Economist Podcasts

Jason Palmer, a Correspondent for The Economist, dives into the high-stakes world of America's midterm elections. He discusses shifting political alliances, particularly how both parties are vying for diverse voters, including Hispanics and rural communities. Palmer highlights Donald Trump's powerful influence on GOP candidates and addresses economic pressures faced by voters, such as rising inflation. The episode also covers the crucial role of women's rights in shaping electoral choices and the implications of a potential partisan stalemate in Congress.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Georgia Banjo, Britain correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on the surprising aftermath of Ethiopia's civil war, where a newfound peace agreement raises cautious hopes for humanitarian relief in Tigray. She also dives into the pressing issue of older workers exiting the British labor market, revealing personal stories and the emotional challenges behind this trend. Additionally, Banjo shares insights from an unexpected 'crypto rave', showcasing the evolving culture within the cryptocurrency community.

Idris Kaloun, The Economist's Washington bureau chief, shares insights on the impending midterm elections and the potential for a Republican-controlled Congress. Shashank Joshi highlights the alarming vulnerabilities of undersea infrastructure following the Nord Stream pipeline breaches. Meanwhile, Moeka Iida unpacks the Japanese concept of ikigai, emphasizing its cultural importance and the misconceptions surrounding it in Western contexts. Together, they navigate the intersections of politics, infrastructure security, and personal fulfillment.

Anshul Pfeffer, The Economist's Israel correspondent, and Tom Wainwright, tech and media editor, dive into the chaos of Israel's elections, focusing on Binyamin Netanyahu's controversial return to power. They discuss the hurdles he faces in coalition-building amid deep public divisions. Shifting gears, Wainwright analyzes Apple's bold strategy to reduce dependency on China, driven by rising costs and geopolitical tensions. The conversation also touches on the paleo diet, unraveling misconceptions about ancient eating habits that defy modern interpretations.

Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor for The Economist, shares his insights on the shifting political landscape in Russia as elites consider life beyond Putin. He explores the potential rise of figures like Alexei Navalny and implications for democracy and European security. Meanwhile, Sarah Birke, Bureau Chief for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, highlights Haiti's dire humanitarian crisis amid gang violence and ineffective foreign intervention. They also touch upon the contentious history of the Koh-i-noor diamond and its demand for repatriation.

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a leftist former president, has won again. Even if President Jair Bolsonaro gracefully concedes, his followers and fellow party members will make Lula’s hard job harder. We ask why California’s green-tinged Democratic governor is against a progressive ballot initiative on electric vehicles. And our say on the bread of the day of the dead. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this discussion, Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla and SpaceX, recounts his dramatic takeover of Twitter, including immediate leadership changes and plans for transforming the platform into a multifunctional super app. John McDermott, a seasoned correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on the troubling rise of organized crime in South Africa, linking it to historical corruption and its detrimental effects on the economy. The conversation also touches on the challenges of public security and the legacy of a notorious 1950 heist.

Join Matt Steinglass, Europe correspondent for The Economist, as he reveals the dire state of Ukraine's electricity amidst Russian missile attacks, threatening power availability just as winter nears. Jeff Carr discusses Bill Gates' ambitious plan to enhance crop yields in Africa, stressing the need for innovation in farming amidst climate challenges. Catherine Nixey delves into the BBC's centennial, reflecting on its storied past while addressing its future obstacles in an evolving media landscape where younger audiences are increasingly disengaged.

Abby Bertix, a science writer at The Economist, shares insights from an intriguing experiment where neurons were trained to play Pong, showcasing exciting advancements in neuroscience. Maria Vilcek, news editor, tackles the political landscape post-Roe v. Wade, highlighting how recent Supreme Court decisions are influencing the midterms and mobilizing suburban women to advocate for reproductive rights. They also discuss the appointment of General Armageddon in Ukraine, delving into his controversial strategies amidst escalating conflict.

Andrew Palmer, Britain editor at The Economist, offers sharp insights into Rishi Sunak's ascent as Britain's third prime minister in seven weeks. He discusses the political turmoil and economic hurdles Sunak must navigate while highlighting the significance of his leadership as Britain's first prime minister of Asian heritage. The conversation also dives into growing military influence in Mexico and its implications for democracy. Additionally, they explore ongoing challenges regarding women's rights and the cultural impact of nostalgic narratives in today's society.