The Intelligence from The Economist

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 travelled to Guyana with the Gladstone family whose ancestors owned thousands of slaves in the country formerly known as Demerara. In the episode Charlie asks what it means to inherit guilt and how you go about apologising for the past.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 how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gareth Brown, a Middle East correspondent, discusses the leadership vacuum in Hamas following the death of its commander, exploring potential successors and the ideological rifts within the organization. Rebecca Jackson analyzes the critical role of Black voters in Georgia's upcoming election, highlighting Kamala Harris's campaign strategies and shifting priorities among young Black men. Anne Rowe reflects on the life and legacy of Fethullah Gulen, revealing the complex relationship between religion and politics in Turkey, especially in the context of Erdogan's rise.

In this engaging discussion, Simon Wright, Industry editor at The Economist, dives into Elon Musk's ambitious robotaxi plans, pointing out the hurdles ahead in the autonomous vehicle market. Shardash Chitnas, a global business writer, reflects on the timeless appeal of Microsoft Excel, revealing why it remains a mainstay in professional life despite new technologies. With the political landscape tightening between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, the guests also explore the intricacies and unpredictability of election forecasting.

Caitlin Talbot, a culture writer at The Economist, dives into the rise of Sahra Wagenknecht, a prominent leftist figure shaking up German politics with her new party. She candidly discusses Wagenknecht's controversial views on immigration and military policy amid a shifting political landscape. The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Talbot highlights how TikTok is revolutionizing language among Gen Z, transforming communication norms and introducing fresh slang that challenges traditional linguistic structures.

Ana Likas, Brazil correspondent for The Economist, dives into pressing global issues, including Israel's imminent military plans against Iran amid rising tensions with Hezbollah. She shares a firsthand account from the Lebanese border, revealing the human cost of conflict. Shifting focus, Likas discusses promising reforestation initiatives in Brazil, driven by carbon-trading opportunities and technology. She also highlights Switzerland's lead in innovation rankings, revealing surprising successes among smaller nations and emerging economies.

Shoshan Joshi, Defense editor and expert on Russia, joins Callum Williams, Senior economics writer focused on government efficiency, and Maria Vilcek, News editor with a flair for culinary trends. They delve into Russia's chaotic global tactics and their attempts at destabilizing democracies. The discussion also critiques how rising government spending has led to inefficiencies, with a candid suggestion of raising taxes. Plus, they explore the cultural shift in Britain as baked beans face stiff competition from alternative proteins.

Anshul Pfeffer, Israel correspondent, discusses the death of Yahya Sinwar, its impact on Hamas, and prospects for a ceasefire in Gaza. Idris Kalun analyzes the shifting political landscape in key swing states like Wisconsin and Michigan, dissecting voter behavior changes that threaten Democratic strongholds. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe shares the inspiring life story of Sammy Basso, a young man with progeria, highlighting his adventurous spirit and commitment to medical research, aiming to raise awareness for his condition.

Aaron Connolly, Asia diplomatic editor for The Economist, offers keen insights into the escalating tensions in the South China Sea, detailing confrontations between Chinese and Filipino vessels. He underscores the necessity for diplomatic solutions while navigating the complexities of territorial claims. Joining him is Stanley Pignall, who discusses the cultural implications of the wolf resurgence in Europe, highlighting the clash between conservation efforts and local communities. Their conversation bridges geopolitics and wildlife management, revealing pressing global issues.

Adam O'Neill, Washington correspondent for The Economist, dives into the shifting landscape of campaign finance in America, revealing how big wallets don't always lead to electoral wins. Matt Steinglass shares poignant stories from asylum seekers aboard the MS Galaxy in the Netherlands, highlighting the struggles posed by rising anti-immigrant policies. Dolly Seton analyzes the global skyscraper boom, exploring architectural trends in cities like New York and the Middle East, as well as the challenges of engineering the tallest buildings in the world.

Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of Britain, discusses his ambitious strategy to attract foreign investment, tackling economic challenges while balancing labor rights. Matthew Holhouse breaks down the implications of Starmer's pitch. Rebecca Jackson reveals how AI chatbots are effectively debunking conspiracy theories, changing minds through informed dialogue. Jeff Carr highlights groundbreaking research mapping a fruit fly's brain, shedding light on neuroscience that could revolutionize our understanding of human health.