The Intelligence from The Economist

Coming in Andy: Britain's prime minister-in-waiting

<p>Andy Burnham won a by-election he needed in order <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/06/19/andy-burnham-is-now-britains-prime-minister-in-waiting?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">to challenge</a> Sir Keir Starmer, Britain’s prime minister. We look at the path ahead for him. The Iran deal seemingly promises a financial windfall for the country and its regime—one that its battered economy <a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/06/17/irans-battered-economy-will-take-years-to-recover-from-the-war?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sorely needs</a>. And the mythmaking of presidential libraries, as seen in the latest one: <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/06/18/barack-obama-has-built-a-monument-to-himself?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Barack Obama’s</a>.</p><br><p><em>Watch extended clips from Insider </em><a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/insider/previews?utm_campaign=a.brand_fy2627_q1_awareness-imp-tr_prospecting_global-global_direct_na&utm_medium=audio.podcast.pd&utm_source=economist&utm_content=discovery.awareness.anonymous.tr_nativeread_np-tiinsider-apr_na-na_web_na_na_na_na&utm_term=sa.arc-isi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>here</em></a>.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Hugo Gye, British political correspondent</li><li>Fraser McIlwraith, foreign correspondent</li><li>Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>British politics, Andy Burnham, Labour party </li><li>Iran war, Iran deal, Iran’s economy</li><li>Barack Obama, presidential libraries</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

First rate: Kevin Warsh’s Fed debut

<p>As expected, the new Federal Reserve chairman kept rates steady. More interesting were what he did and did not say. How will he handle <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/06/09/the-federal-reserve-must-soon-give-donald-trump-bad-news?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">inevitable pressure</a> from President Donald Trump? After nearly disappearing altogether, Germany’s left-wing Die Linke party is <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/06/17/germanys-left-wing-die-linke-party-has-won-over-the-young?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">roaring back</a>—particularly among the young. And a selection of our readers’ examples of upward-management tips and tricks.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Archie Hall, US economics editor</li><li>Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chief</li><li>Andrew Palmer, Bartleby columnist</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Federal Reserve, interest rates, monetary policy, Iran war</li><li>Germany, Die Linke, left-wing politics</li><li>management, managing management</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

View from the summit: what did the G7 achieve?

<p>Geopolitics has dominated this year’s G7 political meeting in Evian, France. Donald Trump offered scant detail on the <a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/06/15/a-deal-is-only-the-beginning-of-the-end-of-the-us-iran-war?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Iran peace deal</a> but leaders promised to boost support for <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/06/11/ukraines-war-is-now-longer-than-the-first-world-war?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ukraine</a>. Though <a href="https://www.economist.com/asia/2026/06/04/sex-tourists-fuel-outrage-about-vice-in-japan?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">prostitution in Japan</a> has a long history, recent scandals have drawn it into the spotlight. And Britain’s <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/05/31/a-posh-and-peculiar-british-magazine-is-thriving?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Country Life</em></a> magazine has a winning formula: ignore the news. </p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief</li><li>Moeka Iida, East Asia reporter</li><li>Catherine Nixey, Britain correspondent</li><li>Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><p><br></p><ul><li>G7, Donald Trump, Iran, Ukraine</li><li>Prostitution, Japan, sex work</li><li>Country Life, publishing, Britain</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+</em></a></p><br><p><em>For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account. </em></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Local, an aesthetic: the deglobalisation of fun

<p>The World Cup may seem to be proof that the digital commons centralises a global audience. We find that entertainment is in fact <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/06/10/the-world-cup-paradox?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">fragmenting</a>, with big implications for soft power. Our series examining America’s 250 years of history tackles <a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/america-at-250#chapter-6?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the AIDS crisis and the war on terror</a>. And mosquitoes may in fact be <a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2026/05/28/mosquitoes-seem-to-be-getting-over-insect-repellent?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">attracted</a> to a gold-standard repellent. </p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Tom Wainwright, media editor</li><li>Annie Crabill, senior digital editor</li><li>Matt Kaplan, science correspondent</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>global media, World Cup, culture</li><li>American history</li><li>mosquitoes, science</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

On the home strait? A path to peace in Iran

<p>Despite exchanges of missiles and drones between Israel and Lebanon, the start of a deal was struck overnight. What exactly has been agreed, and will it hold? We examine the idea that part-nationalisation could be a way to share the coming onslaught of AI wealth. And our series on World Cup contenders concludes with a look at England’s side.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent</li><li>Alex Domash, economics correspondent</li><li>Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Iran war, Middle East, America</li><li>AI, wealth redistribution</li><li>World Cup, England</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Tocqueville Road Trip: 2. Against all obstacles

<p>Tocqueville saw America’s faith in its own democracy as a vital force. But these days the majority of Americans think the country is headed in the wrong direction. Can a group of maximum security prisoners in Sing Sing offer a vision of how to get back on track?</p><br><p>Guests and Hosts</p><ul><li>John Prideaux, <em>The Economist</em>’s US Editor</li><li>Sean Pica, executive director of Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison </li><li>Jean Frantz, prisoner at Sing Sing Correctional Facility </li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics </p><ul><li>Alexis de Tocqueville’s views on voluntary associations</li><li>Sing Sing prison education programme</li><li>Prisoners’ views on the American dream </li></ul><p><br></p><p>Let us know what you think. Email podcasts@economist.com</p><br><p>Find the show on <a href="https://www.economist.com/audio/podcasts/tocqueville-road-trip" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Economist app</a> | On <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/033sAPzye5yNrP6vNTPrvB" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a> | On <a href="https://econ.st/4esGGXw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">other apps</a></p><p>On Apple Podcasts:<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/be/podcast/tocqueville-road-trip-from-the-economist/id1896918330" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://podcasts.apple.com/be/podcast/tocqueville-road-trip-from-the-economist/id1896918330</a></p><br><p>To listen to the full series, subscribe to <a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Economist Podcasts+</a></p><br><p>If you’re already a subscriber to <em>The Economist</em>, you have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our <a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FAQs</a> page or watch our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">video</a> explaining how to link your account.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Tocqueville Road Trip: 1. Game of chance

<p>John Prideaux, <em>The Economist</em>’s US Editor, embarks on a roadtrip to see how America’s democracy is faring in the era of Trump. </p><br><p>His companion is a long-dead French aristocrat called Alexis De Tocqueville, author of arguably the best book ever written about America. </p><br><p>When Tocqueville arrived in New York in 1831, it was a small, low-slung city where pigs roamed the streets. But he was able to see past that—to a vision of the future.</p><br><p>Arriving in Manhattan today, John finds cause for concern, even among the island’s wealthiest residents. </p><br><p>Guests and Hosts</p><p><br></p><ul><li>John Prideaux, <em>The Economist</em>’s US Editor</li><li>Babara Tober, Philanthropist and former Editor of <em>Brides</em> magazine</li><li>John Catsimatidis, CEO of Red Apple Group</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics </p><p><br></p><ul><li>Alexis de Tocqueville’s <em>Democracy in America</em></li><li>‘Equality of conditions’ at 250</li><li>The election of Zohran Mamdani</li><li>Declining faith in American democracy</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Let us know what you think. Email podcasts@economist.com </p><br><p>To listen to the full series, subscribe to <a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Economist Podcasts+</a>.</p><br><p>If you’re already a subscriber to <em>The Economist</em>, you have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our <a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FAQs</a> page or watch our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">video</a> explaining how to link your account.</p><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Quid game: challenges for South Korea’s president

<p>An interview with <a href="https://www.economist.com/asia/2026/06/10/an-interview-with-south-koreas-president?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lee Jae Myung</a>, South Korea’s president, a year into his role. Though he has stabilised a turbulent polity and overseen a stock market rally, the path ahead may be bumpy. Can India’s <a href="https://www.economist.com/asia/2026/06/11/can-indias-cockroach-party-become-a-political-movement?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cockroach party</a> become a powerful political movement? And celebrating the creator of “Persepolis”, <a href="https://www.economist.com/obituary/2026/06/11/marjane-satrapi-set-out-to-correct-the-wests-views-of-iran?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Marjane Satrapi</a>. </p><p>Watch extended clips from Insider <a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/insider/previews?utm_campaign=a.brand_fy2627_q1_awareness-imp-tr_prospecting_global-global_direct_na&utm_medium=audio.podcast.pd&utm_source=economist&utm_content=discovery.awareness.anonymous.tr_nativeread_np-tiinsider-apr_na-na_web_na_na_na_na&utm_term=sa.arc-isi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a></p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Noah Sneider, East Asia bureau chief</li><li>Tom Sasse, South Asia bureau chief</li><li>Ann Wroe, obituaries editor</li><li>Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>South Korea, Lee Jae Myung, North Korea</li><li>Cockroach party, Narendra Modi, Gen-Z protests</li><li>Marjane Satrapi, Iran, Persepolis</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+</em></a></p><br><p><em>For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account. </em></p><br><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Kicking and screaming: protests at World Cup

<p>Millions of people will tune in when the <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2026/06/07/the-world-cup-will-test-mexicos-control-over-its-territory?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">World Cup starts</a> today. But demonstrators in Mexico, which hosts the first match, are using the international spectacle to draw attention to their causes. Commercial enterprises are on the cusp of making money in space: who will <a href="https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2026/05/28/how-to-tax-businesses-in-orbit-and-beyond?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tax the heavens</a>? And <a href="https://www.economist.com/asia/2026/05/24/narendra-modi-gives-indias-elite-a-taste-of-the-bad-old-days?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Narendra Modi</a> is unsettling India’s middle class.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Hal Hodson, Americas editor</li><li>Shera Avi-Yonah, business correspondent</li><li>Leo Mirani, Ashoka columnist</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>World Cup, Mexico, protests</li><li>Space, taxation, global commons</li><li>India, Modi </li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+</em></a></p><br><p><em>For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account. </em></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Number crunch: why Britons ignore immigrant drop

<p>The British government tightened <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/05/28/britain-has-crushed-immigration-and-harmed-itself?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">immigration</a> in response to public demand. Yet that policy damaged both the country and the Labour party. Our correspondent embeds on a US <a href="https://www.economist.com/international/2026/05/07/americas-submarine-dominance-is-under-threat?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">nuclear submarine</a> to find out how China and Russia are vying for dominance in the Pacific. And what <a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2026/06/05/the-chemicals-that-reduce-wrinkles?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">anti-ageing</a> products actually work? </p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Joel Budd, Britain social affairs editor</li><li>Anton La Guardia, diplomatic editor</li><li>Ainslie Johnstone, science correspondent</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Immigration, Britain, asylum</li><li>Submarines, Pacific, geopolitics</li><li>Ageing, wrinkles, retinoids, peptides</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+</em></a></p><br><p><em>For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account. </em></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

There Xi goes: visiting North Korea

<p>Xi Jinping’s first visit to <a href="https://www.economist.com/china/2026/06/07/china-and-russia-are-competing-for-influence-over-north-korea?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">North Korea</a> in seven years has been marked by pomp and shows of friendship. But what does the Chinese leader really want from the trip? Our correspondent visits <a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/05/10/a-congolese-militia-wants-to-sell-critical-minerals-to-donald-trump?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goma in Congo</a> to see what life is like under Rwanda-backed rebel group M23. And why <a href="https://www.economist.com/asia/2026/05/28/japans-beloved-indian-restaurants-are-under-threat?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">curry</a> may soon be off the menu in Japan. </p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Jeremy Page, chief China correspondent</li><li>John McDermott, chief Africa correspondent</li><li>Moeka Iida, Japan correspondent</li><li>Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un, Russia, nuclear proliferation</li><li>Congo, Goma, M23, Rwanda</li><li>Japan, India, immigration, curry  </li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+</em></a></p><br><p><em>For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Ceasefire alarm: Iran and Israel trade strikes

<p>The fragile ceasefire between America and Iran is threatened by an exchange of <a href="https://www.economist.com/topics/war-in-the-middle-east?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ballistic missiles</a> overnight between Iran and Israel. Our correspondent examines the consequences. China’s <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/06/03/byd-is-losing-its-spark?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BYD cars</a> are losing ground to other electric vehicles. And why hit TV shows inspire “<a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/05/14/companion-podcasts-are-the-latest-hit-format?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">companion podcasts</a>”.  </p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent</li><li>Don Weinland, China business editor</li><li>Elizabeth Peet, researcher</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Iran, Israel, Lebanon, ceasefire, Trump</li><li>BYD, EVs, Tesla, Xpeng, Li Auto</li><li>Podcasts, Beef, The Pitt, HBO</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+</em></a></p><br><p><em>For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account. </em></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Pregnant pause: India’s slumping fertility

<p>After decades of overpopulation worries, the country now has the opposite concern. We examine India’s <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/06/04/indias-surprise-baby-bust-is-a-warning-to-the-world?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">unusual demographic turn</a>, and why it is a wider warning to the world. Vegan substitutes have broadly improved in recent years—so why is there <a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/1843/2026/05/08/grate-expectations-the-troubled-quest-for-tasty-vegan-cheese?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">no good vegan cheese</a>? And remembering <a href="https://www.economist.com/obituary/2026/06/04/sonny-rollins-believed-that-jazz-was-all-there-was?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sonny Rollins</a>, an absolute colossus of the saxophone. </p><br><p><em>Watch extended clips from Insider </em><a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/insider/previews?utm_campaign=a.brand_fy2627_q1_awareness-imp-tr_prospecting_global-global_direct_na&utm_medium=audio.podcast.pd&utm_source=economist&utm_content=discovery.awareness.anonymous.tr_nativeread_np-tiinsider-apr_na-na_web_na_na_na_na&utm_term=sa.arc-isi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>here</em></a>.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Tom Sasse, South Asia bureau chief</li><li>Sam Colbert, senior series producer, Economist Podcasts</li><li>Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>India, fertility rates, global population</li><li>vegan cheese</li><li>Sonny Rollins, jazz</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

A murder exploited: Britain’s George Floyd moment that wasn’t

<p>Nigel Farage, leader of the populist-right Reform UK party, wants Britons to be enraged by a killing in the street. We ask why his <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/06/03/was-this-britains-george-floyd-moment?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tone has changed</a> from “colour-blind” to race-baiting. NATO must now take seriously the idea that America is pulling back; we ask <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/05/21/why-nato-needs-a-plan-b?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">how it is adjusting</a>. And why skipping title sequences is forgoing some of <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/06/01/why-you-should-never-skip-a-tv-intro?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">television’s magic</a>.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Hugo Gye, British political correspondent</li><li>Jonathan Rosenthal, international correspondent</li><li>Andrew Miller, “Back Story” columnist</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>British politics, race relations</li><li>NATO, American foreign policy</li><li>television, media</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Focused group: Ukraine is now Europe’s war

<p>Now that America has stepped back, Europe is at last stepping up. We examine the bloc’s <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/06/01/ukraine-is-now-europes-war-survival-cant-be-the-only-aim?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tactics</a> (if not yet a strategy) and how steady its support is likely to be. With the coming public listings of SpaceX and Anthropic, we ask whether stockmarkets can handle a string of “<a href="https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2026/06/01/can-the-stockmarket-swallow-anthropic-spacex-and-openai?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">giga-IPOs</a>”. And our World Cup series looks at Iran’s side.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Tom Nuttall, chief Germany correspondent</li><li>Joshua Roberts, capital markets correspondent</li><li>Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Europe, security, Ukraine war</li><li>IPOs, investment, stockmarkets, SpaceX, Anthropic, OpenAI</li><li>World Cup, Iran</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Visit</em><a href="https://education.economist.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em> education.economist.com</em></a><em> and use code 5YEARS to save 15% on courses developed by our editors and correspondents.</em></p><br><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Head out of the cloud: Nvidia’s personal-computer shift

<p>The AI world’s go-to chipmaker is blazing a trail toward your personal computer. We ask what moving out of the cloud indicates about the future of computing. The three candidates for mayor of Los Angeles could not be more different, and they are running neck and neck. And updating generic filler text for the business-jargon era.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Shailesh Chitnis, global business writer</li><li>Aryn Braun, West Coast correspondent</li><li>Andrew Palmer, executive editor and “Bartleby” columnist</li><li>Jason Palmer (no relation), co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Nvidia, AI, technology</li><li>Los Angeles, American politics</li><li>corporate jargon</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Mistrusting the process: containing Congo’s Ebola outbreak

<p>Aid is ramping up to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and vaccine work is progressing. But what the Ebola response <a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/05/28/congos-response-to-ebola-is-late-and-chaotic?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">most lacks</a> is trust of the community. European governments and businesses are wary of their dependence on America’s tech giants; we examine a spate of <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/05/21/how-europe-is-fighting-for-digital-sovereignty?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">home-grown efforts</a>. And sticky toffee pudding, a staid British classic, gets a sweet <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/03/31/for-the-love-of-sticky-toffee-pudding?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">social-media boost</a>. </p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>John McDermott, chief Africa correspondent</li><li>Christian Odendahl, European economics editor</li><li>Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondent and sticky toffee pudding enthusiast</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Ebola outbreak, Democratic Republic of Congo, epidemiology, vaccines</li><li>European technology, American tech giants, technological sovereignty </li><li>sticky toffee pudding</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p><br><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

New world of warcraft: how conflict has forever changed

<p>Our outgoing defence editor reflects on <a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/essay/2026/05/28/the-dangerous-delusion-of-modern-warfare?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">how war has changed</a> during the eight years of his tenure. Wars have become <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/05/28/smart-tech-is-making-war-a-dumber-choice?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">easier to start and harder to finish</a>, and the little guy has a better chance than ever before. And our obituaries editor pays tribute to <a href="https://www.economist.com/obituary/2026/05/28/barney-frank-always-took-the-underdogs-side?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Barney Frank</a>, a trailblazing Democratic congressman.</p><br><p><em>Watch extended clips from Insider </em><a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/insider/previews?utm_campaign=a.brand_fy2627_q1_awareness-imp-tr_prospecting_global-global_direct_na&utm_medium=audio.podcast.pd&utm_source=economist&utm_content=discovery.awareness.anonymous.tr_nativeread_np-tiinsider-apr_na-na_web_na_na_na_na&utm_term=sa.arc-isi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>here</em></a></p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Shashank Joshi, defence editor</li><li>Ann Wroe, obituaries editor</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>war, technology, Ukraine, Iran</li><li>Barney Frank</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p><br><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Deal or ordeal: Trump’s bad options in Cuba

<p>The American administration’s next round of sabre-rattling has been directed at Cuba. But more military adventures there would probably prove <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/05/27/attacking-cuba-would-be-a-huge-mistake?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">disastrous</a>. We profile the three starkly different contenders in Colombia’s hyper-polarised <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2026/05/24/colombias-pivotal-polarised-election-could-not-be-tighter?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">presidential election</a>. And our series looking at World Cup squads goes to Mexico.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Sarah Birke, bureau chief for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean</li><li>Kinley Salmon, Latin America correspondent</li><li>Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Cuba, American foreign policy</li><li>Colombia’s elections</li><li>World Cup, Mexico</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p><br><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

What price victory? Ukraine on the front foot

<p>Economic support, drone capability, defence under new management: the tide may have turned for Ukraine. But domestic politics and perceptions will define <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/05/26/ukraines-latest-challenge-is-how-to-deal-with-hope?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">what kind of win</a> the country might hope for. We examine how Home Depot, the world’s largest DIY chain, is <a href="https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2026/05/20/economics-lessons-from-home-depot?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a window</a> into America’s ailing housing market. And what is <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/05/07/the-surprising-supply-chain-choke-point-for-cricket-bats?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pinching the supply</a> of England’s famed cricket bats. </p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Oliver Carroll, Ukraine correspondent</li><li>Vinjeru Mkandawire, news editor</li><li>Andrew Rummer, Britain contributor</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Ukraine war</li><li>America’s housing market, Home Depot</li><li>cricket bats, supply chains</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

No big deal: murky Iran-war negotiations

<p>More mixed messages from President Donald Trump and air strikes that seem to violate the ceasefire: all that is remotely in prospect is <a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/05/25/what-an-america-iran-deal-might-look-like?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a deal to keep on dealmaking</a>. China’s “superapps” are pioneering <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/05/17/ai-super-apps-are-remaking-chinas-internet?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the use of agentic AI</a>—with some odd outcomes. And the curious reason that grouse harm themselves on ski lifts (and <a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2026/04/22/how-to-stop-colour-blind-grouse-flying-into-ski-lifts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">how to save them</a>). </p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent</li><li>Don Weinland, China business and finance editor</li><li>Matt Kaplan, science correspondent</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Iran war, diplomacy</li><li>China, business, agentic AI</li><li>birds, science</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p><br><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Pulp fiction v the classics: summer reading

<p>What do we mean by a “good book”? Some people choose a holiday read that demands time and attention. Others pick rip-roaring novels that require little thought. Our bookworms discuss whether art has to be improving to be praiseworthy, and give genre fiction some much-needed air time. </p><br><p>This is a full list of the books mentioned in the show:</p><p>“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen</p><p>“Red Rising” by Pierce Brown</p><p>Jack Reacher series by Lee Child</p><p>“The Hunt for Red October” by Tom Clancy</p><p>“Riders” and the other Rutshire chronicles by Jilly Cooper</p><p>Dungeon Crawler Carl series by Matt Dinniman</p><p>“Middlemarch” by George Eliot</p><p>“Ulysses” by James Joyce</p><p>“Wolf Hall” by Hilary Mantel</p><p>“The Diamond Age” by Neal Stephenson</p><p>The Murderbot series by Martha Wells </p><p>“The Martian” by Andy Weir</p><p>“American Wife” by Curtis Sittenfeld</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Catherine Nixey, culture and Britain correspondent</li><li>Tom Standage, Economist deputy editor</li><li>Alexandra Suich Bass, culture editor</li><li>Alex Hern, AI writer</li><li>Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Fiction, romance, sci-fi, crime, thrillers, fantasy, romantasy</li><li>Jane Austen, Jilly Cooper, Curtis Sittenfeld, Lee Child</li><li>Matt Dinniman, Pierce Brown, Neal Stephenson</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+</em></a></p><br><p><em>For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Big boosts to fill: SpaceX’s giant IPO

<p><a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/05/21/spacex-is-capitalism-on-rocket-fuel?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Elon Musk</a> has launched the largest stockmarket listing in history. The accompanying space mission remains grounded. Our correspondent weighs SpaceX’s extraordinary ambitions. The Republican party trades on its masculine image, but some <a href="https://www.economist.com/united-states/2026/05/03/young-men-are-souring-on-donald-trump?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">young men</a> are turning away. And, after a blind tasting 50 years ago unleashed a new wave of <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/05/21/a-blind-tasting-revolutionised-the-wine-world-50-years-ago?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wine drinking</a>, the market is drying out.</p><br><p>Watch extended clips from Insider <a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/insider/previews?utm_campaign=a.brand_fy2627_q1_awareness-imp-tr_prospecting_global-global_direct_na&utm_medium=audio.podcast.pd&utm_source=economist&utm_content=discovery.awareness.anonymous.tr_nativeread_np-tiinsider-apr_na-na_web_na_na_na_na&utm_term=sa.arc-isi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a></p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Tim Cross, senior science writer</li><li>Robert Guest, <em>Economist</em> deputy editor</li><li>Alexandra Suich Bass, culture editor</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-hosts of “The intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>SpaceX, Starlink, XAI, Elon Musk</li><li>Donald Trump, Republicans, masculinity</li><li>Wine, Judgement of Paris</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+</em></a></p><br><p><em>For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account. </em></p><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Peking order: Xi meets Putin after Trump

<p>Within the space of a week Chinese president <a href="https://www.economist.com/china/2026/05/18/now-its-vladimir-putins-turn-to-visit-beijing?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Xi Jinping</a> has welcomed both Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to Beijing. Our correspondent explains the significance of these consecutive meetings. How the <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/05/20/in-football-britain-has-a-world-beating-industry?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Premier League</a> got its kick – and became one of Britain’s most successful businesses. And, some relax on holiday, others relish <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/05/14/who-wants-to-relax-on-holiday?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">adrenaline-fuelled</a> activities.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Jeremy Page, chief China correspondent</li><li>Sonny Loughran, Britain writer</li><li>Caitlin Talbot, culture correspondent</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump</li><li>Premier League, football, soccer</li><li>Adrenaline holidays, darecations</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+</em></a></p><br><p><em>For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account. </em></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Bibi, one more time? Israel’s election launches

<p>Is <a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/05/17/is-binyamin-netanyahu-facing-his-last-stand?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Binyamin Netanyahu</a>’s time up as Israel’s prime minister? As a vote in parliament triggers the election campaign, our correspondent – and Netanyahu’s biographer – analyses what comes next. We join a US-backed <a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/05/07/mali-shows-the-growing-strength-of-jihadism-in-the-sahel?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">counter-terrorism</a> training exercise in Africa and question whether such missions will outlast Trump. And how Cape Verde came to take part in its first <a href="https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2026/05/18/fifas-exorbitant-world-cup-tickets-could-backfire?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">World Cup</a>.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent</li><li>Tom Gardner, Africa correspondent</li><li>Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent</li><li>Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Binyamin Netanyahu, Israel, Knesset, Gaza, Hizbullah, Iran</li><li>Ivory Coast, jihadism, anti-terrorism, overseas aid</li><li>World Cup, FIFA, Cape Verde</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+</em></a></p><br><p><em>For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account. </em></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Spread too thin: Africa’s next Ebola outbreak

<p>The latest Ebola emergency is different from previous ones: there is no vaccine, and the kind of community-level work that stops the spread has been thinned by aid cuts. Britain is likely to get a new prime minister soon; we profile <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/05/15/andy-burnham-britains-could-be-prime-minister-is-a-man-of-two-parts?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Andy Burnham</a>, the Labour party’s polling favourite. And celebrity book clubs abound—but useful criticism in them <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/05/07/many-celebrities-now-have-book-clubs-most-are-irritating?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">does not</a>. </p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>John McDermott, chief Africa correspondent</li><li>Joel Budd, social affairs editor</li><li>Catherine Nixey, culture correspondent</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Ebola outbreak, West Africa</li><li>Andy Burnham, British politics</li><li>celebrities, book clubs, book industry</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Equal before the law? Transitional justice in Syria

<p>Atef Najib, a former security chief, is the highest-profile member of the Assad regime to go on trial. We ask why the speed, uneven spread and murky legal basis of justice <a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/05/12/bashar-al-assads-henchmen-start-to-go-on-trial-in-syria?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">troubles many Syrians</a>. Our series leading up to America’s 250th birthday continues to plumb our archive. Today: <a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/america-at-250#chapter-5?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the cold war and Vietnam</a>. And why whiskymaking is <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/04/22/the-curious-rise-of-chinese-whisky?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">booming</a> in China.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Gareth Browne, Middle East correspondent</li><li>Annie Crabill, senior digital editor</li><li>Don Weinland, China business and finance editor</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Syria, judicial system, transitional justice</li><li>America, 250th anniversary, history</li><li>China, business, whisky</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p><br><p>Runtime: 24 min</p><br><p><strong>TWITTER HANDLES OF CONTRIBS</strong> </p><p>@BrowneGareth – Syria</p><p>@annie_crabill – US250</p><p>@donweinland – whisky</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Top dog-whistler: Tommy Robinson and Britain’s far right

<p>Tommy Robinson is an influencer who has <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/05/14/how-tommy-robinson-far-right-influencer-shaped-views-on-britain?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">shaped views</a> on Britain, particularly among his American supporters and funders. A rally this weekend will show how his worldview is reaching the mainstream. A merger in the oligopoly of liftmakers will <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/04/30/how-a-mega-deal-will-transform-the-lift-industry?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">reshape an industry</a> known for its ups and downs. And remembering <a href="https://www.economist.com/obituary/2026/05/14/raghu-rais-whole-canvas-was-india?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Raghu Rai</a>, whose photographs captured the intensity of India’s people.</p><br><p><em>Watch extended clips from Insider </em><a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/insider/previews?utm_campaign=a.brand_fy2627_q1_awareness-imp-tr_prospecting_global-global_direct_na&utm_medium=audio.podcast.pd&utm_source=economist&utm_content=discovery.awareness.anonymous.tr_nativeread_np-tiinsider-apr_na-na_web_na_na_na_na&utm_term=sa.arc-isi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>here</em></a>.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Georgia Banjo, Britain correspondent</li><li>Simon Wright, industry editor</li><li>Ann Wroe, obituaries editor</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Tommy Robinson, Britain’s far right, America’s far right</li><li>Lifts, mergers, business</li><li>Raghui Rai, India, photojournalism</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Fired alarm: AI hype versus labour-market history

<p>Perhaps the AI “boomers” are right about a sweeping labour-market revolution. But a careful look at history shows just how unprecedented their bullish scenarios would be. Africa’s bounty of minerals has drawn tremendous recent interest; will the continent see the benefits this time around? And our World Cup profile series continues with a look at Japan’s squad.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Callum Williams, senior economics writer</li><li>John McDermott, chief Africa correspondent</li><li>Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>AI, labour market, economics, history </li><li>Africa, critical minerals, investment, development</li><li>World Cup, Japan</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Duo’s lingo: what to watch for in Trump-Xi summit

<p>The <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/05/07/the-trump-xi-summit-will-expose-a-dysfunctional-duo?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">meeting</a> between President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping will set the tone for three more this year. We examine what and what not to expect. Pepsi has been losing ground to Coca Cola recently; to catch up, it may have to become <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/04/28/coca-cola-is-trouncing-pepsi-can-the-underdog-turn-things-around?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">more like its rival</a>. And this year’s Venice Biennale is <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/05/08/welcome-to-a-spectacularly-fraught-edition-of-the-venice-biennale?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">uncomfortably besieged</a> by geopolitics. </p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Simon Rabinovitch, Beijing bureau chief</li><li>Shera Avi-Yonah, business correspondent</li><li>Alexandra Suich Bass, culture editor</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Trump/Xi summit, geopolitics</li><li>Coca Cola, Pepsi, business</li><li>Venice Biennale, culture</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Get a world of insights by </em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</em></a><em>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our </em><a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>FAQs page</em></a><em> or watch </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>our video</em></a><em> explaining how to link your account.</em></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>