Both the left and right are likely to do well in France’s upcoming parliamentary poll, with President Emmanuel Macron’s party squeezed in the middle. The snap election could leave the country in chaos . In America, recreational use of weed is now commonplace, but what impact does it have on users’ wellbeing (10:06)? And the joy of short books : the intense pleasure of a quickie (17:40). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economi...
Jun 19, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast The post-war generation reaped the benefits of peace and prosperity. Yet rather than spend that bounty, retired boomers are hoarding their riches –and upending economists’ expectations. The science of menstruation is baffling, partly because most animals don’t do it. Now clever innovations may help improve women’s health (9:13). And how old-fashioned wind-power is blowing new life into the shipping industry–and cutting its emissions (16:13). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and ...
Jun 18, 2024•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Much of Sudan has already collapsed into chaos . Now a crucial city may fall, the United Nations is belatedly scrambling to avert a bloodbath. Gary Lineker is a former footballer, broadcaster and podcast mogul. He also embodies Britain’s social aspirations (10:52). And the women in Japan who pay men to praise them (18:49). 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 Econo...
Jun 17, 2024•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Britain’s pint-sipping rabble-rouser of the right has joined the campaigning ahead of a general election. Win or lose, he will make an impact. America’s stadiums and arenas are often built using taxpayer dollars; they are also often terrible value for money (10:08). And a tribute to William Anders , an astronaut who snapped one of history’s most famed photographs (17:15). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+,...
Jun 14, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast America’s upbeat assessment of a ceasefire deal masks deep divides that may not, in fact, be bridgeable. There are nevertheless reasons for optimism. Our data team digs into the accusation that the New York Times ’s bestseller list is biased against conservatives (10:58). And why a quirk of British regulation is holding back its non-alcoholic-drinks industry (19:08). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+...
Jun 13, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast We have dusted off and tuned up our forecast model for America’s presidential race. So far it gives Donald Trump a marginally higher chance of a second term. There is at last progress on not one but two vaccines to beat malaria (9:02). And a look at the “ tradwives ” of TikTok: passionate homemakers who prefer the gender roles of the past (15:10). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs pa...
Jun 12, 2024•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Across the rich world millions spend more than a third of their disposable income on rent. We ask why policymakers have such terrible ideas on easing the pressure. America’s bid to crimp TikTok has raised a flurry of issues far graver than social-media scrolling (9:53). And why pop stars are (again) embracing the album over the single (15:46). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page o...
Jun 11, 2024•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hard-right parties did well in Europe's parliamentary elections—so well in France that President Emmanuel Macron called a risky snap election. Elsewhere, though, the political centre held. We examine the policies that are getting America’s many chronically truant students back in school (9:13). And the delicate business of naming a new car (16:42). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs p...
Jun 10, 2024•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast Narendra Modi has been chosen to lead India for the third time in a row. But after 10 years in power, he was humbled at the national election. What kind of leader will he be? Stories from his youth in the Hindu nationalist movement offer clues. This episode draws on audio from the following publishers: Narendra Modi YouTube, ANI, Legend Global Studios, Lalit Vachani, Prasar Bharti Archives, Desh Gujarat, The New York Times, NDTV, Doordarshan and BBC. To listen to the full series, search "The Mod...
Jun 08, 2024•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast When Russia attacked the Kakhovka dam in Ukraine a year ago, lives were lost, families stranded and towns submerged. But from that devastation emerged discussion on post-war reconstruction . Our correspondent spent months investigating Narendra Modi , the strongman who was humbled at this week’s Indian election (10:02). And remembering Barry Kemp , the Egyptologist who dug up Akhenaten’s abandoned city (17:18). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technol...
Jun 07, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast As Britain’s general-election campaign heats up, party leaders are vague on their economic plans . With growth so slow, how could the victor energise the economy? We visit the D-day beaches 80 years on, as war rages in Europe once again (10:19). And Venice’s new daytripper fee is designed to curb crowds. But putting a price on protecting beauty is proving controversial (17:42). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Econ...
Jun 06, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Narendra Modi, the strongman of India, will have to compromise now his party has lost its majority . What does the surprise result mean for the country? As some foreign investors shy away from Africa, the continent’s private sector is serving domestic customers to fill that hole (10:02). And how mastering circus stunts could help future moon-dwellers exercise (16:42). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For mo...
Jun 05, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast There has been a slow strangling of freedom in the territory where pro-democracy activists have been convicted; an annual vigil for the victims of the Tiananmen Square crackdown in Beijing in 1989 has been replaced by a food fair. A boom in startups suggests America is recovering its pioneering spirit (8:06). And remembering June Mendoza , portrait painter to the royals, and the less well-known (16:28). Until June 5th, get a world of insights for 50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ . For mo...
Jun 04, 2024•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Claudia Sheinbaum has been elected Mexico’s first female president . Now the real fight begins: crime is rocketing, corruption is rampant and the country is divided. Hurricane season has arrived in the Atlantic, and America’s coastal states are braced for a stormy one —thanks to forces both natural and man-linked (11:02). And introducing the new co-host of “The Intelligence” (20:11). Until June 5th get a world of insights for 50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about ...
Jun 03, 2024•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast The former president was found guilty on all 34 charges of falsifying business records. But his convictions leave lots of room for appeals, and for supporters to cry foul. South Africa’s ruling party is set to lose its majority in its worst electoral performance since Nelson Mandela’s victory. What might a coalition look like (09:28)? And, we say goodbye to Ore (17:08). Until June 5th, get a world of insights for 50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access...
May 31, 2024•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast Ahead of a general election in July, we reflect on 14 years of Conservative rule. It’s not a great record, but will the prime minister be able to spin it on the campaign trail? Latin America is still being torn apart by some of the world’s worst gang violence . Why aren’t countermeasures working (10:26)? And how climate change is making our days ever so slightly longer (20:03). Until June 5th, get a world of insights for 50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how t...
May 30, 2024•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Horrific images of charred bodies being pulled from the rubble in Gaza drew outcry, and more countries are recognising the Palestinian state. Israel is becoming more isolated as a result, and Binyamin Netanyahu’s lack of a postwar plan is threatening his government. The growing electoral power of Mexico’s diaspora ahead of the country’s upcoming elections (11:45). And, come with us for a game of lawn bowls (19:38). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and tec...
May 29, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast The IAEA is charged with promoting the peaceful use of atomic energy . But with uncertainty in Iran and a delicate situation in Ukraine, can the organisation still keep risks under control? The world’s most important diamond company is in trouble. Could selling out save them (10:31)? And, a look at Russia’s low-tech tank defences (16:51) Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to acc...
May 28, 2024•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Apple and Alphabet operate what is in effect a smartphone-app duopoly. Governments want to curb their power, but it is not clear whether more competition would change things. We ask why India’s election is so eye-wateringly expensive ; the country’s size is not the only answer (08:59). And new approaches in the old fight against swarms of locusts (14:07). Get a world of insights for 50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please vi...
May 27, 2024•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast The introduction laws cracking down on supposed foreign agents has become a common tactic for autocratic leaders. Activists in Georgia, who oppose the introduction of such a law, refer to theirs as “the Russian law”. They see it as moving their country closer to Putin, and away from the West. Last week, as Georgia’s parliament prepared to vote on the law, Heidi Pett travelled to Tbilisi, the capital, to meet opposition leaders and find out why they are so afraid. What she discovered was a group ...
May 25, 2024•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast Narendra Modi is one of the most popular politicians on the planet. India’s prime minister is eyeing a third term atop the world’s biggest democracy. A tea-seller’s son, Mr Modi began life an outsider and the man behind the political phenomenon remains hard to fathom. India has become an economic powerhouse during his ten years in charge. But he’s also the frontman for a chauvinistic Hindu nationalist dogma. Can Mr Modi continue to balance both parts of his agenda and finish the job ...
May 24, 2024•5 min•Transcript available on Metacast Our editor-in-chief and Jerusalem correspondent pay a visit to Israel’s halls of power, finding that long-whispered dissent is spilling into the open. An Italian subsidy for green home improvements was ripe for abuse by design; the bill has now come due and it is enormous (14:28). And how “Bridgerton”, a sort-of period drama, has made string quartets fashionable again (21:00). Get a world of insights for 50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Ec...
May 24, 2024•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast When it comes to the chips used in artificial intelligence, one firm has the market locked up. We look at the rivals minded to steal Nvidia’s crown. The death toll from the war in Gaza has been disputed since the start; we cut through the numbers to find a reliable estimate (10:19). And our correspondent examines the great rematches of fiction (16:07). Get a world of insights for 50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit...
May 23, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Domestic divisions are already complicating the daunting task William Lai Ching-te has set himself: strengthening Taiwan while maintaining its ambiguous geopolitical status quo. With more and more big firms choosing to stay private—with good reason—the stockmarket is shrinking (09:37). And dating apps are putting an end to the lonely-hearts advertisement (16:47). Get a world of insights for 50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, p...
May 22, 2024•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast The chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Court has caused outrage by requesting arrest warrants for both Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Hamas’s leaders. China’s young people, on the lookout for safe ways to invest modest sums, have settled on collecting little gold beans (13:20). And Hawaii may soon have the first official state gesture (17:04). Get a world of insights for 50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist ...
May 21, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast The death of Ebrahim Raisi will spark succession battles both for the presidency and for supreme leader-in-waiting. What kind of Iran will result? Accusations and evidence of Chinese espionage are stacking up in and raising tensions with Britain (9:57). And how the careers advisers of TikTok are shaping the future of job-hunting (18:54). Get a world of insights for 50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page ...
May 20, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Mumbai is famously an open city, known for welcoming all comers, regardless of colour, caste, or creed. But as the city goes about building its future, Economist correspondent Leo Mirani, a proud Mumbaikar, fears his city’s character is being buried beneath the rubble. In this episode of the Weekend Intelligence Leo contemplates how all this construction will change his beloved Bombay, and who the Mumbai of the future is really designed for. Get a world of insights for 50% off—subscribe to...
May 18, 2024•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast A bid to squeeze money from social-media platforms that link to news content has backfired: what was intended to help publishers is instead harming them . America’s workers still work more than Europe’s; what is changing is where they do it (9:44). And remembering Shirley Conran, whose books were more than merely saucy: they helped women with everything from money to mathematics (16:22). Get a world of insights for 50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how t...
May 17, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast An attempt on Robert Fico’s life comes at a time of deep-running polarisation in his country—much of which is his own doing. A vote today among auto workers in America’s historically union-unfriendly south will indicate whether an organised-labour revolution can take hold (9:26). And the perception of time varies depending on what you are looking at (17:24). Get a world of insights for 50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please...
May 16, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Michael Cohen has been testifying in Donald Trump’s hush-money trial . Did the former president’s fixer provide what the prosecution had hoped for? The Middle East has a militia problem . Many of the region’s governments are too weak to keep them down; others simply let them in (10:36). And investigating whether there is more or less sex on the silver screen these days (19:06). Get a world of insights for 50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economi...
May 15, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
