The Intelligence from The Economist

Socialist mobility: a telling Michigan vote

<p>We examine one of America’s primary races, in which a <a href="https://www.economist.com/united-states/2026/08/05/americas-democratic-socialists-are-having-the-summer-of-their-lives?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">sharply lefty candidate</a> beat the establishment figure. What does that reveal about changes in the Democratic Party? For decades China’s Yangtze River was a polluted, overfished mess. We look at the wins from <a href="https://www.economist.com/china/2026/07/27/chinas-mightiest-river-is-coming-back-from-the-brink?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">cleaning it up</a>—and who loses. And a fond look back at <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/07/29/the-world-is-entering-a-post-postcard-era?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">postcards</a> as they fade from use.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>John Prideaux, executive editor and host, “Checks and Balance”</li><li>Gabriel Crossley, China correspondent</li><li>Catherine Nixey, Britain correspondent</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>America’s primary season, Democratic Socialists of America, Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed</li><li>China, Yangtze River, remediation</li><li>postcards, second world war, British history</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 The Economist</em></a><em>.</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>

Taking the shine off: albedo and global temperatures

<p>Fewer clouds, shrinking ice caps, changing pollutants: all result in less of the sun’s energy being reflected back into space. Which is <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/07/16/its-too-darn-hot-blame-global-dimming?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 bad news</a> for a changing climate. Our correspondent explains why so much more of the world’s cocaine is <a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/07/28/west-africa-has-become-a-huge-cocaine-trading-hub?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">passing through west Africa</a>. And the data that reveal Americans’ discomfort about wives <a href="https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2026/07/13/the-stubborn-scarcity-of-female-breadwinners?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">earning more</a> than their husbands.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Oliver Morton, planetary-affairs editor</li><li>Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondent</li><li>Doug Dowson, data journalist</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>climate change, albedo, global temperatures</li><li>Africa, cocaine, smuggling</li><li>wage equality, gender pay gap</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 The Economist</em></a><em>.</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>

In arms’ way: Gaza-deal sticking points

<p>President Donald Trump’s claim that Hamas had agreed to disarm in Gaza was, at best, premature. We examine the sticking points of a lasting deal. New-business applications are <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/07/27/america-has-become-an-entrepreneurs-paradise?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">on a tear</a> in America. We ask why so many people are working for themselves—but not doing much hiring. And the enduring <a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/07/23/why-young-africans-still-listen-to-the-radio?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">popularity of radio</a> in Africa, aided rather than degraded by social media. </p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent</li><li>Shera Avi-Yonah, business correspondent</li><li>William Finlator, contributor to <em>The Economist</em></li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Gaza, Hamas, Israel, Board of Peace</li><li>American business, entrepreneurship</li><li>Africa, media, radio</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 The Economist</em></a><em>.</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>

Taken littorally: Spain’s sudden crisis in Ceuta

<p>The deadly <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/07/31/a-migrant-surge-tests-spains-open-policies?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">rush of migrants</a> into the Spanish exclave has deep roots in a wider North African conflict—and implications for a far wider European fight about immigration. Our India columnist presents an incomplete list of <a href="https://www.economist.com/asia/2026/07/12/an-incomplete-list-of-falling-objects-in-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">falling objects</a> as a way to examine public-safety failures. And a data dive that reveals how AI writing is <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/07/30/how-to-spot-ai-writing?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">forever shifting</a>.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Michael Reid, Spain correspondent and writer at large</li><li>Leo Mirani, Ashoka columnist</li><li>Caitlin Talbot, digital culture correspondent</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Ceuta, migration, Spain, EU, Schengen</li><li>India, public safety</li><li>AI writing, waning human primacy</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 The Economist</em></a><em>.</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>

Omission accomplished: why the Iran-war cycle spins on

<p>From <a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/07/28/new-strikes-in-iran-show-the-weakness-of-donald-trumps-deal?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">impasse in Iran</a> to still-unresolved conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, a trend is clear: President Donald Trump’s scant, early plans for peace do not actually forge a path to it. Our correspondent says that in the driverless-car future, it will often be Chinese AI <a href="https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2026/07/23/can-china-dominate-ai-exports-too?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">behind the wheel</a>. And remembering <a href="https://www.economist.com/obituary/2026/07/23/wally-funk-was-told-women-couldnt-be-astronauts?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">Wally Funk</a>, who never relinquished her ambition to become an astronaut. </p><br><p><em>Watch extended clips from Insider, plus our full Elon Musk interview, </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><em> </em></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>Ann Wroe, obituaries editor</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Iran war, Strait of Hormuz, diplomacy</li><li>China, AI, driverless cars</li><li>Wally Funk, astronauts</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 The Economist</em></a><em>.</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>

Working memory: the surprising decline of dementia

<p>A dive into the data reveals that, despite dire past predictions, the prevalence of dementia is actually <a href="https://www.economist.com/briefing/2026/07/09/how-dementia-is-being-defeated?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">waning</a>. We take a look at Pix, a beloved Brazilian digital-payments system, and why it <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2026/07/19/brazils-beloved-payments-system-has-drawn-donald-trumps-ire?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">so bothers</a> President Donald Trump. And we attend one of the concerts that reveals how the appeal of emo music is <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/07/16/emo-culture-was-not-just-a-phase-as-it-turns-out?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">holding strong</a> across generations. </p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Jonathan Rosenthal, international correspondent</li><li>Carla Subirana, news editor</li><li>Sarah Lawrynuik, deputy editor of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>dementia, global health statistics, ageing</li><li>Brazil, Pix, payment systems, Donald Trump</li><li>emo music, My Chemical Romance</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 The Economist</em></a><em>.</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>

Brave New whirl: Turkey’s opposition overhaul

<p>An ousted former opposition leader started a new party—called the New Party. We assess its chances at the ballot box, and under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s thumb. A <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/07/23/a-surrogacy-scandal-throws-germanys-conservatives-into-turmoil?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">surrogacy scandal</a> in Germany has prompted a government reshuffle, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz left holding the proverbial baby. And how traditional career advice is <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/07/23/why-traditional-career-advice-is-failing-gen-z?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">falling short</a> for Gen Z.  </p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Piotr Zalewski, Turkey correspondent</li><li>Vendeline von Bredow, senior Germany correspondent</li><li>Tom Wainwright, culture correspondent</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Turkish politics, New Party, Recep Tayyip Erdogan</li><li>German politics, Jens Spahn, Friedrich Merz</li><li>Gen Z, careers</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 The Economist</em></a><em>.</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>

Burning questions: a more fire-prone world

<p>Wildfires in France and Spain are only growing worse by the day. We examine what can be done as a future of more fires, and worse ones, becomes more assured. A dig into data on women at work shows several indicators starting to move in the <a href="https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2026/07/05/womens-progress-at-work-is-stalling?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">wrong direction</a>. And the American cities rethinking how to handle their <a href="https://www.economist.com/united-states/2026/07/14/cities-are-rethinking-what-happens-after-dark?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">after-dark economies</a>.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Oliver Morton, planetary affairs editor</li><li>Vinjeru Mkandawire, Britain correspondent</li><li>Daniella Raz, US corespondent</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>fires, France, Spain, fire ecology</li><li>women in the workplace, equality</li><li>America, night-time economy</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 The Economist</em></a><em>.</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>

Cockroaches 1, Modi 0: India’s remarkable protests

<p>The resignation of India’s education minister was a <a href="https://www.economist.com/asia/2026/07/25/narendra-modi-caves-to-indias-gen-z?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">stunning capitulation</a> by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. The Cockroach Janta Party, a fast-growing youth movement, has the upper hand for now. So-called <a href="https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2026/06/23/why-macro-trading-is-hard?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">macro trading</a> is hard: even with advance knowledge of events, neither man nor machine seems to make much money. And hunting the <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/07/16/a-mystery-street-artist-is-taking-over-cities?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">mosaics</a> of Invader, an anonymous French street artist.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Kira Huju, Asia correspondent</li><li>Joshua Roberts, capital markets correspondent</li><li>Caitlin Talbot, digital 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>India, Cockroach Janta Party, protest, Narendra Modi</li><li>macro trading, retail investing</li><li>Invader, Flashinvader, street art</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 The Economist</em></a><em>.</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 Elon game: Musk’s vision of the future

<p>After <a href="https://www.economist.com/insider/the-insider/an-interview-with-elon-musk?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>’s first extended interview since SpaceX’s blockbuster IPO, <em>The Economist</em> editor-in-chief reflects on what he told her: that AIs will be in charge in ten years, his dark view of Europe and the inevitably of civil war in Britain. At what age is a <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/07/09/who-is-capable-of-evil?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">child responsible</a> for their crimes? And remembering <a href="https://www.economist.com/obituary/2026/07/09/mona-khalil-defied-danger-to-protect-her-family?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">Mona Khalil</a>, Lebanese protector of turtles. </p><p>Watch extended clips from Elon Musk on “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>Zanny Minton Beddoes, editor-in-chief of <em>The Economist</em></li><li>Maighna Nanu, editor of foreign newsletters </li><li>Ann Wroe, obituaries editor</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Elon Musk, AI, killer robots, far right, The Insider</li><li>child criminals, criminal responsibility, gangs</li><li>Mona Khalil, Lebanon, turtles, conservation</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 The Economist</em></a><em>.</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>

An interview with Elon Musk

<p>Elon Musk may be the most powerful man in the world. For his first extended interview since SpaceX’s blockbuster IPO, he sits down with Zanny Minton Beddoes, <em>The Economist</em>’s editor-in-chief, for <a href="http://google.com/url?q=https://www.economist.com/insider&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1784815236107363&usg=AOvVaw31BMb__HEftFg4gZsH2Ao1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Insider</a>, our video show for premium subscribers. They discuss the timeline for AI overtaking human intelligence, the rapid progress of China, the reasons for his interest in Europe and why he thinks he “got a little too involved” in politics.</p><br><p>Watch the <a href="https://www.economist.com/insider/the-insider/an-interview-with-elon-musk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">full show</a>—and <a href="https://econ.st/4nOyzIb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sign up</a> to the Insider newsletter.</p><br><p>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<a href="https://www.economist.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to The Economist</a>.</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>

For bucks’ sake: the rise of self-made billionaires

<p>Many people, including politicians, love to hate the super-rich, and assume they have gamed the system. Yet our correspondent reports that a growing share of today’s wealthiest earned their money providing goods and services we all want. A new crackdown on <a href="https://www.economist.com/asia/2026/07/16/a-real-but-selective-crackdown-on-cambodias-scam-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">scam compounds</a> in Cambodia. And lessons from the ultimate political animal, Downing Street’s <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/07/16/lessons-from-a-cat-about-to-outlast-yet-another-prime-minister?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">Larry the Cat</a>. </p><p>Watch “<a href="https://www.economist.com/insider/the-insider/an-interview-with-elon-musk?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 Insider</a>” interview with Elon Musk from 6pm BST, 1pm EST. </p><p>Listen to our podcast series “<a href="https://www.economist.com/audio/podcasts/scam-inc?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">Scam Inc</a>”. </p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Callum Williams, senior economics writer</li><li>Sue-Lin Wong, Asia correspondent</li><li>Chris Impey, co-editor of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Billionaires, Elon Musk, Lionel Messi, Taylor Swift</li><li>Scams, scam compounds, Cambodia</li><li>Larry the Cat, Andy Burnham, Downing Street</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to <em>The Economist</em></a>.</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>

Kyiv brawl: Ukraine’s top general fired

<p>Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky has fired the <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/07/20/ukraines-top-general-could-be-on-the-way-out?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">commander-in-chief</a> of the armed forces, Oleksandr Syrsky. That follows days of protests at his sacking of the defence minister. Our correspondent analyses the fallout. America’s murder rate is falling, so why are <a href="https://www.economist.com/united-states/2026/06/21/american-police-killings-are-rising-even-as-murder-rates-fall?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">cops killing</a> more people? And a shift in the <a href="https://www.economist.com/asia/2026/07/14/haunted-houses-are-in-demand-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">Japanese taboo</a> on living in homes where people have died.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Shashank Joshi, defence editor</li><li>Daniel Knowles, US Midwest correspondent</li><li>Moeka Iida, East Asia reporter</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Fedorov, Syrsky, Zelensky, Ukraine</li><li>Police killings, gun crime, murder</li><li>Japan, haunted houses, jiko bukken</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to <em>The Economist</em></a>.</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>

Hard cedar: Lebanon seeks Trump’s help

<p>Today, Lebanon’s president <a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/07/20/lebanons-president-wants-donald-trumps-help-to-rebuild-the-country?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">Joseph Aoun</a> visits the White House to ask for Donald Trump’s help rebuilding the country. Our correspondent reports from his recent trip to Lebanon on the challenges it faces. Threats to <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/07/13/how-high-can-red-bull-fly?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">Red Bull</a>’s magnificent marketing machine. And why the <a href="https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2026/03/10/trophy-wives-are-out-of-fashion?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">age gap</a> between the wealthiest men and their wives is shrinking.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent</li><li>Vendeline von Bredow, senior Germany correspondent</li><li>Doug Dowson, data journalist</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>Lebanon, Beirut, Joseph Aoun, Hizbullah</li><li>Red Bull, energy drinks, extreme sports</li><li>Trophy wives, age gap, misogyny</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to <em>The Economist</em></a>.</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>

A firm Andy: what are new British PM’s plans?

<p><a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/07/19/how-britains-new-prime-minister-can-revive-labour?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> faces tough challenges as Britain’s new prime minister, both within his party and the country at large. Our correspondent analyses his prospects. After years of strife, how can <a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/07/07/rebuilding-syria-will-cost-over-200bn-bombs-are-not-helping?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">Syria be rebuilt</a>? And food markets have changed New York.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Hugo Gye, Britain political correspondent</li><li>Gareth Browne, Middle East correspondent</li><li>Annie Crabill, senior digital editor</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Andy Burnham, Keir Starmer, prime minister</li><li>Syria, Ahmad al-Sharaa, Assad</li><li>New York, street markets, farmers’ markets</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to <em>The Economist</em></a>.</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>

You’ve come a long way, Bibi: Israel’s crucial election

<p>Binyamin Netanyahu’s government will, unusually, serve out its full term. What comes after October’s election will decide <a href="https://www.economist.com/briefing/2026/07/16/israels-future-hangs-in-the-balance?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 Israel will emerge</a>. Our correspondent asks whether the World Cup will be remembered more for the dramas on the pitch or off it. And a tribute to <a href="https://www.economist.com/obituary/2026/07/02/a23a-had-more-adventures-than-most?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">A23a</a>, the world’s largest iceberg, after it melts away at last.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Josie Delap, Middle East editor</li><li>Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent</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>Israeli election, Binyamin Netanyahu</li><li>World Cup</li><li>icebergs, climate</li></ul><p><br></p><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><em>. And 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 The Economist</em></a><em>.</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>

In it to bin it: Nigel Farage v Count Binface

<p>We take a peek into a quirk of British politics as the country’s populist-right polling leader goes up against a man who wears <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-world-in-brief/2026/07/11/b240d63f-2768-43dd-89b6-2bdceb6df745?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 bin on his head</a>. It is <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/07/09/nigel-farages-stunts-made-him-a-successful-politician-they-wont-make-him-pm?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 serious</a> than it sounds. Africans tired of shoddy internet services are turning to Starlink—<a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/07/02/africans-are-turning-to-starlink?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">for a price</a>. And our culture editor reviews an <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/07/15/a-very-silly-adaptation-of-the-odyssey?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">anachronism-laden take</a> on a classic epic.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Hugo Gye, British political correspondent</li><li>Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondent</li><li>Catherine Nixey, culture correspondent</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><p><br></p><ul><li>Nigel Farage, Count Binface, British politics, farce</li><li>Africa’s internet infrastructure, Starlink</li><li>“The Odyssey”, Christopher Nolan</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 The Economist</em></a><em>.</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>

Strait and narrowing: the Iran deal crumbles

<p>The sketch of a deal to end the war is all but dead; oil is up as strikes rain down. We look at the options available to America—<a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/07/14/donald-trump-has-no-good-options-for-reopening-the-strait-of-hormuz?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">all of them bad</a>. India’s government websites are almost universally <a href="https://www.economist.com/asia/2026/06/28/why-cant-indias-government-build-a-decent-website?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">impossible to use</a>; we look at the structural reasons behind the bad IT. And the growth of summer camps <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/06/18/adults-are-going-back-to-summer-camp?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">for adults</a>. </p><br><p><em>Listen to our “The Weekend Intelligence” episode on </em><a href="https://www.economist.com/podcasts/2026/03/14/kidulting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>kidulting</em></a><em>.</em></p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent</li><li>Leo Mirani, Ashoka columnist</li><li>Rachel Mayman, senior audience editor </li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Iran war, Strait of Hormuz</li><li>India’s government, IT</li><li>summer camps, kidulting</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 The Economist</em></a><em>.</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>

The case of the missing totem: Aung San Suu Kyi

<p>Myanmar’s jailed leader has not been seen since 2022. We ask <a href="https://www.economist.com/asia/2026/07/13/is-aung-san-suu-kyi-dead?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">if she is in fact alive</a>, and what might happen if the military junta acceded to demands for her release. We examine <a href="https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2026/06/29/turkeys-economic-plan-to-win-from-the-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">Turkey’s plan</a> to turn the war in Iran to its advantage. And delving into the research on just how much sleep is enough—<a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2026/06/26/is-too-much-sleep-as-bad-as-too-little?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">and too much</a>.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Aaron Connelly, Asia diplomatic editor</li><li>Cerian Richmond-Jones, international economics correspondent</li><li>Sam Wikeley, science correspondent</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar</li><li>Turkey, economics, Iran war</li><li>sleep, science</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 The Economist</em></a><em>.</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 hawk who flew on political winds: Lindsey Graham

<p>The longtime South Carolina senator died suddenly at the weekend. His political arc mirrored that of his Republican party in the Trump era. We ask what his death <a href="https://www.economist.com/united-states/2026/07/12/lindsey-graham-represented-the-arc-of-his-party?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">leaves behind</a>. Frontier AI models opaquely embody a worldview and set of values; we poke the big ones, asking <a href="https://www.economist.com/briefing/2026/06/25/ai-models-values-are-very-different-from-most-peoples?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 they believe</a>. And why Old Master paintings are again <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/07/07/why-old-master-paintings-are-back-in-vogue?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">so popular</a>. </p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Adam Roberts, foreign editor</li><li>Sondre Solstad, senior data journalist</li><li>Alexandra Suich Bass, culture editor</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Lindsey Graham, Republican party, American foreign policy</li><li>AI frontier models, values</li><li>art market, Old Masters</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 The Economist</em></a><em>.</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>

Putin’s options: an oligarch speaks out

<p>This week <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/07/09/the-man-who-would-change-russia?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">Andrey Melnichenko</a>, Russia’s biggest industrialist, warns in <em>The</em> <em>Economist</em> that disaster is looming for his country as the war in Ukraine continues. What does it mean when members of the elite risk broadcasting their discontent? Our correspondent describes <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/07/02/ukraine-is-trying-to-threaten-vladimir-putin-into-peace-talks?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">life in Kyiv</a> as attacks intensify. And our week-long journey down <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/07/02/route-66-how-a-century-old-highway-helps-explain-america?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">Route 66</a> reaches the end of the road.</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><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Edward Carr, Economist deputy editor</li><li>Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor</li><li>Oliver Carroll, Ukraine correspondent</li><li>Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Russia, Putin, Andrey Melnichenko</li><li>Ukraine, Kyiv, drone, interceptor</li><li>Route 66, car culture</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to <em>The Economist</em></a>.</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>

Peace fire: further US-Iran strikes

<p>As America hit 90 targets in a second day of <a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/middle-east-and-africa/2026/07/08/is-donald-trump-serious-in-declaring-the-ceasefire-with-iran-over?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">attacks on Iran</a>, the fragile truce is in jeopardy. Our correspondent explains how power shifts within Iran may affect the war. Asian governments are trying to <a href="https://www.economist.com/asia/2026/06/25/asian-governments-are-making-children-care-for-their-parents?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">force children</a> to care for ageing parents. And day four of our journey down <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/07/02/route-66-how-a-century-old-highway-helps-explain-america?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">Route 66</a> traverses a darker side of the road.   </p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Nicolas Pelham, Middle East correspondent</li><li>Farah Cheah, Asia reporter</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><p><br></p><ul><li>Iran, ceasefire, Strait of Hormuz, Ayatollah</li><li>Filial piety, ageing, elderly care</li><li>Route 66, Oklahoma, race relations</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to <em>The Economist</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>

Marine warfare: Le Pen runs for president

<p>Last night, the populist-right leader <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/07/07/marine-le-pen-is-running-for-the-french-presidency?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">announced</a> that she will run in the French presidential election next year. Our correspondent analyses the Le Pen dynasty and explains how this decision will shape the campaign. The world’s first <a href="https://www.economist.com/podcasts/2026/03/07/the-last-whales-at-marineland?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">refuge for whales</a> once held in captivity. And our journey down America’s <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/07/02/route-66-how-a-century-old-highway-helps-explain-america?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">Route 66</a> takes us into its commercial history.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief</li><li>Sam Colbert, senior podcast producer</li><li>Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><p><br></p><ul><li>Marine Le Pen, National Rally</li><li>Whales, beluga, animal rights</li><li>Route 66, America</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to <em>The Economist</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>

Continental rift: NATO’s tense summit

<p>As <a href="https://www.economist.com/international/2026/07/02/nato-ponders-how-to-defend-eastern-europe-as-america-pulls-back?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">NATO leaders</a> gather for the annual summit in Turkey today, the thorniest issue is off the agenda: fractures within the alliance. Our correspondent travels to the Baltics, where a strategic shift is already evident. First there was vibe coding, now <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/06/29/the-rise-of-vibe-lawyering?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">vibe lawyering</a> is coming to courtrooms. And day two of our great American roadtrip down <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/07/02/route-66-how-a-century-old-highway-helps-explain-america?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">Route 66</a>.  </p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Anton La Guardia, diplomatic editor</li><li>Anna Kerr, senior audience editor</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><p><br></p><ul><li>NATO, Ukraine, Ankara</li><li>Vibe lawyering, vibe coding, courtroom</li><li>Route 66, California</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to <em>The Economist</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 mourning show: the politics of Khamenei’s funeral

<p>The Iranian regime hopes the massive crowds gathered for <a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/middle-east-and-africa/2026/07/03/irans-regime-hopes-khameneis-funeral-will-demonstrate-its-strength?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">Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>’s funeral will demonstrate its strength. Our correspondent says they could also reveal its weakness. Why Japan wants to change its <a href="https://www.economist.com/asia/2026/06/11/japan-is-rethinking-its-divorce-laws?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">divorce laws</a> and custody arrangements. And the first part of our week-long road trip down America’s iconic <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/07/02/route-66-how-a-century-old-highway-helps-explain-america?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">Route 66</a>. </p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Nicolas Pelham, Middle East correspondent</li><li>Moeka Iida, East Asia correspondent</li><li>Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><p><br></p><ul><li>Ayatollah, Khamenei, Iran, Supreme Leader</li><li>Japan, divorce, custody</li><li>Route 66, Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath </li></ul><p><br></p><p>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to <em>The Economist</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>

The 250-year experiment: America’s birthday

<p>Big birthdays are often a time for reflection. Our editors and correspondents chat through the state of American democracy as seen from inside and outside the country, the country’s perennial paroxysms of immigration policy, and its undimmed power to export its culture to the world. </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><em>.</em></p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Robert Guest, deputy editor</li><li>Rebecca Jackson, Southern correspondent</li><li>Daniel Knowles, Midwest correspondent</li><li>Aryn Braun, West Coast 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>American history, American democracy</li><li>immigration policy</li><li>American cultural exports</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>

Roaring trades: oil majors’ secret success story

<p>Big oil firms keep one part of their business hush-hush: trading. Amid an almighty oil shock, the majors’ trading arms are <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/06/28/big-oils-secretive-trading-arms-are-having-an-extraordinary-year?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">raking it in</a>. But competition is mounting. We look at the Trump administration’s <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/06/30/donald-trumps-ai-regime-is-opaque-unpredictable-and-unsustainable?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">messy attempts</a> to regulate frontier AI models, and how that may cost America its AI edge. And why the biggest music tours are <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/06/15/harry-styles-and-other-megastars-now-expect-you-to-come-to-them?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">going to fewer places</a>. </p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Matthieu Favas, commodities editor</li><li>Shashank Joshi, incoming Washington bureau chief</li><li>Vicky Jessop, culture writer</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>oil majors, oil trading</li><li>AI,  frontier models, American regulation</li><li>music business, concert tours</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>

Fault lines: Venezuela’s paltry earthquake response

<p>Government help was <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2026/06/28/how-will-america-respond-to-venezuelas-deadly-quakes?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">thin on the ground</a> just after the country’s worst quakes in a century. The America-backed regime is thus on literal and figurative shaky ground. A <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/06/07/robots-could-soon-be-delivering-your-pizza?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">food-delivery robot trial</a> in England represents the future of the service. And why Harlan Coben’s proliferating thrillers are <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/06/18/harlan-coben-netflixs-new-darling-has-a-mystery-you-can-solve?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">cheesy but gripping</a>.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Kinley Salmon, Latin America correspondent</li><li>Alex Hern, AI writer</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>Venezuela earthquakes, disaster response</li><li>delivery robots</li><li>Harlan Coben</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>

Gulf-co-operation counsel: what next for the region

<p>With Iran emboldened and America an ever more capricious security partner, Gulf countries face several post-war challenges. They should <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/06/25/with-iran-emboldened-its-neighbours-must-put-old-divisions-aside?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">put their divides aside</a> to tackle them. We dig one last time into our archive to <a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/america-at-250?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">chronicle American history</a>, bringing our series up to the present day. And the mounting evidence that <a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2023/09/06/plants-dont-have-ears-but-they-can-still-detect-sound?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">plants can “hear”</a>. </p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent</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><p><br></p><ul><li>Iran war, Middle East geopolitics</li><li>American history, semiquincentennials</li><li>plants, biology, 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>

Latin lessons: the Donroe-doctrine boost

<p>For all the Trumpian chaos in Latin America, no other developing-world regional economy has done so well in the past year. We examine the <a href="https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2026/06/14/does-donald-trump-make-latin-america-a-good-bet?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">Donroe dividend</a>. The cost to make jollof rice, a staple dish in Nigeria and Ghana, is a window into <a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/06/18/is-the-staple-meal-in-nigeria-and-ghana-becoming-a-luxury?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 countries’ economies</a>. And the BBC waves goodbye to its <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/06/25/the-bbc-switches-off-its-oldest-service?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">long-wave radio</a> service.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Cerian Richmond-Jones, international economics correspondent</li><li>Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondent</li><li>Bo Franklin, senior 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><p><br></p><ul><li>Latin America, Donroe doctrine, mining</li><li>Nigeria, Ghana, cost of living, jollof rice</li><li>BBC, long-wave radio</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>