Should people have the right to choose how they die? Though many Britons support the principle, a vote on assisted dying in the House of Commons may fail. Donald Trump reshaped the Supreme Court in his first term. His second act could be just as dramatic (09:30). And remembering figurative painter Frank Auerbach (18:10). 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...
Nov 22, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast What will the world’s richest man do in the White House? Our correspondent analyses the political and ideological role Elon Musk could play in Donald Trump’s second term. “Small things like these” may be fiction but it is based on grim historical truths in Ireland (9:30). And Chile is suffering a spate of salmon heists (15:22). 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...
Nov 21, 2024•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Donald Trump tore up America’s nuclear deal with Iran in his first term. What will he do when he becomes president again? The pushy tactics China’s government uses to press women to have more children (10:24). And the sneaker wars get more competitive (18:06). 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 explaini...
Nov 20, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Trade ties between the two countries have been increasing for over a decade. The election of Donald Trump for a second term means the relationship could now become even closer. Going to space could harm human health (7:57). And why Britain has such miserable mobile-phone service (14:43). 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 FAQ...
Nov 19, 2024•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast America feared that letting Ukraine use US weapons to attack far-off targets in Russia would escalate the conflict. Why has President Joe Biden finally changed his mind? Markets soared when Donald Trump was elected, but the longer-term impact of Trumponomics may be less positive (9:42). And why airships are back in our skies (18:12). 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 ...
Nov 18, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Donald Trump admires Vladimir Putin’s strongman style and has failed to condemn his invasion of Ukraine. So why do some people in Kyiv think Trump’s election is good news? African churches are springing up across the world (10:20). Our critic reviews “Gladiator II” . She is not entertained (17:38). 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 vi...
Nov 15, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast China is enacting a rapid project of military modernisation . Though in some areas its forces are already stronger than America, that does not mean China is ready for war. Why luxury shoppers are no longer buying so much online (10:16). And remembering Balthazar Uscha, Ecuador’s last ice-miner (16:45). 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+, pleas...
Nov 14, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast A week after Donald Trump won a decisive victory in the presidential election, he is making appointments to his new White House. What do they tell us about his second term? Many European governments are turning against immigration but they still need agricultural migrants (10:29). And why place names in India are getting longer (18:20). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to acce...
Nov 13, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast At a time when Russia is making gains in Ukraine and Donald Trump has been re-elected as president, Europe needs strong leadership. Instead, Germany’s ruling coalition has collapsed. A study that hinted at racism among white doctors in America may have been flawed (9:18). And the wondrous revival of King’s Cross in London (17:23). 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 Eco...
Nov 12, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Last time Donald Trump was president he pulled America out of the Paris climate agreement. What is on the agenda at COP29 , as world leaders meet after a second Trump victory? The future of cloud computing (9:40). And how the culture wars came for remembrance poppies (17:35). 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 ou...
Nov 11, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Donald Trump will inherit a tangle of conflicts in the Middle East; will he deliver on his promise to “stop the wars”? That will depend on who has his ear . Our correspondent says the way to better rehabilitate people in British prisons is to take some of them out (10:33). And our obituaries editor on the staggeringly productive career of Quincy Jones (19:15). Additional audio in this episode includes Quincy Jones, “Soul Bossa Nova” and “In Cold Blood”; Michael Jackson, “Billie Jean”...
Nov 08, 2024•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast The American presidential election delivered a mercifully quick and decisive outcome . Our data editor explains why such a tight-seeming race was likely to result in a clear-cut victory. As ADHD prevalence keeps climbing, the science suggests it should be treated not as a disorder but as a spectrum (11:33). And the Indian startups cashing in on a rise in religiosity (19:47). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcast...
Nov 07, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast In the end America got a swift and decisive call as to the next president: Donald Trump. We invite the hosts of “Checks and Balance”, our subscriber-only podcast on American politics, onto the show to discuss what we know so far—about the presidency , Congressional races and ballot initiatives . 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 to link your acc...
Nov 06, 2024•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast America and the world hold their proverbial breath for what has become a dead heat . Our special episode explains how the vote works and how the count will proceed. We ask what to watch for , how countries outside America view the potential outcomes, how the country’s largest swing county has prepared and whether it is worthwhile staying up all night. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQ...
Nov 05, 2024•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Both campaigns have racked up air miles covering the swing states that will decide America’s knife-edge election. We take a measure of things one day before the vote. The Turkic states of central Asia once depended heavily on Russia; now they are banding together to counterbalance it (10.38). And the costs arising as canal-boat living booms in Britain (17.46). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visi...
Nov 04, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Our series concludes with an examination of the state with the most electoral-college votes: Pennsylvania. It is practically a must-win for either candidate—and it is on a knife-edge. As more and more people become influencers, fame is becoming more fickle and the entire economics of influencers is shifting (10:43). And how Gen Z is resurrecting goth culture (17:25). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, plea...
Nov 01, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Rachel Reeves’s first budget as chancellor of the exchequer saw the biggest tax rises in decades, as well as promises of high spending and investment. Our correspondent explains what the announcement means for Britain. How Hurricane Helene may affect the election in North Carolina , a month after the storm (10:58). And the most disgusting dish you can add a pickle to (16:53). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Po...
Oct 31, 2024•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast First they treated diabetes. Then obesity. Now GLP-1 drugs are being tested on a range of other diseases too. Though the US economy is roaring, many Americans are glum about its prospects. How could that affect the election (9:02)? And our podcast on why Chinese migrants are making perilous journeys through the jungle to reach America (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 ...
Oct 30, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Russia is advancing in Ukraine, has more troops and more weapons. In Kyiv and beyond, questions are being raised about the future. Why does America make it so hard to vote in the election from overseas? And what Britain’s citizenship test says about the country (19:52). 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 ou...
Oct 29, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Israel has been expected to attack Iran for weeks. Why was the assault at the weekend more limited than some expected? How Artificial Intelligence could improve customer service (9:54). And why the LIV tour , which shook up the world of golf, may merge with its competitor (17:37). 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 wat...
Oct 28, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast The subject of reparations - making amends for wrongs, is a topic which has been building momentum over the past decade. And last week it was especially relevant as the Commonwealth heads of government got together to discuss how they think Britain owes them financial reparations, and apologies, for enslaving their people over one hundred and fifty years ago. This is a subject we covered on The Weekend Intelligence in October 2023, in our third episode. In it our reporter Charlie McCann travelle...
Oct 27, 2024•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast There is a vacuum at the top of Hamas following the killing of the militant group’s commander in Gaza. Our correspondent tells us about two of the men who could replace him. How black voters may swing the presidential election in Georgia (9:34). And remembering Turkish activist Fethullah Gulen (17:37). 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 visi...
Oct 25, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast The two American presidential candidates have been neck and neck. But this week, the Economist’s forecast mode l noted a shift towards Donald Trump. Why you might have a long wait for Elon Musk’s robotaxis (9:31). And the joy of Excel (16:35). 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 ho...
Oct 24, 2024•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Our correspondent interviews Sahra Wagenknecht, the popular leftist whose eponymous political party is now making the political weather in Germany . How Russia is trying to sabotage Moldova’s attempt to move towards Europe (10:40). And why Tiktok is changing how we speak (17:38). 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...
Oct 23, 2024•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Israel is planning to strike Iran within days, even as its wars in Lebanon and Gaza deepen. Our correspondent reports from the Lebanese border , where he embedded with Israeli forces. Carbon-trading schemes may finally help reforest the Amazon (9:29). And which country is the most innovative (16:58)? 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 ...
Oct 22, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Aggression, election-meddling, “psychological destabilisation”: Russia’s leader is sowing chaos like never before . We ask what power the West has left to curtail it. As entitlements such as pensions have unceasingly grown, rich governments have become inefficient, lumbering beasts . One uncomfortable but clean fix is raising taxes (10:26). And Britain’s swish new offerings attempt to dethrone the revered baked bean (18:10). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For mor...
Oct 21, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind of the October 7th attacks, is dead . What does that mean for Hamas, for a ceasefire in Gaza and for regional stability more widely? Our swing-states series continues with Wisconsin and Michigan : why do they no longer reliably vote Democrat (9:43)? And our obituaries editor on Sammy Basso , a young mind in a body ageing ruthlessly rapidly (18:14). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podca...
Oct 18, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast A constellation of islands, reefs and rock-piles has been the source of disputes for decades. As a new phase in the conflict begins, how to calm things down? In the first of a series of first-person dispatches, we speak to a student in Gaza (09:50). And after a conservation success story, Europe’s wolves are again villains in the popular imagination (18:19). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please ...
Oct 17, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Kamala Harris has proven to be an enormous draw for campaign donors. But the size of a candidate’s war chest influences the outcome much less than it once did. Our correspondent meets asylum-seekers on a Dutch ship, investigating the new hard-right government’s tactics with migrants (09:39). And a survey of where the very scrapiest skyscrapers are going up (17:42). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, ...
Oct 16, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Our correspondent sits down with Keir Starmer on the sidelines of a conference dedicated to drawing much-needed investment. We examine the prime minister’s pitch to investors . All the connections within the fruit fly’s brain have now been mapped out ; we ask what that means for the human kind (11:44). And the chatbots that are surprisingly successful at dissuading conspiracy theorists (17:46). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to acce...
Oct 15, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast