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
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Episodes
Mentioned books
28 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 25min
Your peace or mine? Prospects for Gaza deal
Join Greg Karlstrom, The Economist's Middle East correspondent, as he dives into the recent US-brokered peace proposal for Gaza. He dissects the plan's initial steps, including ceasefires and aid surges, while tackling Netanyahu's hesitations around Palestinian Authority involvement. The conversation explores Hamas's potential acceptance and their concerns about losing leverage. Karlstrom also assesses the political hurdles in implementing the deal, raising questions about who will enforce disarmament and peacekeeping.
60 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 24min
Fortunes of war: is Russia’s economy slowing?
Callum Williams, a Senior economics writer at The Economist, discusses the surprising resilience of Russia's labor market despite sanctions and hints at a deceleration of growth. He delves into how fiscal stimulus has masked the true impact of these sanctions and examines the effectiveness of new measures. Joining him is Alice Su, a Senior international correspondent, who highlights innovative protest tactics in China, the rise of demonstrations driven by economic grievances, and the government's response to dissent, combining creativity and digital diaspora influence.
46 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 23min
Under different thumbs: a scant TikTok deal
Tom Wainwright, Media editor at The Economist, dives into the complexities surrounding TikTok's ownership and security concerns. He outlines potential American buyers and the implications of foreign influence on the app's algorithms. The discussion also touches on critical questions about data safety and the effect of U.S. laws on divestment timelines. In addition, the podcast tackles the alarming rise of dengue fever linked to climate change, with insights on its urban spread and preventive measures.
36 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 21min
Home truths: Ukraine’s internal strains
Chris Lockwood, Europe editor at The Economist, dives into Ukraine's complex challenges, highlighting deepening military and economic issues amidst a frozen front line. He discusses Ukraine's struggle with manpower shortages and increased drone reliance, revealing the pressing need for foreign aid as the country faces a budget shortfall. Lockwood also addresses political strains, including signs of democratic backsliding and the implications of martial law on upcoming elections, painting a vivid picture of Ukraine's current turmoil.
42 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 22min
On warhead be it: Saudi Arabia and Pakistan
Shashank Joshi, Defence editor at The Economist, sheds light on the newly revealed military alliance between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, delving into its nuclear implications. Don Wineland, China business expert, discusses how Chinese brands navigate naming challenges abroad to avoid awkward mishaps. The conversation also touches on how authoritarian regimes handle satire, revealing the role of political jokes as a form of dissent and their impact on public sentiment. Expect insights into geopolitics and branding strategies that are both fascinating and relevant.
62 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 25min
States of disarray: the UN at 80
Coffers running low and an increasingly absent principal member: the United Nations has never looked so precarious. We discuss its future amid uncertain geopolitics. The generative-AI explosion has mostly been driven by so-called large language models—but small ones look ever more attractive. And we meet the determined students who, against the odds, still want to drive London’s famed black cabs.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 account.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
26 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 24min
One nation, under God, divisible: Charlie Kirk’s memorial
Adam Roberts, Digital Editor at The Economist, delves into the political aftermath of Charlie Kirk's memorial, revealing tensions between Trump's combative rhetoric and the widow's call for forgiveness. Tim Cross, Senior Science Writer, discusses intriguing new research highlighting sunlight's overlooked health benefits beyond vitamin D. The conversation also touches on a cultural shift in pop music, where artists are increasingly critiquing mediocrity in men rather than portraying them as outright villains.
11 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 19min
JAIpur to MumbAI: US firms invest in India
John Fassman, a senior culture correspondent known for his insights and engaging narratives, dives into India's rapid rise as a major player in Artificial Intelligence. He discusses the unique factors driving this surge, from user scalability to innovative data generation. The podcast also explores Nestlé's recent turmoil, including falling stock prices and leadership shake-ups. Additionally, Fassman pays tribute to Robert Redford, highlighting his influential film career and environmental activism.
17 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 23min
Wary pharma: AstraZeneca sours on UK
In this episode, reporter Claire McHugh shares insights on AstraZeneca's surprising pause on its UK investment and the implications for the country's status in the life sciences. The conversation shifts to the future of warfare with advancements in autonomous drone technology. McHugh also discusses innovative coral IVF techniques being utilized in Colombia, including underwater spawning and genetic preservation efforts aimed at reviving damaged reefs. This blend of industry and environmental topics makes for an engaging listen.
14 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 25min
Offensive: UN calls it genocide, Israel persists
Anshal Pfeffer, Israel correspondent for The Economist, and Matthew Holhouse, British politics correspondent, dive deep into the UN’s alarming report calling Israel's actions in Gaza genocide. They discuss Prime Minister Netanyahu's continuing offensive despite international outrage. The conversation shifts to the political dynamics linking UK leaders to Trump, exploring how these relations impact global issues like Ukraine. They also delve into creative life-hacks emerging from China, showcasing youth navigating economic challenges with humor and ingenuity.
