A paltry GDP rise is down to the pandemic, power and property. We ask what growing pains President Xi Jinping will endure in the name of economic reforms. Emmanuel Macron, France’s president, will probably end up in the second round of next year’s election; who will stand against him is ever more unpredictable . And fixing meeting inefficiency with an 850-year-old idea . For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist , subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer Hos...
Oct 18, 2021•20 min
The effort to investigate last year’s port explosion in Beirut has fired up political and religious tensions—resulting in Lebanon’s worst violence in years. We speak with Dmitry Muratov, a Russian journalist who shared this year’s Nobel peace prize, about what the award means to him , and to press freedom. And why autocratic regimes like to snap up English football clubs. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist , subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer Ho...
Oct 15, 2021•23 min
A fossil-fuel scramble reveals energy markets in desperate need of a redesign. We examine what must be done to secure a renewable future. Throngs of Hong Kong residents fleeing China’s tightening hand are settling in Britain ; our correspondent finds an immigrant group unlike any that came before. And the boom in “femtech” entrepreneurs at last focusing on women’s health. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist , subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer Ho...
Oct 14, 2021•23 min
As the Taliban’s closest ally, the country bears a big responsibility for Afghanistan’s fate. We examine its diplomatic risks and opportunities . Mastercard is pressing porn purveyors this week; we look at how financial companies are reluctantly stepping up as the internet’s police. And a timely social-inequality take drives South Korea’s “ Squid Game ” to the top of Netflix's charts worldwide. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist , subscribe here www.economist.c...
Oct 13, 2021•21 min
After a court ruling in Poland that is an affront to a core European Union principle, Poles hit the streets—fearing a “Pol-exit” they do not want. Who will back down? Hydrogen has been touted for decades as a fuel with green credentials. At last its time has come . And the herd of unicorns popping up in Mexico. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist , subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Oct 12, 2021•20 min
Where governments enacted zero-tolerance coronavirus strategies, numbers indeed stayed low. That was before the Delta variant. We ask how countries can now wind back those policies. A shocking report of sexual abuse within France’s Catholic church further threatens the institution’s connection with society. And countering the notion that the “ standard English ” taught the world over is the only proper one. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist , subscribe here ww...
Oct 11, 2021•21 min
China has sent more than 100 planes to probe Taiwan’s air-defence zone. We explain why Beijing has chosen this moment to send a message across the strait. The WHO has approved a vaccine against malaria—a turning-point in fighting a disease that kills 260,000 African children a year. And if you want a Nobel prize, it helps to be lauded by a laureate. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist , subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer Hosted on Acast. See acas...
Oct 08, 2021•22 min
Abiy Ahmed is sworn in again as prime minister, even as continuing strife increases the country’s isolation. Our correspondent witnesses the gruesome aftermath of a telling battle. China once encouraged, even forced abortions. Now, as it frets about declining birth rates, it’s discouraging them. And we report on India’s “godmen” and “godwomen”, their moneyspinning schemes and their fanatical followers. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist , subscribe here www.eco...
Oct 07, 2021•20 min
A global financial centre must move with the times, and—so far—London has not. Our correspondent lays out the causes of the malaise, and how to fix it . For many years compulsory military service was on the decline; we ask why so many countries are bringing it back . And why Europe is the destination for a growing class of digital nomads . For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist , subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv...
Oct 06, 2021•24 min
Yesterday’s global outage is not even the worst of it: today’s congressional testimony will examine a whistleblower’s allegations that the company knows its products cause widespread harm. The modern food-industrial complex is great for eaters but appalling for the planet; we examine technological fixes , and whether consumers will bite. And how Afghanistan's embassies abroad are— or aren’t —dealing with the Taliban. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist , subscri...
Oct 05, 2021•21 min
The court will be tackling just about every judicial and social flashpoint in the country during the term that starts today; our correspondent lays out the considerable stakes. A vast and costly die-off of Britain’s trees could have been averted simply and cheaply: just let them stay put. And why hotels are such ideal backdrops for filmmakers and scriptwriters. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist , subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer Hosted on Aca...
Oct 04, 2021•22 min
The first conviction of France’s former president shocked the nation; the second confirms for citizens that, these days, politicians will be held to account. Our correspondent meets a Burmese hipster who, after this year’s military coup, has become a somewhat conflicted freedom fighter . And the record label whose name you may never have heard but whose music you certainly have . For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist , subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligence...
Oct 01, 2021•21 min
From chicken to petrol, Britons are facing long queues and bare shelves . We ask about the multifarious reasons behind the shortfalls, and how long they will last. Tunisia’s democracy has been looking shaky for months ; we examine what may change with yesterday’s appointment of its first-ever female prime minister. And India’s beleaguered unmarried couples at last are getting some privacy . For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist , subscribe here www.economist.com/i...
Sep 30, 2021•23 min
The ruling party’s choice for its president—a shoo-in for prime minister—seems to overlook the people’s will. We ask how Kishida Fumio is likely to lead, and for how long. Some of Nigeria’s megachurches are larger than stadiums, and have considerable assets—as do many of their charismatic pastors. And keeping up with demand for vinyl records presents pressing problems. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist , subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer Hoste...
Sep 29, 2021•19 min
America’s crash of deadlines carries risks for the government’s budget and just possibly its sovereign debt , and threatens Joe Biden’s presidency-defining social-spending reforms. We ask what happens next. South Korea’s government is ostensibly cracking down on fake news; in practice it may be hobbling real journalism . And the hopeful view provided by a French conceptual artist’s latest work . For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist , subscribe here www.economist....
Sep 28, 2021•22 min
The country heads for a three-party government after a nail-biting election . We cut through the flurry of letters and colours to ask what is likely to happen next. The technology swiftly deployed to combat the coronavirus may also crack a four-decade-old problem: vaccinating against HIV . And evidence that the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex may have liked a love bite. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist , subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer Hosted on A...
Sep 27, 2021•20 min
Leaders of “the Quad” are meeting in person for the first time; drama from the AUKUS alliance still simmers. Our Beijing bureau chief discusses how Chinese officials see all these club ties. As Chancellor Angela Merkel’s time in office wanes, we assess Germany’s many challenges she leaves behind. And the sweet, sweet history of baklava , a Middle Eastern treat gone global. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist , subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer H...
Sep 24, 2021•23 min
The annual United Nations General Assembly is more than just worthy pledges and fancy dinners; we ask where the tensions and the opportunities lie this time around . Last year’s fears of a crippling “twindemic” of covid-19 and influenza proved unfounded—and that provides more reason to worry this year. And why “like” is, like, really useful . For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist , subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p...
Sep 23, 2021•22 min
China’s property behemoth has slammed up against new rules on its giant debt pile. We ask what wider risks it now poses as a cash crunch bites. Britain has begun a demographic trend unusual in the rich world: its share of young people is spiking —and will be for a decade. And what the pandemic has done for the future of office-wear . For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist , subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo...
Sep 22, 2021•19 min
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau remains in power after Monday’s election, but he emerges without the majority he wanted, and with his soft power damaged. He now faces a fourth wave of the pandemic and an emboldened far-right from a weaker position. Child labour fell markedly in the 16 years after the turn of the millennium. Now it’s on the rise again . Efforts to prevent children from working can often exacerbate the problem. And we consider one of the more unusual ideas for combating climate chan...
Sep 21, 2021•20 min
The winner of Russia’s elections was not in doubt. Vladimir Putin’s party, United Russia, came out on top. But despite the ballot stuffing and repression, the opposition still managed to rattle the Kremlin. The Gates Foundation is America’s biggest charitable foundation by far and a powerhouse in the world of public health. But its money could be better spent . And we read the tea leaves to explain why bugs are important for your brew. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The ...
Sep 20, 2021•21 min
The alliance between America, Britain and Australia has enormous significance , most of all for its nuclear-submarine provisions. We look at the global realignment it represents. The container-shipping industry has had a wild year and its prices reflect the vast disarray ; we ask whether things will, or should, get back to normal. And the growing trend of politicians’ media-production companies. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist , subscribe here www.economist....
Sep 17, 2021•23 min
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has re-allocated a number of key government posts. We ask how the changes reflect his political standing and what they mean for his agenda. A first-of-its-kind study that deliberately infected participants with the coronavirus is ending; we examine the many answers such research can provide. And the rural places aiming to capitalise on their dark skies. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist , subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligen...
Sep 16, 2021•21 min
Economic collapse and halting international aid following the Taliban’s takeover have compounded shortages that were already deepening; we examine the unfolding disaster . The verdict in a blockbuster case against Apple might look like a win for the tech giant; a closer read reveals new battle lines. And the data that reveal how polluters behave when regulators are not watching. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist , subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceo...
Sep 15, 2021•20 min
Governor Gavin Newsom is fighting off a bid to remove him that puts the world’s fifth-largest economy and, possibly, control of the Senate in play for Republicans. Russia’s exercises in Belarus are the largest in 40 years—showcasing a chummy relationship and worrisome military might. And how Dante Alighieri’s masterwork “The Divine Comedy” still holds lessons , 700 years after his death. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist , subscribe here www.economist.com/inte...
Sep 14, 2021•23 min
President Joe Biden’s requirements for employers to insist on vaccinations are a bold move amid flatlining inoculation rates. But will they work ? For decades the world’s cities seemed invincible, but the pandemic has hastened and hardened a shift in urban demographics and economics. And an ancient Finnish burial site scrambles notions of gender roles in the distant past. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist , subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer Ho...
Sep 13, 2021•21 min
The horrors of 20 years ago spurred an ambitious transformation , not just at the site of the attacks but across the city’s five boroughs. We visit what has risen from the ashes. A growing body of academic work—and plenty of examples on the ground—suggest countries that most mistreat women are the most violent and fractious . And solving a flashy-hummingbird mystery . For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist , subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer Hosted...
Sep 10, 2021•22 min
It is unclear whether better governance lies ahead after a military takeover ; what is certain is that Africa’s unwelcome trend of defenestrations has returned. We ask why. Justin Trudeau, Canada’s prime minister, thought it a good time to shore up his party’s mandate; as election day nears that plan looks shaky . And the rise and fall of Georgia’s sex-selective abortions. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist , subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer H...
Sep 09, 2021•22 min
Tens of thousands of people aligned with President Jair Bolsonaro held protests—at his direction. Yet the numbers are increasingly aligned against him as he eyes next year’s elections. Conspiracy theories are nothing new, but politicians espousing them, and exploiting them to great effect, make them much more than harmless tales. And a listen to the disappearing sounds of old Beijing. Additional Beijing audio courtesy of Colin Chinnery. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The...
Sep 08, 2021•22 min
President Nayib Bukele thinks obliging businesses to take the cryptocurrency will help with remittances, inclusion and foreign investment. So far, few are convinced . From after-school tutoring to endless extracurricular activities, education is an increasingly cut-throat affair; we examine the costs of these academic arms races . And Sally Rooney’s new novel and the question of what makes great contemporary fiction . For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist , subscr...
Sep 07, 2021•21 min
