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Who started Scam Inc? Chinese syndicates honed their scam tactics at home before expanding abroad. To listen to the full series, subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ . If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist , you have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account....
How do you run a scam operation? Perks, recruitment, outsourcing and a monthly landscaping budget—this is Scam Inc. To listen to the full series, subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ . If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist , you have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account....
Who are the scammers? They aren't who you think. To listen to the full series, subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ . If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist , you have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account....
You wouldn’t fall for a scam—would you? A small town in Kansas is left reeling after one of its best and brightest gets sucked in. To listen to the full series, subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ . If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist , you have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account....
Our new podcast series is a shocking look at transnational organised crime : nearly as big as the illegal-drug trade and far more sophisticated than you might think. Beware. After a week that started with bold tariff moves by the Trump administration, what can be gleaned from how things progressed (09:20)? And a staid, ancient game gets a glitzy modern makeover (16:20). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, p...
We meet the opposition leader who is likely to be the next president. Cleaning up the domestic mess after an alleged coup would seem easy compared with his tasks on the international stage. Our correspondent reports on renewed violence in Colombia; again, or still, it is about cocaine (10:10). And remembering the ups and downs of Marianne Faithfull, a beloved British singer (17:40). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist...
The details President Donald Trump laid out for American ownership and redevelopment of the Gaza Strip took everyone by surprise—not least Israel’s prime minister. As improbable as it all is, though, it may play into Binyamin Netanyahu’s hands. As a second-world-war-era dispute reignites between Ukraine and Poland, Russia is the beneficiary (10:00). And the growing appetite for eye-wateringly pricey baby products (19:10). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more i...
From media-studies dropout to international jihadist to Syria’s ruler, Ahmed al-Sharaa has an unlikely résumé. He speaks with our editor-in-chief, sharing hopeful-sounding hints of his vision—but precious little detail. Japan’s economy has been hobbled by low inflation for years; is that now in the past (14.05)? And the lucrative media gigs of Britain’s lawmakers (21.30). Special thanks to Mamoon Alhidayat, our interpreter in Syria. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podca...
President Donald Trump followed through on his tariff threats, starting with Canada, Mexico and China. We look at the first skirmishes in what promises to be a painful trade war (10:30). A Concorde -style supersonic passenger jet could soon be flying again, if one company gets its way. And why standing ovations are no longe r a rare sight (16:40). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs pa...
The Mahabharata is one of India’s two great Hindu epics. It is thousands of years old and thousands of pages long. Over the past 75 years archaeologists in India have been searching for evidence that this mythological story might be based on true events. The Economist’s Leo Mirani travels to Delhi to unearth the story behind the story, and asks who gets to control the past? Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ ...
The fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria will reshape the wider region. Our correspondent says few countries have as much to gain from a stable Syria as Turkey . How will it use its leverage (09:25)? Donald Trump’s enthusiasm for cryptocurrencies will change America’s economy. And remembering Italian hermit Mauro Morandi (17:30). 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...
As some of Donald Trump’s most controversial choices for top jobs are questioned this week, our correspondent analyses how supine Republicans may be in his second term. Has the luxury business passed its peak (09:57)? And why scientists are finding new ways to deal with an invasive pest in Australia: the cane toad (16:55). 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 P...
Rebels linked to Rwanda have occupied the city of Goma in eastern Congo. Our correspondent reports on the horrific scenes there, and warns that Rwanda’s belligerence may be part of a bigger plan to redraw the map of Africa. How microplastics may be affecting our health (10:43). And why Gen Z loves astrology apps (16:33). 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...
Silicon Valley firms have poured billions of dollars into artificial intelligence. But a new cheap AI model from DeepSeek , a Chinese start-up, has sent shockwaves through the stockmarket. Our correspondent explains why investors are rattled. Canada’s remote indigenous communities are struggling to install solar power (9:37). And why you should lift weights (18:25). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more...
A sophisticated, predatory, multi-billion dollar industry is emerging from the shadows. It already rivals the size of the illicit drug trade. And it’s about to get bigger and much more powerful. The Economist ’s Sue-Lin Wong follows a trail that starts with the collapse of a bank in rural Kansas to uncover a global, underground scam economy built around human trafficking, corruption and money laundering. Can it be stopped? Available now. To listen to the full series subscribe to Economist ...
Though thousands of Palestinians are going back to northern Gaza, rebuilding their lives and homes will take years. Just a week into the ceasefire , our correspondent says peace already looks fragile. Why Russian drones are being targeted at civilians in Kherson (9:44). And would game theory help you win “The Traitors” (15:28)? 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 Econom...
Rachel Reeves has had a rocky start as chancellor of the exchequer. Our editor-in-chief meets her at Davos to dissect her plans for growth. Australia Day is coming up, but do not expect universal merriment: its date has become mired in a culture war (10:31). And our “ Archive 1945 ” project revisits the second world war through The Economist ’s contemporaneous coverage (17:11). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economis...
After the collapse of the governing “traffic light” coalition in December, the hard-right AfD has a renewed swagger . How long can other parties keep it from power? We speak with Syrian refugees heading home at last, following the defenestration of Bashar al-Assad (10:30). And remembering David Lynch , a bright-eyed director of unsettlingly dark films and television (19:34). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcast...
The procedure is simple—genial, even. Contact Houthi rebels in Yemen and pay up, and your freight can pass into the Red Sea unmolested. We examine how this extortion affects world trade . China is fast closing its gap with America on AI innovation, and doing so far more cheaply (7:22). And a trip to a Ghanaian rum distillery reveals a regional trend (15:44). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please ...
Donald Trump is back in office, this time with less pearl-clutching in Washington. We examine his inaugural address and his first executive orders as glimpses into what his second term holds—for America and the world (12:23). And why millennials and Gen Z are so besotted with expensive stuffed animals (18:37). 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 video explaining how t...
Quiet skies, returned Israeli hostages, Gazans going back home: there is much to celebrate , for the moment. We examine the path to a more robust and lasting peace. Britain’s minimum-wage rise is good news for those who earned less—but those who earned not much more are feeling more squeezed (9:45). And the medical merits of hypnosis are at last becoming recognised (16:50). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts...
This week Blue Origin , Jeff Bezos’s space-exploration company, successfully launched a rocket into orbit on its first attempt. That marks a new frontier in the private space industry. Donald Trump has threatened mass deportations of illegal immigrants. What will happen when he takes office (12:56)? And celebrating Peter Fenwick , a neuropsychiatrist and expert on near-death experiences (21:55). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subsc...
After 15 months of fighting, a ceasefire in Gaza may soon be agreed. What does the deal entail – and could it last? Our correspondent has uncovered new information about Donald Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard , and her relationship with Syria’s former dictator, Bashar al-Assad. And why Gen-Z has gone mad for matcha . Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more i...
After dramatic scenes in South Korea, President Yoon Suk Yeol has been detained on insurrection charges, stemming from his attempt to impose martial law in December. But, says our correspondent, the political and economic fallout is not over. The craze for plastic surgery reaches some surprising body parts (7:46). And a visit to the world’s most disciplined primary schools – in Japan (16:40). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe...
Though central banks have cut interest rates, uncertainty about the future has sent yields sky-high . Our correspondent explains why expectations diverge from the economic data, and the impact on borrowers. Donald Trump’s desire to control Greenland using economic or military force provoked outrage. But could America buy the country (9:01)? And why Singapore’s iconic hawker centres are under threat (17:41). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and techn...
Among the lessons emerging from California’s devastating fires is the idea that insurers cannot price risk on past data: the climate-change future is already here. Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s pick for defence secretary, has some misguided notions about women on the battlefield (10:10). And examining children’s literature : should it be all sugar and spice—or more real-world, where not everything’s nice (19:28)? Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information...
Elon Musk has taken an abiding interest in Britain, and a hard line against its prime minister. It reveals a division within British politics that may hold lessons for elsewhere. Our series The World Ahead concludes by assessing Europe’s security challenges in 2025 (11:14). And remembering Chiung Yao , whose many novels taught the Chinese all about romantic love (19:25). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, ...
The world’s most populous country is at the front line of climate change. Our deputy editor explores the many ways it is adapting —because it must. Our series The World Ahead continues by examining the plausibility of the incoming Trump administration’s policy promises (10:26). And the robots that can at last help with grape harvesting (18:26). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page ...
A once-fringe far-right party looks close to power—and serves as another sign of a broad and worrying pro-Russia trend in central European politics. Meanwhile Jean-Marie Le Pen , who established the far-right party now close to power in France, has died; our correspondent reflects on his legacy (10:05). And our series The World Ahead examines financial inclusion in Latin America (16:07). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to...
In the end Justin Trudeau could not resist the internal pressure. We ask why the liberal standard-bearer got pushed out , and what comes next. Ten years after terrorists raided the offices of Charlie Hebdo , a satirical French newspaper, our correspondent speaks with its unbowed editor (10:10). And our series The World Ahead examines the nexus of AI and the pharmaceutical industry (19:08). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how ...
