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 podcast examines the divergence between US and Israeli goals in the ongoing conflict, with Israel seeking regime change in Iran while the US prioritizes oil flow control, raising questions about a joint exit strategy and Israel's precarious future. It also offers surprising investment advice, suggesting that "low-quality" stocks may be a better option than "quality" ones amidst market uncertainty driven by rising oil prices. Finally, the episode pays tribute to Philippe Gaulier, a legendary clown and teacher known for his harsh but transformative methods aimed at helping students find their authentic comedic selves and critique society.
Iran continues to retaliate against attacks with ferocity. Though many of its ballistic missile facilities have been razed, its vast drone armoury is powerful and destructive. Who will benefit from India’s boom in data centres ? And why giant board games are not child’s play. Guests and host: Shashank Joshi, defence editor Gavin Jackson, South Asia business and finance correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The intelligence” Topics covered: Iran, Americ...
Overnight, the Pentagon said it “eliminated” 16 Iranian mine-laying ships, raising further jitters about the global impact of the war in Iran. Fifteen years after a tsunami caused the Fukushima nuclear disaster , Japan is restarting reactors. And our correspondent meets Jafar Panahi , the Iranian director whose film is nominated for two Oscars this weekend. Guests and host: Rachana Shanbhogue, business and finance editor Noah Sneider, East Asia bureau chief Andrew Miller, “Back Story” columnist ...
After oil prices climbed to nearly $120 a barrel yesterday, Donald Trump signalled a possible abrupt end to the conflict in Iran. Markets calmed, but the course of the war remains unclear. Why China’s government has said little about Iran. And how a hippy grocery store became America’s swankiest supermarket . Guests and host: Edward Carr, deputy editor of “The Economist” Simon Rabinovitch, Beijing bureau chief Avantika Chilkoti, global business correspondent Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence...
After Iran appoints a new supreme leader , what does the choice tell us about the resilience of the regime and how the war will progress? Scientific research in America has taken a battering in Donald Trump’s second term. And why British choirs face a shortage of tenor voices. Guests and host: Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent Daniella Raz, US correspondent Joel Budd, Britain social affairs editor Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, oil prices ...
After a momentous week , our editors reflect on how uncertainty about the goals of the war in Iran will affect its course. Iran’s retaliation has been fierce and wide ranging. How long can Gulf stocks of missile interceptors last? And our obituaries editor looks back at the life of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei . Guests and host: Edward Carr, Economist deputy editor Josie Delap, Middle East editor Shashank Joshi, defence editor Ann Wroe, obituaries editor Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligen...
As America continues to batter Iran, what are the domestic implications of the war for Donald Trump? The widening conflict has prompted some European countries to deploy defensive forces. France has also announced a bigger shift in policy: to bolster its nuclear arsenal. And the politics of beer and nappies . Guests and host: Adam Roberts, foreign editor Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief Shera Avi-Yonah, business writer Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The inte...
As America and Israel continue to bombard Iran, much of Iran’s retaliation is directed against energy infrastructure . With tankers blocked and oil prices rising, our correspondent discusses the impact on the global economy. Why do student debts weigh heavily on Britain’s graduates? And is line dancing really becoming sexy? Guests and host: Rachana Shanbhogue, business affairs editor Josh Roberts, capital markets correspondent Hollie Berman, news editor, US bureau Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Int...
The Intelligence unpacks the intensifying Middle East conflict, including Israel's ground offensive and Hezbollah's involvement, alongside the US military's controversial deployment of AI in strikes against Iran and its policy clash with AI firm Anthropic. Finally, the episode explores the enduring global phenomenon of Pokemon, marking its 30th anniversary and its profound cultural and commercial legacy.
Following the US-Israel attacks that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the Middle East plunged into a regional war. Iran retaliated with widespread strikes across Gulf states, challenging their stability and forcing them to re-evaluate their alliances. The episode explores Iran's succession challenges, the polarized public response, and President Trump's shifting, often unclear, objectives for the conflict amidst low American public support.
The episode delves into the paradox of artificial intelligence, questioning why its rapid advancements haven't translated into significant economic productivity gains, drawing historical comparisons to previous technological revolutions. It also provides an in-depth report on the complex and spreading security crisis in Nigeria, highlighting the various armed groups involved and discussing national and international response strategies. Finally, the podcast celebrates the extraordinary life of Virginia Oliver, who dedicated nearly a century to lobstering in coastal Maine.
The Intelligence examines the significant US military buildup in the Middle East, analyzing President Trump's ambiguous stance on Iran and the unlikely prospects for a nuclear deal. It then continues its series on America's 250th anniversary, exploring the tensions leading to the Civil War, from the Dred Scott ruling to Reconstruction. Finally, the episode offers cultural recommendations, reviewing the timely film "Dreams" and critiquing the latest season of "Bridgerton."
The targeting of “El Mencho”, the leader of one of the country’s two biggest gangs, has resulted in a predictable spate of violence —more of which is virtually assured. We take a rare look inside Russia to see how four years of war has changed the country . And some surprising advice on how to get your best marathon time . Guests and host: Sarah Birke, Mexico City bureau chief Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor Tim Cross, senior science writer Ainslie Johnstone, data journalist Jason Palmer, co-hos...
On the fourth anniversary of a war that many predicted would last mere days, much has changed—even beyond the unthinkable misery in Ukraine itself . Alliances have weakened, Europe is rearming like never before and the very nature of modern war has been redefined. Our correspondents take stock and consider what kind of peace is even possible. Guests and host: Edward Carr, deputy editor Oliver Carroll, Ukraine correspondent Shashank Joshi, defence editor Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence...
The smackdown by America’s Supreme Court was resounding : the bulk of Donald Trump’s tariffs were instituted illegally. He will try to rebuild his tariff wall, brick by brick—creating a new crop of winners and losers. Australia’s surging One Nation party threatens a conservative coalition that was already looking slightly shaky. And why Agatha Christie’s prolific output is so enduringly popular . Guests and host: Rachana Shanbhogue, business-affairs editor Aaron Connelly, Asia diplomatic editor ...
The detainment of King Charles’s brother is almost without precedent in Britain’s long royal history. He denies wrongdoing, but damage to “The Firm” is already assured. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have fallen into a very public spat that may have grave implications far beyond the region. And our obituaries editor reflects on the life of Jesse Jackson . Guests and host: Sonny Loughran, Britain writer Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent Ann Wroe, Obituaries editor Jason Palmer...
Yoon Suk Yeol, South Korea’s ex-president, has been handed a life sentence for insurrection. That is by no means the end of the story of division in the country . Nervous AI-watchers fret about which workers might be replaced; our analysis suggests white-collar workers can breathe easy . And the memoir of Gisèle Pelicot , a rape survivor turned global symbol of strength. Guests and hosts: Noah Sneider, East Asia bureau chief Alex Domash, economics correspondent Alexandra Suich Bass, Culture edit...
Income inequality abounds and today’s rich are staggeringly rich, implying that tax regimes are giving the wealthy more and more of a pass. Our dig into the numbers suggests the opposite . We ask why so many of the world’s international mercenaries hail from Colombia . And despite the signs, Spanish may be reaching its peak in America. Guests and hosts: Callum Williams, senior economics writer Carla Subirana, news editor Lane Greene, senior digital editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence...
Many scientists are considering the notion of actively cooling the region that is warming fastest. We examine the merits and the risks—both environmental and geopolitical—of messing with the polar climate . We ask why the kind of gig economy that has struggled in many markets is booming in India . And an unsettling peek into the first social network for AI agents. Guests and hosts: Oliver Morton, senior editor Catherine Brahic, environment editor Kira Huju, Asia correspondent Alex Hern, AI write...
Our data journalists trawled through the vast email archive of Jeffrey Epstein, a dead sex offender. It is a revealing look at how and with whom he communicated. As interest grows in banning young people’s use of social media, we argue there are better ways to mitigate harms. And a blindfolded introduction to “ blouge ”, a new, more climate-resilient wine variety. Guests and host: Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence” Dan Rosenheck, data editor Tom Wainwright, media editor Tom Standage, deputy ...
Tech firms are spending so much on artificial intelligence that investors are getting nervous. Our correspondent explains whether it is possible to protect your portfolio from a crash. Turkey’s ruler has become increasingly autocratic–and increasingly old. Who might succeed him? And celebrating the life of literary agent Georges Borchardt . Guests and host: Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence” Josh Roberts, capital markets correspondent Piotr Zalewski, Turkey correspondent Jon Fasman, senior c...
As Russia’s war in Ukraine nears four years, there has been no let up in the fighting on the battlefield. Yet there is some optimism that negotiations could yield a ceasefire. Our correspondent joins a Colombian drug raid to destroy a cocaine laboratory in the Amazon. And is crime in London really soaring? Guests and host: Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence” Oliver Carroll, Ukraine correspondent Claire McQue, Latin America writer Sonny Loughran, Britain writer Topics covered: Ukraine peace pr...
The toppling of authoritarian leader Sheikh Hassina in Bangladesh in 2024 was celebrated as a triumph for democracy. Tomorrow the country finally heads to the polls . Our correspondent weighs the choice. Can Mars and other bleak planets be made fit for human habitation ? And why AI bots are applying for human jobs. To find out how to have sex in space , listen to this episode of “The Weekend Intelligence”. Guests and host: Rosie Blau and Jason Palmer, co-hosts of “The Intelligence” Mark Johnson,...
Sir Keir Starmer has faced calls for his resignation from a senior party member. He has survived – but Britain’s prime minister is now fighting for his political survival. Assisted dying legislation is catching up with public opinion in America. And what happens when skiing meets rodeo ? Guests and host: Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence” Sacha Nauta, Britain editor Stevie Hertz, US policy correspondent Aryn Braun, West Coast corrrespondent Topics covered: Keir Starmer’s political future Ass...
Takaichi Sanae ’s gamble to call a general election has paid off. How will the prime minister’s thumping victory change Japan? New legislation in Republican states could imperil academic freedom . And why “ Taxi Driver ” resonates 50 years after the film’s release. Guests and host: Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence” Noah Sneider, East Asia bureau chief Rebecca Jackson, Southern correspondent Andrew Miller, author of The Economist’s Back Story column on culture Topics covered: Japan’s electio...
This week Elon Musk announced the merger of two of his companies: SpaceX and xAI, which makes chatbots. Is the new firm viable? As migrant workers return home for lunar new year, the Chinese Communist Party tells migrant workers not to stay for too long. And our culture editor’s hot take on “ Heated Rivalry ”. 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+, ple...
The New START nuclear deal was signed in 2010 to restrict the number of strategic warheads and missiles America and Russia could amass. Will there be a new deal – and what will happen if not? How social media has helped fuel recruitment to cults . And our baldness correspondent bristles at some hairy questions. Listen back to " The Bomb ", our Babbage series on America's quest to modernise its nuclear arsenal. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technolo...
Peter Mandelson was a totem of Britain’s Labour party for decades. The newest Epstein files mark the end of his political career. What are the consequences for the country’s prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer? Ryanair is controversial and widely hated—yet strangely successful. And why so many animals engage in same-sex relationships . To get 15% off Economist Education’s new business writing and storytelling course, register with the code ECONWRITING-15. Listen to what matters most, from global po...
The podcast investigates Donald Trump's nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve chair, examining his past hawkish views versus his current rate-cutting rhetoric and potential implications for the Fed's independence, interest rates, and balance sheet. It then pivots to Thailand's upcoming election, highlighting the People's Party's youth-led movement for change against the backdrop of the monarchy's dominant political role. Finally, the episode explores how Hong Kong's traditional tram network is unexpectedly becoming a key tourist attraction, despite shifting visitor demographics and broader government tourism strategies.
This episode explores Narendra Modi's surprising political comeback in India, despite earlier setbacks, highlighting his government's reforms and enduring popularity. It also delves into new research challenging the traditional view of child prodigies, suggesting that broad interests may lead to greater long-term success than early specialization. Finally, the discussion examines the emotional departure of pandas from Japan, a move symbolic of cooling diplomatic relations between Japan and China.
