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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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 26, 2026 • 26min
Resistance is fatal: another killing in Minneapolis
For the second time this month, federal agents in Minneapolis killed a citizen under disputed circumstances. We take a wider look at the immigration-enforcement effort and what, if anything, might limit it. OpenAI remains a generative-AI darling but it is burning through eye-watering amounts of money; 2026 may be its make-or-break year. And the effort to save Britain’s red squirrels. 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.
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Jan 24, 2026 • 2min
Trailer: Boss Class Season 3
AI is remaking the workplace and turning many of us into managers. The host experiments with cloning, personas and a range of AI tools. He explores real company use cases from customer service to AI-first businesses. He also digs into the emotional rollercoaster of testing bots and the skills that will matter in an AI-driven world.
18 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 27min
ISIS control: Syria’s prison camp changes hands
Natasha Loda, the Health editor at The Economist, discusses the UK's innovative regulatory approach to customized medicines, highlighting its potential impact on treating rare diseases. Additionally, Gareth Brown provides a gripping report from Al-Hol camp in Syria, detailing the challenges of managing the ISIS detainee population after the camp's control shifted. He delves into the camp's precarious security, economic dynamics, and the ongoing influence of ISIS ideology among residents. Finally, Anne Rowe shares the fascinating story of Cecilia Giménez and the viral 'Monkey Jesus' restoration that dramatically boosted local tourism.
15 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 22min
Grave new world: the Greenland row’s lasting damage
Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chief at The Economist, examines the diplomatic fallout from Trump's Greenland comments, questioning the future of America-Europe relations. Tom Wainwright, media editor, discusses the impending TikTok ownership deal and its national-security implications, revealing enduring concerns about data access. Meanwhile, Blaine Green explores a trend of rising melancholy in pop lyrics, suggesting that listeners' preferences are shifting toward darker themes despite changing world events.
13 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 21min
House of Kurds: on the ground in northern Syria
In recent days Syrian government troops have tried to retake territory held by the country’s Kurdish minority. Our correspondent reports from the region. Factions are fighting to control Vietnam’s Communist Party Congress: the winner will change Vietnam’s future. And are millennial fathers more hands-on than their crusty forbears?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.
58 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 24min
Power ballot: Japanese PM’s electoral gamble
Noah Snyder, East Asia bureau chief at The Economist, analyzes Japanese PM Takaichi Sanae's snap election strategy and her popularity despite limited policy achievements. Dominic Ziegler discusses the newly ratified Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement aimed at protecting the high seas amidst rising overfishing concerns. Henrietta McFarlane explores how upscale restaurants adapt to the market impacts of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, leading to smaller portion sizes and changing dining experiences. Tune in for insights on politics, ecology, and culinary trends!
41 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 24min
Thin ice: could the Greenland clash kill NATO?
Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defense editor, analyzes Trump's controversial Greenland acquisition plan, highlighting its risks to NATO's unity. Rebecca Jackson discusses the booming megachurch culture, revealing how they operate like businesses, leveraging emotional experiences and national symbols. Tom Wainwright explains the trend of podcasts shifting to video formats, emphasizing audience engagement and the rise of interview-style shows. Together, they explore the intricate intersections of politics, religion, and media in today's world.
31 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 27min
Clutching at shahs: Iran’s would-be revolutionary
Nick Palom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, discusses his compelling interview with Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the deposed shah, who frames himself as a leader for a free Iran. They dive into the protests, Pahlavi's plea for U.S. intervention, and the challenges he faces in uniting a divided populace. Also featured is Anne Rowe reflecting on Aldrich Ames, a notorious CIA double agent, revealing his betrayal, lifestyle of excess, and the fallout from his actions. A fascinating blend of political intrigue and historical reflection!
23 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 21min
Maria-view mirror: asking Venezuelans what they want now
Kinley Salmon, Latin America correspondent, dives into exclusive polls revealing Venezuelans' optimism after Maduro's capture and their preferences for new leadership, notably Maria Corina Machado. Tom Wainwright, Media editor, discusses the complex impacts of AI on childhood, highlighting risks of loneliness and educational challenges posed by AI toys. John Fassman, Senior culture correspondent, explores the rich history of bagels, from their origins in Krakow to their iconic status in New York, including the rise of artisanal varieties.
11 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 24min
Independence Jay? Inflation and attacks on the Fed
Archie Hall, U.S. economics editor at The Economist, dives into the current inflation landscape and the Fed's balancing act amid political pressure, warning about the risks to central-bank independence. John Peet, Brexit editor, shares insights on the lasting economic impact of Brexit, noting significant GDP losses while highlighting some areas of resilience. Catherine Nixey, culture correspondent, explores how the evolution of self-help books reflects societal anxieties, advocating for 'un-selfing' activities as a remedy for today's pressures.
