The Intelligence from The Economist

Anne Wroe, obituaries editor, remembers clowning master Philippe Gaulier. Josh Roberts, capital markets correspondent, explains why low-quality, energy-linked stocks can beat blue chips after geopolitical shocks. Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent, analyses tensions between US and Israeli aims, risks of divergence, and the trajectory of the Lebanon campaign.

Gavin Jackson, South Asia business and economics correspondent, outlines India’s data-centre boom and its economic and environmental stakes. He maps where hyperscalers are building, why foreign firms are investing, and the jobs versus energy and water trade-offs. The conversation highlights locations, policy drivers, and sustainability tensions in fast-growing digital infrastructure.

Andrew Miller, cultural commentator and film narrator, introduces Jafar Panahi’s latest work. Noah Sneider, East Asia bureau chief, explores Japan’s post-Fukushima nuclear restart and its energy choices. Rachana Shanbhogue, business and finance editor, examines oil market shocks, strategic reserve options and shipping risks through the Strait of Hormuz. Multiple vibrant stories tied to geopolitics, energy and cinema.

Avantika Chilkoti, Global business correspondent who tracks retail trends, on how Erewhon morphed into a luxury supermarket. Simon Rabinovitch, Beijing bureau chief and China analyst, on why Beijing has stayed muted over Iran. Edward Carr, deputy editor and markets analyst, on the oil price spike and its fallout. Short, sharp conversations about oil shocks, China’s calculus and high-end grocery culture.

Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent reporting on Iran and regional conflict. Daniella Raz, U.S. correspondent and data journalist covering American politics and science policy. Joel Budd, Britain social affairs editor exploring cultural trends. They discuss Iran’s new supreme leader and wartime dynamics. They cover threats to US scientific research and funding. They examine why British choirs face a shortage of tenor voices.

After a momentous week, our editors reflect on how uncertainty about the goals of the war in Iran will affect its course. Iran’s retaliation has been fierce and wide ranging. How long can Gulf stocks of missile interceptors last? And our obituaries editor looks back at the life of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei. Guests and host:Edward Carr, Economist deputy editor Josie Delap, Middle East editorShashank Joshi, defence editorAnn Wroe, obituaries editorRosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Iran, Donald Trump, third Gulf war, war goalsInterceptor missiles, military strategyAli Khamenei 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.

Shira Avi-Yonah, a business writer on consumer markets, on MAGA-branded products and why they rarely catch on. Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief, on France’s carrier deployment and Macron’s shift in nuclear posture. Adam Roberts, foreign editor, on US policy shifts, Senate war-powers dynamics and regional risks as the conflict with Iran widens.

Rachana Shanbhogue, business affairs editor explaining how Iran’s strikes on energy and shipping ripple through oil, gas, inflation and markets. Josh Roberts, capital markets correspondent unpacking Britain’s student-loan system and why repayment rules left graduates stuck. Hollie Berman, news editor describing New York’s unexpected line-dancing revival and its appeal to younger crowds.

Henry Tricks, US technology editor who covers AI and defence policy, and Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent with on-the-ground reporting, discuss a widening Middle East war. They cover rapid regional strikes and Lebanon’s new front. They debate the Pentagon’s use of AI, Anthropic’s contract limits and the ripple effects for contractors.

Gareth Browne, Dubai-based reporter who filed a vivid first-person dispatch. Gregg Carlstrom, regional correspondent tracking Gulf responses and escalation. Nicolas Pelham, on-the-ground analyst of Iran and its leadership. They discuss Iran’s leadership loss and succession. They describe missile and drone strikes across the Gulf. They outline how Gulf states are reacting to unprecedented instability.