and paid surprise visits to prisons and hospitals: our obituaries editor reflects on the life of a reform-minded pontiff who preferred to be among his flock. High-protein snacks are on an absolute tear, and one explanation is linked to new weight-loss drugs (7:49). And the thorny business of nudging an employee towards resigning (14:31). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please ...
It is a Nobel-winning idea with untold promise in health care, agriculture and more. We examine what must change in order to capture those benefits. Asia’s love affair with gold has long been chalked up to cultural motives; our correspondent finds far more going on (10.45). And for all the draw of New Zealand’s verdant chill, lots of natives want out (17:58). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please...
President Xi Jinping’s style of negotiating is staid, distanced, a quiet projection of power. President Donald Trump’s is not. That dynamic is complicating their gargantuan standoff. Spain ends up with more and more remains of migrants who die on their journeys—and its morgues cannot keep up (10:29). And in an age of video games pinball is not only surviving, it’s flipping thriving (18:11). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access E...
For the 23rd time the International Monetary Fund will cough up, this time to the tune of $20bn. But the reforms stipulated by the loan, alongside promising changes already under way, suggest this time might be different . Near America’s border with Mexico, high-speed chases have become more common—and more deadly (9:08). And myriad uncertainties are making Europe a continent of preppers (15:08). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to ac...
Falling trust in the greenback is most apparent in bond-market moves. How close is the dollar to losing its status as the world’s go-to currency, and what could take its place? We take a look at Jordan Bardella , the young, polished, ever-rising star of France’s far right (11:56). And Hong Kong’s notoriously gruff cab drivers are told to smile more… or else (18:26). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, pleas...
President Donald Trump called the weekend strike on Sumy a “mistake”; other leaders called it a war crime. We examine the prospects for peace when Russia is brazenly hitting civilian targets . As scientists flee American institutions, Europe is trying to woo them (10:29). And Britain’s historical consumer-price index as a fascinating window into how shoppers’ tastes have shifted (17:24). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Econ...
Donald Trump is now aiming his trade war squarely at China. As the tit-for-tat tariff battle keeps escalating, investors are fleeing to safe assets. What will happen next? Germany’s Friedrich Merz finally signs a deal for a coalition government (10:12). And remembering Betty Webb , who worked at Britain’s wartime codebreaking centre Bletchley Park (19:36). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more inf...
Just 12 hours after Donald Trump launched his searing regime of tariffs, he paused many of them for 90 days. What's next for global trade? An outlandish proposal to build data centres in space (8:14). And why “ The Great Gatsby ” is just as relevant, 100 years on (15:58). 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...
As Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs take effect, our correspondent explains how one of America’s most profitable companies may navigate the trade war. Are class divides in Britain softening (9:28)? And Republican influencers define what it is to be a conservative woman (16:08). 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+, please visit our FAQs page or watch o...
More than 36,000 migrants crossed the English Channel in small boats last year. Our correspondent investigates the increasingly sophisticated business strategies of the criminals who smuggle them. As the planet heats, wildfires in East Asia are becoming fiercer and more frequent (10:36). And why ordinary Americans are falling out of love with their former international allies (18:31). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist...
Since Donald Trump announced punishing tariffs on “Liberation Day” last week, stock markets have fallen and governments and businesses scrambled to respond. Our correspondent discusses the impact on the global economy . Do personalised diets really improve gut health (9:16)? And gasp at the science of how seals spend so long underwater without breathing (16:13). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For mo...
South Korea has been paralysed since its president declared martial law in December. Even after his impeachment , politicians face a divided polity and battered economy. Why governments should pay attention to the “ Henry ” – High Earner, Not Rich Yet (9:49). And what tiffs over tofu teach us (15:38). 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...
Even in the run-up to Donald Trump’s “ Liberation Day ” tariff hikes, few had expected such colossal levies. Our correspondent explains how they will shake America’s economy and global trade. After Sudanese government forces retake Khartoum , will this alter the course of the civil war (10:32)? And Shonda Rhimes is shaping watching habits (18:12). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about ...
This episode of The Intelligence discusses the possibility of elections in Ukraine amidst the war, the historical context of American tariffs from the 1930s, and the health impacts of daylight savings time. The discussion on Ukraine explores the influence of Trump and Putin, while the segment on tariffs examines the Smoot-Hawley Act. Finally, the episode delves into the science behind DST and its effects on sleep and health.
This episode analyzes Marine Le Pen's ban from running for president in 2027 and its impact on French politics. It explores the reasons behind rising rental costs in developed countries, blaming monetary policy and increased migration. Finally, the show commemorates Oleg Gordievsky, the Russian spy who defected to Britain, delving into his motivations and experiences.
