Join Jason Palmer and Rosie Blau for noise-cancelling news and analysis from The Economist's global network of correspondents. Every weekday this award-winning podcast picks three stories shaping your world—the big shifts in politics, business and culture, plus things you never knew you needed to know. On Saturdays, download The Weekend Intelligence to dive deep into a single story, vividly told.
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This episode examines Russia's escalating hybrid warfare tactics, including sabotage and airspace violations, and how NATO allies are responding to these provocations and potential escalations. It then shifts to Madagascar, detailing the deep-rooted poverty, corruption, and governance failures fueling widespread anti-government protests. Finally, a science segment revisits the benefits of sunlight, discussing its positive effects on mood, circadian rhythms, and blood pressure, while addressing scientific rigor and listener questions.
The Intelligence examines the US government shutdown, detailing its immediate impact on federal workers and services, historical context, and potential resolutions amid threats of irreversible cuts. The episode then uncovers a fundamental security flaw in generative AI, explaining how large language models struggle to differentiate between data and instructions, making them vulnerable to "prompt injection" attacks. Finally, it provides insights into preventing office feuds by understanding human psychology and implementing effective conflict resolution strategies.
After pressure from US President Donald Trump, Israel’s Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has been strong-armed into agreeing a deal for Gaza . Will Hamas sign up too? Our correspondent analyses the path to peace. Lululemon needs a legging-up. And why leopards, crows and monkeys populate India’s cities. 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 o...
This episode delves into the unexpected resilience and recent slowdown of Russia's economy despite Western sanctions, largely due to massive fiscal stimulus and sanction evasion. It also explores the rising wave of creative protests in China, driven by economic grievances and magnified by social media and the diaspora. Finally, the discussion highlights the mounting evidence and regulatory concerns regarding the dangers of in-car touchscreens compared to traditional physical controls.
President Donald Trump’s executive order ostensibly puts a years-long debate to bed. But questions persist about who will own— and influence —TikTok’s American operations. We examine the evidence on how climate change will aid the spread of dengue fever, a brutal and potentially deadly disease. And a tribute to Patrick McGovern, who obsessively recreated boozy beverages of yore. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Pod...
A snapshot of the country reveals deepening military and economic problems—and, perhaps above all, political ones . America’s efforts to clamp down on skilled-worker visas will have far-reaching unintended consequences . And globally, more children today are obese than underweight. We look at which countries are worst affected. 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 vide...
A long-suspected defence partnership between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan has burst into the open . We ask what Pakistan’s extension of its nuclear umbrella will mean. As Chinese brands sweep the world, some (such as Biemlfdlkk) are wisely changing their names . And a look through history at how authoritarians deal, or do not, with the comedians who mock them . Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit ...
Coffers running low and an increasingly absent principal member: the United Nations has never looked so precarious. We discuss its future amid uncertain geopolitics. The generative-AI explosion has mostly been driven by so-called large language models—but small ones look ever more attractive . And we meet the determined students who, against the odds, still want to drive London’s famed black cabs. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to a...
Part commemoration, part megachurch meeting , largely political rally—the memorial service for Charlie Kirk revealed much about how the Trump administration intends to respond to his killing. Sunlight may have got a worse rap than it deserves; we examine the evidence of its benefits . And why today’s pop songstresses sing less about men’s evil deeds and more about their mediocrity . Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist...
India is becoming one of the largest markets for Artificial Intelligence and shaping how the technology develops. Our correspondent assesses what type of AI superpower the country could be. Tracking the meltdown at Swiss chocolatier Nestlé . And celebrating the life of Robert Redford . 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...
Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has paused a £200m investment in Britain and could move its primary listing to America. Can the UK maintain its status as a “life-science superpower”? Why autonomous air wings are the future of war in the sky. And how scientists in the Caribbean are restoring the barrier reef through “coral IVF”. 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 Econo...
A new United Nations report says Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute “genocide”. That has not deterred Binyamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, from mounting a ground offensive on Gaza City. The stakes – and steaks – of Donald Trump’s state visit to Britain. And life-hacks , Chinese style. 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 FAQ...
Falling fertility makes a global decline in population inevitable. That will change the shape and make up of societies. But it may not make us poorer. Are large language models really woke ? And reading is on the wane – and why that matters. 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 how to link your...
After Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison for trying to organise a coup in 2023, Donald Trump accused Brazil of staging a “witch hunt”. How will America respond? Niche sports like padel and tag are now attracting sponsorship and broadcast deals. And meet the real Lord Downton: Julian Fellowes . 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...
A high-stakes tussle about who will take over Fox and News Corp from Rupert Murdoch has concluded ; Lachlan, his eldest son, came out on top. Will the new boss be the same as the old boss? Our correspondent looks at kush , a synthetic opioid tearing through west Africa. And a look back on the life and style of Giorgio Armani . 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...
America’s most prominent young conservative was assassinated while conducting one of his signature campus events. His death might only widen political divides. In Asia a broad trend of deflation points to lower prices but unhealthy economies . And what happens when spiritual leaders are given hallucinogens . 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 explaining how to ...
Qatar had positioned itself as a regional mediator, a safe space for negotiations. Israel’s previously unthinkable airstrikes have put an end to that reputation, and to near-term peace talks for Gaza. As demand for chocolate grows just as climate change affects supply, science is weighing in on alternatives. And a data deep-dive on whether America’s tourist numbers are slumping. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Pod...
There is a growing awareness of how high temperatures affect expectant mothers and their babies. We look at the evidence for a climate-change effect that is already manifest . Marks and Spencer, a beloved retail chain, is emerging from sales slumps and recovering handily from a cyber-attack. And the policy moves to address India’s notoriously gridlocked roads . Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please vis...
An unpopular budget will probably spark the ousting of another prime minister , Francois Bayrou—and with him goes another government. Parliamentary impasse is now business as usual, and voters are fed up. Getting Chinese spenders spending is tricky, so policy wonks are at last considering reforming the stingy pension system. And why so many people listen to podcasts at warp speed . Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist ...
When the incoming chief of Britain’s secret services takes the helm on October 1st, she must balance competing priorities and navigate a world in which technology has made spycraft both tougher and riskier. Could nuclear power finally start to fulfil its potential? And remembering refugee and entrepreneur Stephanie Shirley . 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...
Our correspondent meets Iraq’s prime minister Muhammad al-Sudani to discuss the country’s construction boom, its future aspirations and the obstacles that must still be overcome. Visit America’s YIMBY iest neighbourhood: the place where Americans actually want to increase the local population. And how superstition in Hong Kong can haunt the economy. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information abou...
World leaders flocked to China this week for an international summit followed by a giant military parade commemorating the end of the second world war. Xi Jinping is capitalising on the chaos of Donald Trump’s second term. AI is helping fraudsters and hackers become more productive. And why Britain’s crackdown on strip clubs may be misguided. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how t...
America’s health secretary, RFK Jr, is known for his opposition to vaccines, particularly mRNA jabs , that have the potential to treat a large swathe of diseases. Slashing funding will have long term implications beyond America. Our correspondent visits Britain’s biggest and newest supercomputer . And why Mexicans love Japanese and Korean culture. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about ...
This episode delves into the escalating unrest in Indonesia, where protests against political spending and economic inequality challenge President Prabowo's government, despite his past popularity. It then shifts to a looming climate crisis, explaining the critical Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and the potentially devastating global impacts if it collapses. Finally, the discussion explores the unexpected rise of facekinis as a fashionable and booming industry in China, driven by sun protection and post-pandemic mask acceptance.
The episode first explores the complexities of the Israel-Gaza conflict, highlighting Prime Minister Netanyahu's political survival strategy, internal military dissent, and the dire humanitarian situation. It then shifts to the American college sports landscape, examining how a landmark settlement will now allow athletes to be paid, fundamentally altering the industry's economics and raising questions about fairness and gender equity. Finally, it remembers Sen Genshitsu, the 15th master of the Urasenke tea ceremony, recounting his unique life journey, including surviving as a kamikaze pilot, and his lifelong mission to spread peace and understanding through the ritual of tea worldwide.
Yesterday Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian imports to America, among the highest in the world. How will Narendra Modi respond? Why Palantir could be the most overvalued firm of all time. And film, vinyl and print media make a comeback. 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 how to link...
What does Donald Trump’s attempt to sack Lisa Cook , a Federal Reserve governor, mean for the institution’s independence? Uruguay may soon legalise assisted dying . And why shooting clubs – and other community associations – are thriving 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+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to l...
Car and phone theft were once the preserve of petty crooks in London. Now they underpin a vast and spreading international criminal network . Why you should consider consulting a new oracle for making big life decisions: an economist . And the cult of the private chef . 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 vide...
As temperatures climb, mosquitoes will migrate to places where natural resistance to malaria is lower. More and more severe natural disasters will make for more breeding grounds. How to stop a deadly disease getting deadlier ? In China’s cut-throat food-delivery war, absolutely no one wins . And Florida gamifies its efforts to cull pythons . 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 ...
Less than nine months after Syria’s dictator Bashar al-Assad was toppled, the honeymoon is over. How is the new regime responding to rising dissent ? Introducing Britain’s revolutionary retirees : why pensioners increasingly dominate political protest. And celebrating the life of on-screen villain, Terence Stamp . 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+,...
