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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 the winner of "Best Daily Show" at the 2026 British Podcast Awards, 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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Today · 23 min
All eyes on Eisenkot: Israel’s could-be prime minister
The president has tasked the former general – and Binyamin Netanyahu’s strongest rival – with building a new government. With just six weeks and barely a third of the Knesset seats on his side, will he succeed? Russia has a stalled front line with Ukraine but is bombarding harder from the air. And why the sale of the world’s oldest biographical reference annual matters. Guests and host: Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent Sondre Solstad, data journalist Catherine Nixey, Britain correspondent Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Israel, Gadi Eisenkot, Binyamin Netanyahu Ukraine, Russia, Vladimir Putin Who’s Who, Britain, publishing 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.
Friday · 26 min
“Britain is back”: an interview with Andy Burnham
Ahead of the G20 summit in Manchester, Britain’s prime minister sets out his foreign-policy plans. From reviewing EU links, to brokering the relationship between America and China, he is making big promises. To Russia’s delight, war is eroding Ukraine's population. And a tribute to a renowned American labour leader. Watch extended clips from Insider here Guests and host: Hugo Gye, Britain political correspondent Piotr Zalewski, Turkey correspondent Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Britain, Andy Burham, Brexit Ukraine, Russia, demographics Dolores Huerta, César Chávez, labour rights 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 · 23 min
Forever young: the business of longevity drugs
The success of GLP-1s has prompted biotechs to approach the challenge differently. After years of false starts and disappointing results, longevity drugs could be on the horizon. Do immigrants from some countries commit more sex crimes? And the big business of miniatures. Guests and host: Shailesh Chitnis, global business writer James Fransham, data correspondent Sascha Lowdermilk, culture intern Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Longevity drugs, biotechnology, ageing Immigration, sex crime, Britain Miniatures, 3D printing, hobbies 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 · 21 min
Not in Kansas any more: Republicans get a thrashing
In the end, the result was clear and uncontested: Democrats had an astonishingly good night. Our editors and correspondents across America report on the proceedings, and we ask what comes next—for Democrats, for Republicans and for Trumpism more widely. Guests and host: Edward Carr, deputy editor Charlotte Howard, United States editor Rebecca Jackson, Southern correspondent Daniel Knowles, Midwest correspondent Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: midterm elections, Congressional control Donald Trump, MAGA the future of the free world 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 · 21 min
Fertile ambitions: scientists’ plans to slow the biological clock
Two European startups are tackling the chromosomal abnormalities that make it difficult for older women to get pregnant. Their innovations might also prevent younger women from miscarrying. Belarusian culture looks increasingly Russian. And the world is taking a liking to biltong. Guests and host: Catherine Brahic, environment editor Katie Bryant, senior video producer John McDermott, chief Africa correspondent Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, co-host of “The Intelligence” Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Infertility, in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), Belarus, Russia, Alexander Lukashenko Biltong, South Africa, meat 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.
November 2 · 24 min
Off to the races: our American-midterms preview
Ahead of tomorrow’s legislative elections we consider the chances of a “blue wave”, the most influential demographics this time around and whether to expect election-administration trouble. Young people are deciding that bricks-and-mortar investment is not as dependable as the stocks-and-shares kind. And 100 years on from his death Harry Houdini still has lessons to teach about getting and staying famous. Guests and host: Charlotte Howard, United States editor Kennett Werner, Washington correspondent Vinjeru Mkandawire, news editor Caitlin Talbot, digital culture correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: America’s midterm elections property, securities, investing Harry Houdini, fame 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.
October 30 · 27 min
Silver-year strongman: 25 years of Narendra Modi
We examine the record of the man at the helm of India’s government. As protests pose a fresh threat, where will he take the country next? From New Hampshire to Virginia, our American-midterms series takes you to the races you might be missing. And the life of Winston Churchill’s last personal secretary. Guests and host: Tom Sasse, South Asia bureau chief Daniella Raz, US correspondent Ann Wroe, obituaries editor Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Narendra Modi, India, Cockroach-Janta party America’s midterm elections, abortion, California Cecily Gemmell, Winston Churchill 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.
October 29 · 23 min
Effective non-altruism: Elon Musk’s foundation
The world’s richest person does not say much nice about philanthropy, and his foundation does not say much about itself. Our correspondent digs deeper. The next stop for our midterm-elections series is Kansas, where a Republican-seeming Democrat has an unlikely shot at the Senate. And an examination of the received wisdom about how many steps to walk in a day. Guests and host: Avantika Chilkoti, global business writer Daniel Knowles, Midwest correspondent Sam Wikeley, science correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Elon Musk, Musk Foundation, philanthropy America’s midterm elections, Kansas wellness, walking, received wisdom 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.
October 28 · 21 min
Bye bye Bibi? Israel’s election results
Binyamin Netanyahu has underperformed but so has his main opponent, Gadi Eisenkot. Who will form a government? We decipher what the messy results mean for Israel. Our American-midterms series heads south to Georgia. And how film critics and audiences have agreed to disagree. Guests and host: Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent Rebecca Jackson, Southern correspondent Doug Dowson, data journalist Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Israel, Binyamin Netanyahu, Gadi Eisenkot America’s midterm elections, Georgia, Jon Ossoff Film critics, cinema, the box office 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.
October 27 · 23 min
Act of Claude: Anthropic’s IPO bid
It would be the first public listing from a frontier-AI firm—and perhaps the largest IPO of all time. We comb through the filing to understand how the company is thinking about itself and its industry. Our American-midterms series continues in the battleground state of Alaska. And scientists consider how to redefine the second. Guests and host: Miles Kruppa, technology correspondent Aryn Braun, West Coast correspondent David Adam, science writer Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Anthropic IPO, AI America’s midterm elections, Alaska the second, metrology, atomic clocks 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.
October 26 · 27 min
From this day, fourth: Lula’s surprise win
Brazil’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, staged a historic comeback to win a fourth term. We ask how he did it, and what he must do next. Each day this week our correspondents in America are focusing on crucial midterm-election races; today we start in Texas. And tote-bag economics: why so many businesses are getting in on selling merchandise. Guests and host: Ana Lankes, Brazil bureau chief Rebecca Jackson, southern correspondent Lizzy Peet, researcher Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Brazil election, Lula, Flávio Bolsonaro America’s midterm elections, Texas, Ken Paxton, James Talarico economics of “merch” 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.
October 23 · 24 min
Songs of disenchantment: the sorrow of Nigeria
Nigeria is suffering a worsening security crisis, compounded by a lean harvest, global aid cuts and rising energy prices. So why is President Bola Tinubu likely to win January’s election? Europe is struggling to develop a rival to Starlink and reduce reliance on American satellites. And our obituaries editor recalls the improbable career of author and conman Jeffrey Archer. Watch extended clips from Insider here. Guests and host: Ore Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondent Jonathan Rosenthal, international correspondent Ann Wroe, obituaries editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Nigeria, Bola Tinubu Starlink, Ukraine, Musk, OneWeb, Eutelsat Jeffrey Archer, Kane and Abel, perjury 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.
October 22 · 24 min
Dunes and gloom: MBS’s annus horribilis
This week, Muhammad bin Salman, crown prince of Saudi Arabia, was forced to postpone his annual investment summit. His other big bets on the kingdom’s future are also floundering. Sam Bankman-Fried, a crypto-billionaire supporter of effective altruism, calls our correspondent from prison. And things look hazy in Singapore and other Asian countries. Guests and host: Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent Shera Avi-Yonah, US business correspondent Vishnu Padmanabhan, Asia correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: MBS, Saudi, Davos in the desert, Future Investment Initiative Sam Bankman-Fried, FTX, effective altruism Indonesia, Singapore, wildfires, El Niño 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.
October 21 · 23 min
Cash test: can Europe support Ukraine alone?
Donald Trump’s administration is turning against Ukraine. But as European powers confront trouble at home, they are struggling to replace American support. Are US private science institutions entering a golden age? And the climb in art crime. Guests and host: Anton La Guardia, diplomatic editor Shera Avi-Yonah, US business correspondent Vendeline von Bredow, senior Germany correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Ukraine, Witkoff, Zelenksy Scientific research, National Science Foundation Art theft, Louvre, Museum for Applied Art 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.
October 20 · 21 min
Disorder of magnitude: France’s riots
What started as student protests ballooned into national lawlessness. The disorder plays into the hands of France’s political extremes; expect more of it. In Zimbabwe white farmers are returning to work land taken by Robert Mugabe a quarter-century ago. And our columnist considers the delicate wording that might indemnify AI firms if the bots happen to wipe out humanity. Guests and host: Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief John McDermott, chief Africa correspondent Andrew Palmer, “Bartleby” columnist Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: France riots, French politics Zimbabwe, agriculture, white farmers AI, extinction-level events, legalese, parody 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.
October 19 · 21 min
Independence eh? Canada’s referendum
The province of Alberta will vote on secession today. It is unlikely to go ahead, but the separatist vibe is just one of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s many headaches. Our correspondent examines China’s efforts toward brain-computer interfaces, finding the country is closing the gap with America. And Britain’s “bug superhighways” link up the shrinking number of lush insect habitats. Guests and host: Robert Russo, Canada writer Don Weinland, China business and finance editor Bella King, news editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Canada, Alberta, separatists, referendum China, brain-computer interfaces Britain, insects, conservation 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.
October 16 · 27 min
Schrödinger’s chat: can AI and scientists co-exist?
In recent weeks, AI has solved hundreds of previously unanswered maths problems. Our correspondents ask if machines can do the same in other areas of science and what role human researchers may play. Why crisps are getting chunkier and chocolate chewier. And celebrating the life and work of author Annie Dillard. Watch extended clips from Insider here. Guests and host: Alex Hern, AI writer Alok Jha, science editor Avantika Chilkoti, global business writer Ann Wroe, obituaries editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Scientific research, mathpocalypse, AI Crisps, snacks, texture, crunchtok Annie Dillard, nature, obituary 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.
October 15 · 1 hr 1 min
An interview with Alice Weidel
Under Alice Weidel’s leadership the Alternative for Germany (AfD), a right-wing populist party, has been riding high. A series of successes in state elections have brought it closer than ever to power at national level. Ms Weidel is perhaps best known for her calls for “remigration” and criticism of Germany’s support for Ukraine. She spoke to The Economist’s editor-in-chief, Zanny Minton Beddoes, for The Insider, our video show for premium subscribers. Hear their conversation in full. Watch the show—and sign up to the Insider newsletter. 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.
October 15 · 22 min
Who wants to be a millennial? Generation comeback
Their struggles to get jobs or buy homes once propelled political movements. Now many millennials are out-earning their parents and in positions of power. Our correspondent explains the transformation. Sophisticated tech tools are being used to sway voters in Israel. And why you should hold your tongue to high standards. Guests and host: Callum Williams, senior economics writer Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent Bella King, digital news editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Millennials, home ownership, unemployment Israel, election, Netanyahu Tongue-scrapers, dental hygiene 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.
October 14 · 26 min
Kicking Kyiv: Trump’s doubtful deals
Donald Trump claims to have brokered a deal to import Russian diesel and an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. As attacks on Kyiv continue, our deputy editor says Trump is risking Ukraine’s future for a mid-term bounce. India’s government is failing to quell Gen Z protests. And how song binds us together and brings joy. Guests and host: Edward Carr, deputy editor of The Economist Kira Huju, Asia correspondent Joel Budd, Britain social affairs editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Ukraine, diesel, energy ceasefire, Starlink Cockroach party, Modi, Abhijeet Dipke Singing, Sacha Langton-Gilks, choir 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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