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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The Economist’s editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes met Sir Keir Starmer for “ The Insider ”, our new video offering. We bring you the analysis. Why executions in America are surging, despite declining support for the death penalty. And Tom Stoppard , one of Britain’s most challenging playwrights, is remembered by his Russian translator. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to ac...
As Vladimir Putin begins a two-day visit to India, our correspondent explains why Donald Trump’s policies have pushed India and Russia closer together. How AI models could learn to take shortcuts––and accidentally become evil . And the curious case of the newly- Malaysian footballers . 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...
America’s attacks on possible drug boats in the Caribbean is already controversial. Now critics are questioning the legality of one particular strike in September. What does this mean for the US secretary of war, Pete Hegseth? Why American firms are raising funding to explore gene-editing babies . And women in Japan face a long fight to play the national sport: sumo . In “ Babbage ” earlier this year we interviewed Chinese scientist He Jiankui, whose use of gene-editing technology on babies land...
The Intelligence investigates China's unexpected rise as a global innovation leader in fields like autonomous vehicles and pharmaceuticals, driven by factors such as agile regulation and a competitive domestic market. It also examines a humorous yet insightful study to determine which country is most like Britain, revealing Spain as a surprising match with valuable policy lessons, particularly regarding immigration. Finally, the episode explores the curious global phenomenon of capybara popularity, linking their "chill" demeanor to a cultural yearning for calm in a chaotic world.
The podcast explores the significant changes within Iran, including domestic pressures and the foreign minister's signals for a new nuclear deal, amidst political uncertainty. It also examines the AI industry's "winner-takes-all" mindset being challenged by new rivals and "circular" funding, raising questions about market commoditization. Finally, the episode discusses the global decline of traditional letter mail, exemplified by Denmark, and how postal services are reinventing themselves for parcel delivery.
Chef Gary Thomas has a lot on his plate. That’s because he’s in the business of feeding thousands of people a day on a ship in the middle of the ocean. Not just any ship – the Star of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world. The Weekend Intelligence’s senior producer Barclay Bram braved a trip to the Bahamas to try to figure out the secret behind one of the most impressive food operations in the world. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technolog...
The dead are still being found; the displaced huddle in public spaces. Who or what will be blamed, and what policies will change after the tragedy ? We visit Georgia, where protests have now lasted a year , probing the differences between popular uprisings that succeed and those that fail. And remembering He Yanxin , last natural inheritor of China’s ancient women-only language. Additional audio courtesy of Zhao Ke'er from the documentary " Heart of Gold ". Get a world of insights by subscribing...
The tax-and-spend plan was fine-tuned to avoid immediate political jeopardy. But it will do little to help Britain’s chronic growth problem, and is likely to erode further the political centre. We meet with Yogi Adityanath, the leader of India’s most populous state and a harbinger of the country’s possible political future. And readers’ best—or most discombobulating— job-interview questions . Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access...
The country’s Communist Party leadership continues to cling to old ideals amid on-again, off-again diplomacy with America—and the people’s suffering only deepens . Britain is making the most of its advantages in the burgeoning industry of quantum technology. And why conservationists’ concern about a wood beloved of classical musicians may be misplaced . Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our F...
For decades governments have found minimum-wage rises a politically expedient means of redistribution. But the onward economic distortions have at last become clear. Of course AI can write a faster cover letter — perhaps even a better one. But there are knock-on costs when everyone is doing it. And a look at Florida’s bold experiment in the free choice of unbundled education . Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podca...
It is telling and troubling that the annual climate talking-shop’s outcome did not even mention fossil fuels. We ask whether the COP process is still fit for purpose. Cryptocurrencies could be heading for an almighty fall : what would they take down with them? And the revealing vowels and diphthongs of whale communications . (Hear much more on animal communication in our series on “Babbage”: part 1 asks whether animals truly have language, and part 2 whether AI could translate it.) Additional au...
Britain’s home secretary Shabana Mahmood proposed a big shift in immigration policy this week. Our correspondent explains Labour’s reforms – and the reasoning behind them. Why military spy balloons are making a comeback. And celebrating historian Gillian Tindall , who illuminated ordinary lives to bring the past to life. 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 Pod...
Pentagon officials are meeting President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv to discuss a Russia-US peace proposal Ukraine had no part in writing. That merely adds pressure as a giant corruption crisis is already embroiling top officials. Fifty years on from the death of Franco , our correspondent assesses how much Spain has changed. And should you date your boss ? Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more informati...
Muhammad bin Salman’s first visit to the White House in seven years earned the Saudi crown prince new weapons, giant tech deals and a burnished reputation. Our correspondent explains Trump’s warm welcome. Why gay rights in Hong Kong are going backwards. And how snail farms help Britons dodge tax. 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 ...
Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s former prime minister, has been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity. The country is at a pivotal moment as it heads towards parliamentary elections next year. Donald Trump hopes tariffs will return furniture making to America. And why English speakers use their alphabet so oddly. 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 Podcas...
This weekend, thousands of people protested in Mexico City about violent crime. But our correspondent notes that the government has had some success in confronting drug gangs and cutting homicides. Three years ago Japan’s former prime minister Abe Shinzo was assassinated. Now his killer is on trial . And celebrating the life of the bomb-disposal mastermind Peter Gurney . For “The Weekend Intelligence”, our Mexico bureau chief Sarah Birke recently visited the Mexican city of Culiacán, capital of ...
After two years of war, over 80% of the buildings in Gaza have been destroyed. Our correspondent assesses various plans for reconstruction . Do large lay-offs in American firms mean AI is coming for white-collar jobs ? And remembering James Watson , the controversial scientist who discovered the structure of DNA. 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+, ...
Last night Donald Trump finally managed to end the longest federal government shutdown in history. But, amid a new release of emails relating to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, the political storm continues. Why Airbnb is searching for new beds in new markets. And the amazing role of lead poisoning in humanity’s success. 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 Economi...
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...
