The Intelligence from The Economist
The Economist
Join Jason Palmer and Rosie Blau for noise-cancelling news and analysis from The Economist's global network of correspondents. Every weekday this award-winning podcast picks three stories shaping your world—the big shifts in politics, business and culture, plus things you never knew you needed to know. On Saturdays, download The Weekend Intelligence to dive deep into a single story, vividly told. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription.For more information about Economist Podcasts+, including how to get access, please visit our FAQs page at https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
23 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 26min
Heir Jordan: the rising star of France’s populist right
Sophie, the Paris bureau chief, provides insight into Jordan Bardella, the young leader of France’s National Rally, who is gaining momentum with a platform focused on anti-immigration and pro-business policies. She discusses his France-first stance, which may create tensions within the EU. John-Joe Devlin examines innovative conservation efforts in the Congo, where community grants are incentivizing forest protection while battling issues like corruption. Both guests reveal how these pivotal political and environmental movements are shaping their respective regions.
11 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 25min
Recall of duty? Trump’s tariffs in court
Stephen Mazze, a Supreme Court correspondent, dives into the legal complexities surrounding Trump’s tariffs and their Supreme Court challenges. Alice Fullwood discusses the surprising decline in U.S. women's labor-force participation, attributing it to an increase in young mothers post-pandemic. Andrew Palmer explores 'dark patterns' in digital design, explaining how manipulative interfaces trick consumers and the regulatory responses evolving around them. Each guest brings sharp insights that illuminate pressing contemporary issues.
33 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 25min
Into the blue: Democrats win big
John Priddo, US editor at The Economist, shares insights on recent Democratic victories in the US, dissecting their implications for midterm elections. Piotr Zalewski, the Turkey correspondent, delves into Erdogan's crackdown on opposition leaders and the risks it poses to democracy. Ainsley Johnston, a data journalist, reveals findings from the Gallup World Poll, suggesting a shift toward improved global emotions. Together, they unpack the political landscape and emotional trends that could reshape future narratives.
12 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 23min
Getting their ships together: America in the Caribbean
Shashank Joshi, Defence editor at The Economist, dives into the US naval buildup in the Caribbean, analyzing its implications for Venezuela. He discusses Trump’s stance on Maduro and the credibility of US airstrikes targeting drug trafficking. Joshi evaluates the firepower deployed and the risks of mission creep amidst the administration’s mixed messages on foreign entanglements. Additionally, the podcast features Salman Rushdie, who reflects on humor as a form of resistance and critiques current political cult dynamics.
27 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 24min
Capital gained: a grim turn in Darfur
John McDermott, Chief Africa correspondent at The Economist, provides harrowing insights on the recent takeover of El Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces, highlighting alarming mass killings reminiscent of past atrocities in Darfur. Colm Williams, Senior economics writer, discusses how generative AI is transforming the consumer landscape by reducing information asymmetries, potentially dismantling ripoff industries. They also touch on AI's ability to enhance negotiation outcomes, while cautioning about the risks of misuse and errors in AI technologies.
54 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 27min
Truce story: (a sketch of) a Trump-Xi trade deal
Jeremy Page, Chief China correspondent for The Economist, and Shashank Joshi, Defense editor at The Economist, dive into the uneasy truce between Trump and Xi. Page analyzes the trade deal's superficialities, highlighting unresolved issues like TikTok and Taiwan. Joshi shifts gears to the booming private military company sector, discussing the diverse backgrounds of mercenaries and the reasons states contract them. Their insights reveal both the fragility of international agreements and the complex dynamics of modern conflict.
32 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 22min
Manhattan transfer: New York’s finance folk flee
Mike Bird, Wall Street editor, discusses the exodus of finance professionals from New York, citing high taxes and living costs as key factors. Avantika Chilcotti reveals a shift in drinking habits, pointing to a decline in Western alcohol consumption and the rise of non-alcoholic options. Corbyn Duncan introduces the Chinese rapper Sky is Your God, exploring his unique blend of Cantonese opera and catchy beats that have captivated global audiences, showcasing the evolution of rap in China.
39 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 22min
War-chest X-ray: how to finance Ukraine
In this insightful discussion, Patrick Fowles, the Foreign editor at The Economist, highlights Europe's need to leverage seized Russian assets to finance Ukraine amid a critical funding gap. Callum Williams, a Senior economics writer, reveals research showing AI is reducing junior-level hiring, impacting mid-tier graduates. Meanwhile, Michelle Hennessy, the Graphic detail editor, presents the Henley passport-power ranking, explaining which countries now offer the most travel freedom and discussing the US passport's decline. A thought-provoking blend of geopolitics, economics, and global mobility!
78 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 24min
Bust a vessel: NATO v dark fleets
Alice Su, a Senior international correspondent, dives into the world of shadow fleets harassing NATO in the Baltic, revealing the complexities of maritime security. John Wineland, China’s business editor, highlights how 200 million gig workers are reshaping China's labor market, embracing both the perks and the pitfalls of flexible work. Meanwhile, John Fasman explores the evolving definition of antisemitism, examining its historical roots and contemporary implications. Together, they illuminate crucial global issues shaping our world today.
35 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 25min
Let Milei this out: Argentina’s midterms surprise
Hal Hodson, America editor at The Economist, and Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chief, dive into the unexpected victory of Javier Milei in Argentina's midterms, analyzing its implications for his ambitious economic reforms. Hodson discusses the challenges Milei faces in coalition-building and managing the peso, while Nuttall critiques Germany's lackluster reform efforts under the Merz government. They also touch on how video games are becoming harder again, exploring the balance between challenge and accessibility in modern design.
