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 delves into three distinct global stories: Argentina's unexpected midterm election outcome, where President Javier Milei's party secured a decisive victory, providing a critical boost to his economic reform agenda despite ongoing challenges with the peso and coalition building. It also examines Germany's economic stagnation and Chancellor Friedrich Merz's ambitious, yet slow-moving, reform efforts, highlighting the political obstacles in addressing welfare and pension systems. Finally, the podcast explores the rising trend of difficulty in modern video games, tracing its historical roots and examining developer motivations and player reception to the increasingly challenging experiences.
This weekend American and Chinese officials are meeting to try and ease tensions over trade after China’s recent decision to restrict rare-earth exports. How has China gained the upper hand? Anxiety about screen time is focused on young people, but the elderly are addicted to devices too. And the wonder of waltzes , from Strauss to “Strictly Come Dancing”. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more informati...
The government shutdown in America is now the second-longest on record. Yet there is no apparent urgency to end it, either from Republicans or Democrats. Why Ghana has escaped the jihadist violence of its neighbours in the Sahel. And bottled water is going upmarket. 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 ex...
America has been blowing up ships in foreign waters suspected of carrying drugs. That will do little to dent today’s narco-business , which is more inventive and adaptable than ever. Why business executives in China keep disappearing . And the jewels stolen in the brazen Louvre heist may never be found. 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 vis...
Takaichi Sanae , Japan’s new prime minister, rode motorbikes and plays heavy-metal drums. Will her political ambitions be as bold? America, a nation of immigrants, is turning against new arrivals . Our correspondent explains the consequences. And a fast-growing chain of coffee shops creates a stir 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+, plea...
Ten days into the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the truce remains tenuous. Today our correspondent speaks to people on the ground in Gaza about what they expect from the future. Why global cities are coming round to bikes again. And being left-handed may give you an advantage in certain sports. Photo courtesy of Omar Mahmood. 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 Ec...
John Bolton, a former Trump ally-turned-critic has been charged with mishandling classified information. That raises further fears that the justice department is being politicised. Why dropping a case against two people accused of spying for China has engulfed the British government. And celebrating Saul Zabar , whose deli delighted New Yorkers. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about ho...
When Giorgia Meloni was elected Italy’s prime minister, many people feared she would prove divisive and volatile. Instead, at a time when many other European governments have been in turmoil, her three years in office have been remarkably tranquil. Why German trains no longer run on time. And a very British battle: conker competitions . Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to acce...
After cancelling much of America’s international development funding , President Donald Trump is now using that money to boost friends, allies against China and buy goods and influence. Ukraine is striking Russia’s fuel infrastructure deep inside the country. And why JD Wetherspoon is not just a British bargain boozer. 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 Podca...
Cyberattacks have brought firms like Jaguar Land Rover and Asahi to a standstill. Our correspondent asks what companies and governments should do about a rising problem. Why it is getting harder to count deaths in Africa. And is eating dark chocolate actually good for you? 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 v...
Donald Trump arrived in the Middle East for a victory tour as Israeli captives were finally freed. But the path to peace does not run smooth: Gaza is devastated, Hamas remains armed and tricky negotiations continue. Why luxury travel is thriving, with a little help from social media. And celebrating Claudia Cardinale , the accidental film star. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how...
In May 2024, Yevgenia Berkovich and Svetlana Petrichuk, the director and writer of an experimental play, became the first Russian artists since Soviet times to be put on trial for the content of their work. It was a show trial. Like all show trials its outcome was preordained. But when professional actors took the stand, it turned it into a different kind of show—one that put the spotlight on a radical ideology that has gripped the Russian state. In a bonus episode of our Next Year in Moscow ser...
Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, is a huge video-game fan . Now his hobby is becoming a multi-billion-dollar industry for the kingdom, which is acquiring some of the world’s biggest gaming firms. How Finnish icebreakers became a focus for polar power politics. And the NBA plays its first basketball game on Chinese soil in six years. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information abou...
Donald Trump has brokered an agreement between Israel’s government and Hamas. It’s a momentous breakthrough. Our correspondent analyses what comes next. We launch “ The Economist Insider ”, our new TV show for subscribers, where senior editors debate the news. And, do red-light masks actually work? Jason tries one… 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+...
France’s newly-appointed prime minister has resigned only weeks into the job. Now President Emmanual Macron has given him 48 hours to come up with a plan for next year’s budget. Can Macron survive the turmoil? As driverless taxis take over San Francisco, what will happen to the human drivers? And remembering Jilly Cooper, queen of the bonkbuster Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about ho...
The swiftest way for Prime Minister Mark Carney to ease pressure on Canada’s economy is to convince President Donald Trump today to pare back tariffs. But he has far broader plans afoot, too. A heady online mix of e-commerce and entertainment is creating a new generation of shopping addicts. And why John Singer Sargent’s posh-folk portraits are again in fashion. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please vis...
As negotiators gather in Egypt, appetite for a short-term peace seems high on all sides. But there is much ambiguity surrounding a lasting accord. In New York, renters fear being evicted far less than they once did—but pity flat-hunters. And remembering Kim Seong Min , a North Korean defector who dedicated his life to getting information back to his erstwhile countrymen. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, ...
This episode examines the struggles of Argentina's President Javier Milei, whose radical economic reforms are now wobbling amidst election losses and corruption allegations, prompting US intervention to stabilize the peso. It also explores the US commercial property sector's painfully slow recovery following the pandemic and interest rate hikes, highlighting new investment trends. Finally, an archived interview with Dame Jane Goodall reflects on her groundbreaking chimpanzee research, challenging human definitions, and her enduring legacy in conservation and animal understanding.
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...
