By the numbers, the outcome seems clear: Venezuelans voted to annex much of newly minted petrostate Guyana. But our correspondent says the referendum was mere electioneering by President Nicolás Maduro, with unimpressive results. Our obituaries editor remembers Saleemul Huq , who campaigned relentlessly on behalf of the most vulnerable countries (9:52). And just how much lighter the paycheques are for heavier workers (17:03). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a s...
Dec 06, 2023•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast The cradle of American technology was once known for its libertarian values—but as law-enforcement agencies seek more means of surveillance, Silicon Valley companies are piling in . Mounting cases in America’s courts reveal a trend of progressives arguing for their religious right to abortion (9:09). And how tourism gone wrong is killing the Dark Hedges that appeared in “Game of Thrones” (16:28). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, yo...
Dec 05, 2023•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast As its ground offensive appears to be expanding, Israel is acutely aware that time and international support will run out; we examine its impossible set of aims to achieve before then. Europe has not yet faced the kind of fentanyl crisis that has plagued America—but there are risks that it may soon (10:53). And the power-napping prowess of penguins (18:26). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows a...
Dec 04, 2023•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Economist 's editor-in-chief, Zanny Minton Beddoes, and our Russia and Eastern Europe editor, Arkady Ostrovsky, return to Kyiv to to find out if cracks are beginning to emerge in the iron shield of Ukrainian unity and to ask how the war with Russia is reshaping a nation living on a knife’s edge. The Weekend Intelligence is a subscriber-only episode. For the next month you can sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+ If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you have full access...
Dec 02, 2023•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast Olena Zelenska foresees a time when her family can regain a quiet life. Our editor-in-chief sits down with her to discuss her mental-health campaign and life in an unexpected spotlight. President Xi Jinping wants to improve China’s toilets; we ask why that is proving so difficult (12:20). And why the superyacht industry is just sailing along (19:50). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part ...
Dec 01, 2023•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast The doyen of diplomacy has died, leaving a complex legacy . Following extensive interviews with him earlier this year, our deputy editor examines what Dr Kissinger stood for and whether his ideas will outlast him. As the COP28 climate summit begins, we look at an approach that deserves more attention: carbon dioxide removal (13:16). And our annual cost-of-living survey ranks the world’s priciest cities (22:36). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to Th...
Nov 30, 2023•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Drug-related shootings and bombings are on the rise. Policies are changing and law-enforcement budgets rising, but stemming the violence is proving politically tricky . Our columnist considers how China is using the war in Gaza to burnish its diplomatic credentials (9:36). And the teams vying to smash a long-standing sailing-speed record (18:27). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of y...
Nov 29, 2023•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast The singular focus on the metaverse of Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s boss, fretted investors. But in the past year he has pulled off a spectacularly timely turnaround . We look at what is driving an illegal-gold rush in Venezuela as a lens on a wider, regional concern (9:48). And why North Korea’s women’s football team provides such good propaganda (16:48). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part...
Nov 28, 2023•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Our correspondent speaks with the Africa head of the Red Cross who has borne witness to the war, famine and genocide that continue—unrelenting and largely ignored —in Sudan. As Ukraine’s men are sent off to war, the country’s women are upending its labour market ; we meet some newly minted miners (10:07). And how the age at which careers peak is changing (18:34). Today is the last day of our Black Friday sale: sign up to Economist Podcasts+ for half price—just two dollars, pounds or euros...
Nov 27, 2023•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Look past short-term stumbles: there are plenty of reasons to think Japan may spin out of its decades-long deflationary spiral. But how to avoid another false dawn? A visit to a mine in Zimbabwe reveals how valuable lithium is becoming to the continent—and China’s role in securing it (13:09). And remembering a “Rosie the Riveter” who kept riveting until age 95 (21:38). Until Monday November 27th you can sign up to Economist Podcasts+ for half price in our Black Friday sale. For just two dollars,...
Nov 24, 2023•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Geert Wilders campaigned on leaving the European Union, closing the borders, and even suggested banning Islam. The Dutch surprisingly voted for him anyway. But without a majority, can he form a government? WeWork is a flawed company, but their bankruptcy reflects greater turmoil in real estate (10:10). And, how hyper-bouncy shoes are giving runners an edge (17:42). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. And from today until Monday 27th November you can sign up to Economist Podcasts+ fo...
Nov 23, 2023•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast After weeks of negotiations , Hamas has agreed to release some hostages. In exchange, there will be a four-day pause in fighting. But then what? Americans really love their cars and dependence on them is making the country fairer (09:34). And what Netflix’s latest spin-off reveals about the changing trends in TV (15:56). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. Fo...
Nov 22, 2023•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast It is still unclear why the board of OpenAI fired him last week, but hundreds of staff are revolting anyway. The debacle reveals a sizeable rift between the tech companies at the forefront of AI development. Canadians typically consider themselves pro- immigration . Is the tide changing (10:45)? And the books you didn’t know were propaganda (18:49). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part o...
Nov 21, 2023•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast He is a self-proclaimed “anarcho-capitalist” and in a run-off, the people have entrusted this political firebrand to shake the country out of economic malaise. Will he deliver ? Hamas has an intricate network of tunnels under Gaza, but new tech could help Israel fight them (10:48). And what AI can glean from listening to the forests (19:03). Additional audio courtesy of Jörg Müller Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full ...
Nov 20, 2023•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Were America’s presidential election to be held today, Donald Trump would probably win . We examine the winds shifting in his favour, and how the Biden campaign might tack against them. The town of Basildon best matches Britain’s national-average statistics—a mean reason to pay a visit (13:13). And remembering Vivian Silver , a Canadian-Israeli peace activist who died at the hands of Hamas (20:51). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, ...
Nov 17, 2023•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast There is little left, in terms of people or infrastructure, in the north of the strip. Our correspondent, embedded with the Israel Defence Forces, considers the humanitarian crisis growing in the south. Our film on American school shootings discovers the growing phenomenon of hoaxes known as “swatting” (11:49). And how, despite its ahistorical nature , “The Crown” will influence perceived history (19:28). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Econ...
Nov 16, 2023•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast In the European country with both the largest Jewish and largest Muslim populations, a rise in antisemitic acts brings particular perils; we examine them. Winemaking was always going to be hit hard by climate change. Our oenophile correspondent looks at how things are already changing—and it is not all bad news (08:52). And why India’s explosives industry is blowing up (16:04). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have ful...
Nov 15, 2023•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Former prime minister David Cameron is back from the political wilderness—and his appointment as foreign secretary reveals much about the state of the ruling Conservative party. We ask how Israel has kept its airspace open during the conflict in Gaza, even as the threat of missiles has grown (10:11). And China’s long-suffering delivery drivers fight more quietly to improve their lot (17:04). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll ...
Nov 14, 2023•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast After a grinding and lethal eight-month battle, Ukraine’s forces retook the port city a year ago. Our correspondent visits, finding a populace both anxious and defiant . As with technological transformations that came before, the benefits of artificial intelligence will accrue disproportionately to the very stars who rail against it (10:22). And why New York is now safer —if you’re a bird (19:46). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, y...
Nov 13, 2023•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Miscalculating the prowess of the People’s Liberation Army is dangerous. Overestimating it could cause unnecessary confrontation, but underestimating it is risky for Taiwan. We bring you some balance. Can descendants of slave traders be absolved of the sins of their ancestors (09:00)? And a tribute to a man who believed life is best lived dangerously (16:50). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+ If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist , you’ll have full access to all our...
Nov 10, 2023•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Economists have stopped waiting for interest rates to drop because it doesn’t seem to be coming. The upward pressure on long-term bond yields suggests that this situation could last for a while. How should the world adjust? Israel’s economy might be in good enough shape to withstand the next few months, but a longer war won’t come cheap (12:00). And, Jilly Cooper’s sexy new book (18:55). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+ If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist , you’ll have...
Nov 09, 2023•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast A high-profile money-laundering case in Singapore with links to Chinese gamblers has shed light on a broader web of organised crime across the region. As governments wake up to the problem, what are the odds of them getting it under control? Muhammad Dahlan , often tipped to be next leader of the Palestinians, sets out his post-war vision (09:32). And how to stop turmeric from killing people (18:00). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+ If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist ...
Nov 08, 2023•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast One month on from Hamas’ attack on Israel, we meet Najib Mikati . He is hoping to prevent Hizbullah from joining the conflict, and broader spillover into the rest of the Middle East. Can he? The American state of Ohio is voting on abortion rights today and opposition campaigners are hoping that their new tactics will work this time (11:30). And, how lying is compromising hiring (20:20). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+ If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist , you’ll have ...
Nov 07, 2023•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Israeli troops are gearing up to enter Gaza city, bracing for the next round of urban warfare. Our correspondent spends some time with a brigade on the front-lines. How prepared are they for the task ahead? The pandemic is over, so why are consumers still staying home, alone, and withdrawing from social activities (09:16)? And, why Gen-Z isn’t the only group “ quiet quitting ” (17:40). Audio clip courtesy of Zaid Khan (@zaidleppelin). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+ If you’re alr...
Nov 06, 2023•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast In our second episode of The Weekend Intelligence, The Economist correspondents Catherine Brahic and Sacha Nauta tell a different story about fertility treatment . A story about the pain, the hope and the despair that is paid for a life to be created. And a personal story about two women, over five years, whose lives followed parallel tracks in their quest for a baby. Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+ If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist , you’ll have full access to all ...
Nov 04, 2023•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast From can-do-no-wrong wunderkind to one of the biggest fraudsters in the history of finance: we look at Sam Bankman-Fried’s fall and conviction , and what it has done to the wider cryptocurrency industry. The evident successes of IVF treatment mask many disappointments; how to improve both outcomes and accessibility (13:15)? And take note, y’all: generational change is affecting America’s southern accent (22:14). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+ If you’re already a subscriber to Th...
Nov 03, 2023•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast General Valery Zaluzhny concedes that five months of counter-offensive have not gained much—and can see from history why the impasse may be impassable. Paris is starting to nip at London’s heels in the battle for supremacy in the art world (10:27). And India’s influencers battle to teach the country’s youth about sex—because the government will not (17:16). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+ If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist , you’ll have full access to all our shows a...
Nov 02, 2023•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Online and on-screen reactions to the conflict reflect a subtle but important shift in Western attitudes , driven by three related forces: technology, demography and ideology. Britain’s King Charles is visiting Kenya—and will have a harder time navigating historical tensions than his mother ever did (09:56). And sleeping less tight: Paris is not the only place bedbugs are on the rise (18:24). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+ If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist , you’ll...
Nov 01, 2023•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast As country after country in the Sahel has fallen prey to coups, President Macky Sall’s Senegal seemed an outpost of stability. Yet our correspondent finds him less than sanguine about democracy in the region. We sift through what little is known about “ the Phantom ”, the Hamas fighter behind the attacks in Israel (11:57). And eating steak frites gets political in France (19:47). Sign up for Economist Podcasts+ now and get 50% off your subscription with our offer that ends today . If you’r...
Oct 31, 2023•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast The long-anticipated invasion is not the expected blitzkrieg; we ask how a longer, more cautious war will be fought. Kemal Ataturk is still wildly popular a century after he founded modern Turkey—so instead of undoing his legacy, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is simply claiming it (10:57). And an ode to Canada’s “long dash”, a time-marking tradition that has now gone silent (21:15). Sign up for Economist Podcasts+ now and get 50% off your subscription with our limited-time offer. You will not b...
Oct 30, 2023•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
