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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.

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Yesterday · 25 min
Drone truth: Russia has the upper hand
After a visit to Ukraine last week, our defence editor reports on a new phase of the war as Kyiv and other civilian targets are bombarded by Russian missiles. He also visits an elite Ukrainian drone unit. Why alcohol companies are scrambling to innovate. And remembering the life of feminist pioneer Gloria Steinem. Watch extended clips from Insider Guests and host: Alex Turner, defence editor Avantika Chilkoti, global business writer Ann Wroe, obituaries editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Ukraine, drones, Shahed, Kyiv Alcohol, beer, aperol Gloria Steinem, feminism Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thursday · 21 min
Rise and shine: Warsh’s Fed rate test
The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the first time since July 2023. For the central bank’s new chair Kevin Warsh, that decision was a test both of monetary policy and politics. A governor’s election in Okinawa is a boon to Japan’s military ambitions. And why summer is a casualty of climate change. Guests and host: Archie Hall, acting economics editor Moeka Iida, East Asia reporter Andrew Miller, special correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh, interest rates, inflation Okinawa, Japan Summer, climate change, heatwave Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wednesday · 24 min
The end of the world is AI? An existential threat
Is artificial intelligence becoming uncontrollably powerful? Our correspondent analyses whether a pause to breakneck development is possible or feasible. We have entered the new age of the orator. And why cheese is getting more popular in India. Guests and host: Alex Hern, AI writer Tom Wainwright, culture correspondent Tom Sasse, South Asia bureau chief Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Human extinction, AI, Sam Altman, Dario Amodei Oral culture, literacy, James Marriott, Walter Ong Cheese, India, kalimpong Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tuesday · 23 min
Islamism in Britain: what is the threat?
Though a growing share of the British population is anxious about Islam, they have no reason to be. Islamism, a fringe ideology that believes government and society should be guided by Islamic principles, is the real concern. America cracks down on multinationals’ efforts to shift profits overseas. And why corporate training videos are virtually useless. Guests and host: Sonny Loughran, Britain correspondent Shera Avi-Yonah, US business correspondent Andrew Palmer, “Boss Class” host and Bartleby columnist Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Islamism, Britain, Islamophobia IRS, corporate tax, Coca-Cola Corporate training videos Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Monday · 22 min
Strait and narrowing: the Houthis’ striking advance
After years of stalemate, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis are taking territory, including on a Red Sea strait. We ask what has changed, and how the shift fits into the wider regional conflict. As America’s midterm elections approach, we examine the fragmentation of the coalition that put Donald Trump back in office. And we ask how much nepotism matters in Hollywood today. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 12 · 49 min
The Weekend Intelligence: Shire folk
1: Tommy's Town
September 11 · 22 min
Out-numbered: AI’s contentious maths milestone
OpenAI’s claim to have solved one of the great problems in mathematics has itself created problems. We ask why the breakthrough has shaken the field. On the 25th anniversary of 9/11 we examine the vast counterterrorism machinery that followed in America, and nascent efforts to pare those powers back. And remembering Guo Lanying, a Chinese singer who championed traditional opera. Watch extended clips from Insider here. Guests and host: Sam Wikeley, science correspondent Sam Beal, Washington correspondent Ann Wroe, obituaries editor Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: mathematics, AI, Millennium Prize Problems 9/11 anniversary, counterterrorism law Guo Lanying, Chinese opera Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 10 · 19 min
Working through it: the AI jobs boom dawns
The labour data are in from America and a trend is becoming clearer: on balance AI is starting to create more jobs than it hoovers up. Despite advancements of just about every other kind, China cannot seem to escape its food-safety problems. We ask why not. And why Kenya’s ants have become the target of smugglers. Guests and host: Alex Domash, economics correspondent Gabriel Crossley, China correspondent Carla Subirana, news editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: AI, labour statistics, labour market China, regulation, food safety ants, smuggling, Kenya Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 9 · 22 min
Chainsaw sputtering: Milei’s experiment falters
President Javier Milei has tamed inflation and improved the lot of many Argentines. But an election season approaches, and the promised economic and wage growth are not materialising. As LIV Golf files for bankruptcy, we ask where it went wrong in trying to disrupt the sport. And the growth that is good for India’s people is bad for its elephants. Guests and host: Kinley Salmon, Latin America correspondent Henry Tricks, US technology editor Abhishek Kumar, India writer Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Argentina, Javier Milei golf, LIV Golf, Saudi Arabia India, elephants Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 8 · 21 min
School of shock: teenagers get dimmer
International tests in maths and reading show that 15-year-olds today score what 14-year-olds would have done a decade ago. Our correspondent explains the long-term decline. Is Miami’s thriving economic growth sustainable? And why Jeremy Vine’s BBC Radio 2 show is a microcosm of Britain. Guests and host: Mark Johnson, senior editor Cerian Richmond Jones, international economics correspondent Sonny Loughran, Britain correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: PISA, education, test scores, exams, aptitude Miami, Trump, Florida, hurricane Jeremy Vine, Radio 2, BBC Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 7 · 24 min
All right on the night: AfD’s victory
Alternative for Germany won an even larger share of the vote than expected in yesterday’s state election. What does the far-right nationalist party’s success mean for Germany and Europe? The climate case for limiting vapour trails from aeroplanes. And why South Korean youths are turning to Buddhism. Guests and host: Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chief Oliver Morton, planetary affairs editor Soobin Kim, Korea writer Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: AfD, Alternative for Germany, Alternative für Deutschland contrails, aviation, climate science South Korea, Buddhism Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 4 · 24 min
Bargaining chips: Nvidia is the bank of AI
Nvidia, the world’s most valuable company, has shifted strategy to boost demand for its chips. Our correspondent assesses the opportunities and risks. Knife crime in Britain moves to rural pastures. And our obituaries editor recounts the life of Frank Smith, who died in prison aged 101. Watch extended clips from Insider here, plus the full Elon Musk interview Guests and host: Shailesh Chitnis, global business writer Sonny Loughran, Britain correspondent Ann Wroe, obituaries editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Nvidia, AI, Jensen Huang Knife crime, county lines, drug market Frank Smith, electric chair, death row Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 3 · 23 min
Ire and ICE: the toll of America’s deportations
Donald Trump’s stance on immigration helped him win the presidency. Our correspondent asks if a backlash against the campaign could damage Republican midterm prospects. Reddit is struggling in an age of AI. And the enduring beauty of the Bayeux tapestry. Guests and host: Aryn Braun, West Coast correspondent Shera Avi-Yonah, business correspondent Alexandra Suich Bass, culture editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Deportation, ICE, immigration, Minneapolis Reddit, Google, AI Bayeux tapestry, 1066, British Museum Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 2 · 23 min
Right in front: AfD could win German state
On Sunday, Alternative for Germany could become the first far-right nationalist party to win a state election since the end of the second world war. Is Britain right to worry about Palantir handling government contracts? And could the Chinese learn to love chocolate? Guests and host: Tom Nuttall, chief Germany correspondent Georgia Banjo, Britain correspondent Don Weinland, China business and finance editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Germany, AfD, Alternative for Germany, Saxony-Anhalt Palantir, NHS China, chocolate Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 1 · 16 min
After the flood: Nepal’s ongoing rescue
After the devastating flash flood last week, our correspondent explains why the country is so ill-equipped to deal with the crisis. Does AI stop children from learning? And why Japanese ongaku kissa, or listening bars, are so popular abroad. Guests and host: Kira Hiju, Asia correspondent Michelle Hennessy, graphic detail editor Aaron Coultate, head of newsletters Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Nepal, flood, climate change, glacier, hydropower AI, education, exams Japan, listening bars, ongaku kissa Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 31 · 20 min
Stars in their AIs: tech is changing Hollywood
Behind the scenes, Artificial Intelligence is playing a growing role in every aspect of film-making, from script-writing and production-planning to shot-generation and editing. As the number of people covered by Obamacare falls, our correspondent ponders the future of the healthcare programme. And the secret thrill of American country dancing in France. Guests and host: Henry Tricks, US technology editor Stevie Hertz, US public policy correspondent Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Hollywood, filmmaking, AI Obamacare, healthcare, health insurance France, country music, line-dancing Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 28 · 24 min
Bots on the ground: China leads humanoid race
Our correspondent goes inside a Chinese robot facility to see thousands of droids being taught to complete useful tasks. Is it worth the time and money? How Meta’s $17bn settlement at its blockbuster trial could change teen social-media use. And 75 years of the Paris bookshop Shakespeare and Company. Watch extended clips from Insider here, plus the full Elon Musk interview Guests and host: Don Weinland, China business editor Alice Fulwood, “Money Talks” host and US business editor Alexandra Suich-Bass, culture editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Robots, humanoids, China, AI Meta, Instagram, Facebook, social media, addiction, Shakespeare and Company, Paris, bookshops Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 27 · 22 min
Big shot: does a cancer vaccine work?
Personalised vaccines could offer a breakthrough in the fight against cancer. Our correspondent analyses the latest trial. Canada’s oil market is flourishing, despite the trade war. And, why we will always love Dolly Parton. Guests and host: Natasha Loder, health editor Sarah Lawrynuik, deputy editor of “The Intelligence” Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Cancer, immunotherapy, vaccines, mRNA Oil, Canada, trade war, tariffs Dolly Parton, country music Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 26 · 22 min
Slip the surly bonds? Scott Bessent goes on a yield trip
Amid record-tickling yields, the bond markets are now trying to make sense of what Scott Bessent, America’s Treasury secretary, has announced—a move that might put him on a collision course with the Federal Reserve. We ask why it is so easy for hackers to infiltrate America’s water infrastructure. And understanding a political lineage through the new British prime minister’s accent. Guests and host: Joshua Roberts, capital markets correspondent Shashank Joshi, Washington bureau chief Lane Greene, language correspondent Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: bond markets, Treasury, yields, Scott Bessent America, cyber-attacks, water, critical infrastructure British politics, Andy Burnham, accents, class angst Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 25 · 23 min
Even-more-maximum pressure: sanctions on Iran
After much hullabaloo America announced its “Operation Economic Outcast”, a new tranche of sanctions. It is thin gruel, and might in fact invite military reprisals from Iran. Call centres form a large part of the economy of the Philippines; surprisingly, AI is not stopping the industry’s rise. And a data-led look at which cities offer the best (relative) paycheques. Guests and host: Fraser McIlwraith, foreign correspondent Joshua Spencer, Asia news editor Vishnu Padmanabhan, Asia correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Iran war, sanctions AI, offshoring, the Philippines world cities, pay, economic migration Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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