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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America has boycotted this week’s COP climate talks, but China has sent a giant delegation. The world’s biggest polluter is increasingly pivotal to tackling global warming . Why young protesters around the world brandish a pirate flag. And since sports leagues cannot stamp out pirate broadcasters , they are monetising their viewers. 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 E...
People are spurning marriage and any other kind of romantic relationship in record numbers. Our correspondents explore the non-dating market. The rise of AI companions could also have profound implications for society. And why tobacco companies are thriving. 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...
The BBC’s director-general and head of news have resigned amid accusations of institutional bias. Can the broadcaster recover its reputation? Ukrainian prisoners-of-war speak of torture and beatings in Russian detention. And celebrating the life of Kanchha Sherpa , the last surviving member of the first Everest ascent. 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...
Jordan Bardella, the leader of the National Rally party, has a stonking lead in voting-intention polls. His plans , our correspondent says, would put France on a collision course with the rest of Europe. We examine a new conservation-finance mechanism being trialled in the Democratic Republic of Congo. And reflecting on the life of Dick Cheney , a remarkably consequential American vice-president. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to ac...
Just as soon as President Donald Trump started applying sweeping tariffs on trading partners, legal challenges to them started piling up. We listen in on the Supreme Court proceedings that might end them . America’s gender gap in labour-force participation is growing for the first time; we ask why. And the “ dark patterns ” that nudge—or trick, or bully—online buyers. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, ple...
In the first electoral test of Donald Trump’s second term, Democrat supporters voted in a socialist mayor of New York and governors to New York and Virginia. What does this mean for next year’s midterms? Democracy in Turkey is being eviscerated . And the world may be becoming less grumpy . 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 pa...
As America sends its biggest naval hardware to the Caribbean, we ask whether the intent is more than mere sabre-rattling —and why the Trump administration has appetite for another foreign entanglement. Our correspondent sits down with Salman Rushdie to discuss his new book and the value of humour. And as AI-generated spreads, more of the lyrics get filthy . Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit o...
This episode explores the critical situation in Darfur, Sudan, detailing the RSF's siege of El Fasher and the ensuing humanitarian crisis, drawing parallels with past genocides. It then shifts to examine how artificial intelligence is democratizing information, giving consumers an edge against information asymmetry and potentially ending the "rip-off economy." Finally, the discussion touches upon the unexpected decline of the questionnaire as a literary and survey tool, despite its historical importance.
The episode delves into the recent US-China trade truce between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, examining its agreed-upon terms, what was omitted, and the continued broader geopolitical contest despite the pause. It then pivots to the thriving private military contractor industry, discussing its expansion, the incentives for its use by nations and individuals, and the complex issues of reputation and accountability. Finally, the episode explores the "golden age" of horror films, tracing their evolution, contemporary success, and enduring psychological appeal.
New York City's financial sector is shrinking as businesses and high-earners move elsewhere, driven by high taxes, living costs, and changing talent pools, impacting the city's unique governing model and generous spending. Meanwhile, the global alcohol industry, despite health warnings and economic headwinds, shows resilience through growth in emerging markets, premiumization, and a strong pivot to non-alcoholic beverages. Concurrently, Chinese rapper Sky is Your God is rapidly gaining international recognition, leveraging unique cultural blends and short-form video platforms to transcend language barriers and captivate a global audience.
Europe is edging closer to using seized Russian assets to finance Ukraine. The country badly needs that 140bn-euro windfall—and much, much more. A much-fretted-about AI jobs apocalypse is not here yet, but AI-adopting firms are hiring less for junior-level positions. And our ranking of the passports that permit the most freedom of movement. 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 w...
Ships of unknown origin or intent are flummoxing NATO forces on the high seas. Our correspondent visits the Latvian navy on the Virsaitis as it intercepts a mystery vessel. We examine China’s enormous gig economy and how 200m workers are turning precarious conditions to their advantage. And a new book explores what people talk about when they talk about antisemitism. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, plea...
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.
