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The Intelligence from The Economist
30 episodes
It’s not easy being Green: Zack Polanski
Aug 17, 2026 · 24 min
To critics, the Green Party leader is dangerous, even a con man. To fans, he is a national saviour-in-waiting. Our correspondent meets him to see what is behind the hype. So-called SpudCells have just seven bespoke DNA loops, but represent a revolutionary step toward life made from scratch. And the many ways travel agents still beat the bots. Guests and host: Andrew Miller, special correspondent Oliver Morton, planetary affairs editor Caitlin Talbot, culture correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of…
Afghanistan, five years on: our correspondent visits
Aug 14, 2026 · 26 min
Five years after the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban show little sign of moderation. Our correspondent reports from the country on what life is like for ordinary people. A giant earthquake reveals two very different Colombias. And celebrating the life of Gurkha climber, Nirmal Purja, who died in an avalanche. Watch extended clips from Insider here, plus the full Elon Musk interview. Guests and host: Tom Sasse, South Asia bureau chief Claire McQue, Latin America writer Ann…
Caracas under pressure: democracy in Venezuela
Aug 13, 2026 · 21 min
After American troops snatched Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro in a dawn raid in January, democracy did not seem like a priority. Yet this week, talks between the regime and opposition ended with small, positive steps. Why US consumers’ love of fast food may be slowing. And how many hours of Wagner opera would you sit through? Guests and host: Kinley Salmon, Latin America correspondent Shera Avi-Yonah, business correspondent Brook Unger, senior digital editor Rosie Blau, co-host…
Pump and circumstance: is China the new OPEC?
Aug 12, 2026 · 20 min
The Iran war triggered the largest supply shock in the history of petroleum, yet prices never rose as high as feared. Our correspondent explains how action taken by China steadied global oil flows. Why Brazil has such strict laws on racist language. And the legendary lager of Laos. Guests and host: Matthieu Favas, commodities editor Ana Lankes, Brazil bureau chief Vishnu Padmanabhan, Asia correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligen…
Spring, then fall: a weakened Muslim Brotherhood
Aug 11, 2026 · 22 min
The Muslim Brotherhood won power and influence in the Arab Spring of 2011. Now autocrats are resurgent and its leaders are in jail or exile. Elon Musk says Europe is more dangerous than America. Is he right? And the puzzling popularity of padel. Guests and host: Gareth Browne, Middle East correspondent James Fransham, data journalist Hamish Clayton, Britain writer Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Muslim Brotherhood, Islamism, Arab Spring Elon Musk, Insider, Eu…
Under strAIn: breaking the British state
Aug 10, 2026 · 25 min
Britons are turning to artificial intelligence to file objections to state institutions, and claim their dues. The resulting deluge of complaints and demands may overwhelm bureaucracies. Should Catholic priests have to report child abuse disclosed in confession? And the perfect height gap in a relationship. Guests and host: Matthew Holehouse, Britain public policy editor Rebecca Jackson, US Southern correspondent Doug Dowson, data journalist Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason…
Outsider chance: ending Sudan’s proxy war
Aug 7, 2026 · 28 min
We look at the peace that has settled over Khartoum, the ruined capital. War rages on elsewhere, and a slim chance at a settlement rests largely with the belligerents’ foreign patrons. We ask why President Donald Trump has picked a fight over a new bridge between Canada and America. And remembering Betye Saar, who provided profound second lives for discarded objects. Watch extended clips from Insider here. Guests and host: Tom Gardner, Africa correspondent Annie Crabill, senior digital edi…
Socialist mobility: a telling Michigan vote
Aug 6, 2026 · 22 min
We examine one of America’s primary races, in which a sharply lefty candidate 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 cleaning it up—and who loses. And a fond look back at postcards as they fade from use. Guests and host: John Prideaux, executive editor and host, “Checks and Balance” Gabriel Crossley, China correspondent Catherine Nixey, Britain correspo…
Taking the shine off: albedo and global temperatures
Aug 5, 2026 · 23 min
Fewer clouds, shrinking ice caps, changing pollutants: all result in less of the sun’s energy being reflected back into space. Which is more bad news for a changing climate. Our correspondent explains why so much more of the world’s cocaine is passing through west Africa. And the data that reveal Americans’ discomfort about wives earning more than their husbands. Guests and host: Oliver Morton, planetary-affairs editor Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondent Doug Dowson, data journalist Rosie Blau, c…
In arms’ way: Gaza-deal sticking points
Aug 4, 2026 · 21 min
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 on a tear in America. We ask why so many people are working for themselves—but not doing much hiring. And the enduring popularity of radio in Africa, aided rather than degraded by social media. Guests and host: Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent Shera Avi-Yonah, business correspondent William Finlator, contributor…
Taken littorally: Spain’s sudden crisis in Ceuta
Aug 3, 2026 · 24 min
The deadly rush of migrants 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 falling objects as a way to examine public-safety failures. And a data dive that reveals how AI writing is forever shifting. Guests and host: Michael Reid, Spain correspondent and writer at large Leo Mirani, Ashoka columnist Caitlin Talbot, digital culture correspondent Jason Pal…
Omission accomplished: why the Iran-war cycle spins on
Jul 31, 2026 · 26 min
From impasse in Iran 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 behind the wheel. And remembering Wally Funk, who never relinquished her ambition to become an astronaut. Watch extended clips from Insider, plus our full Elon Musk interview, here Guests and host: Gregg Carlstrom, Middle…
Working memory: the surprising decline of dementia
Jul 30, 2026 · 25 min
A dive into the data reveals that, despite dire past predictions, the prevalence of dementia is actually waning. We take a look at Pix, a beloved Brazilian digital-payments system, and why it so bothers President Donald Trump. And we attend one of the concerts that reveals how the appeal of emo music is holding strong across generations. Guests and host: Jonathan Rosenthal, international correspondent Carla Subirana, news editor Sarah Lawrynuik, deputy editor of “The Intelligence” Jason Pa…
Brave New whirl: Turkey’s opposition overhaul
Jul 29, 2026 · 20 min
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 surrogacy scandal in Germany has prompted a government reshuffle, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz left holding the proverbial baby. And how traditional career advice is falling short for Gen Z. Guests and host: Piotr Zalewski, Turkey correspondent Vendeline von Bredow, senior Germany correspondent Tom Wainwright, cult…
Burning questions: a more fire-prone world
Jul 28, 2026 · 24 min
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 wrong direction. And the American cities rethinking how to handle their after-dark economies. Guests and host: Oliver Morton, planetary affairs editor Vinjeru Mkandawire, Britain correspondent Daniella Raz, US corespondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intellige…
Cockroaches 1, Modi 0: India’s remarkable protests
Jul 27, 2026 · 23 min
The resignation of India’s education minister was a stunning capitulation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. The Cockroach Janta Party, a fast-growing youth movement, has the upper hand for now. So-called macro trading is hard: even with advance knowledge of events, neither man nor machine seems to make much money. And hunting the mosaics of Invader, an anonymous French street artist. Guests and host: Kira Huju, Asia correspondent Joshua Roberts, capital markets correspondent Caitlin…
The Elon game: Musk’s vision of the future
Jul 24, 2026 · 28 min
After Elon Musk’s first extended interview since SpaceX’s blockbuster IPO, The Economist 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 child responsible for their crimes? And remembering Mona Khalil, Lebanese protector of turtles. Watch extended clips from Elon Musk on “Insider” here Guests and host: Zanny Minton Beddoes, editor-in-chief of The Economist Maighna Nan…
An interview with Elon Musk
Jul 23, 2026 · 1 hr 21 min
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, The Economist’s editor-in-chief, for The Insider, 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. Watch the full show—and sign up to the Insider newsletter.…
For bucks’ sake: the rise of self-made billionaires
Jul 23, 2026 · 25 min
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 scam compounds in Cambodia. And lessons from the ultimate political animal, Downing Street’s Larry the Cat. Watch “The Insider” interview with Elon Musk from 6pm BST, 1pm EST. Listen to our podcast series “Scam Inc”. Guests a…
Kyiv brawl: Ukraine’s top general fired
Jul 22, 2026 · 22 min
Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky has fired the commander-in-chief 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 cops killing more people? And a shift in the Japanese taboo on living in homes where people have died. Guests and host: Shashank Joshi, defence editor Daniel Knowles, US Midwest correspondent Moeka Iida, East Asia reporter Rosie Blau,…
Hard cedar: Lebanon seeks Trump’s help
Jul 21, 2026 · 22 min
Today, Lebanon’s president Joseph Aoun 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 Red Bull’s magnificent marketing machine. And why the age gap between the wealthiest men and their wives is shrinking. Guests and host: Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent Vendeline von Bredow, senior Germany correspondent Doug Dowson, data journalist Rosie Blau, co-host of “The…
A firm Andy: what are new British PM’s plans?
Jul 20, 2026 · 26 min
Andy Burnham 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 Syria be rebuilt? And food markets have changed New York. Guests and host: Hugo Gye, Britain political correspondent Gareth Browne, Middle East correspondent Annie Crabill, senior digital editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Andy Burnham, Keir Starmer, prime minister Syria, A…
You’ve come a long way, Bibi: Israel’s crucial election
Jul 17, 2026 · 24 min
Binyamin Netanyahu’s government will, unusually, serve out its full term. What comes after October’s election will decide what kind of Israel will emerge. Our correspondent asks whether the World Cup will be remembered more for the dramas on the pitch or off it. And a tribute to A23a, the world’s largest iceberg, after it melts away at last. Guests and host: Josie Delap, Middle East editor Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent Ann Wroe, obituaries editor Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intellig…
In it to bin it: Nigel Farage v Count Binface
Jul 16, 2026 · 23 min
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 bin on his head. It is more serious than it sounds. Africans tired of shoddy internet services are turning to Starlink—for a price. And our culture editor reviews an anachronism-laden take on a classic epic. Guests and host: Hugo Gye, British political correspondent Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondent Catherine Nixey, culture correspondent Jason Palmer, co-host of “The…
Strait and narrowing: the Iran deal crumbles
Jul 15, 2026 · 22 min
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—all of them bad. India’s government websites are almost universally impossible to use; we look at the structural reasons behind the bad IT. And the growth of summer camps for adults. Listen to our “The Weekend Intelligence” episode on kidulting. Guests and host: Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent Leo Mirani, Ashoka columnist Rachel Mayman, senior audience…
The case of the missing totem: Aung San Suu Kyi
Jul 14, 2026 · 23 min
Myanmar’s jailed leader has not been seen since 2022. We ask if she is in fact alive, and what might happen if the military junta acceded to demands for her release. We examine Turkey’s plan to turn the war in Iran to its advantage. And delving into the research on just how much sleep is enough—and too much. Guests and host: Aaron Connelly, Asia diplomatic editor Cerian Richmond-Jones, international economics correspondent Sam Wikeley, science correspondent Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intellig…
A hawk who flew on political winds: Lindsey Graham
Jul 13, 2026 · 20 min
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 leaves behind. Frontier AI models opaquely embody a worldview and set of values; we poke the big ones, asking what they believe. And why Old Master paintings are again so popular. Guests and host: Adam Roberts, foreign editor Sondre Solstad, senior data journalist Alexandra Suich Bass, culture editor Jason Palmer, co-host of “The…
Putin’s options: an oligarch speaks out
Jul 10, 2026 · 25 min
This week Andrey Melnichenko, Russia’s biggest industrialist, warns in The Economist 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 life in Kyiv as attacks intensify. And our week-long journey down Route 66 reaches the end of the road. Watch extended clips from Insider here. Guests and host: Edward Carr, Economist deputy editor Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor Oli…
Peace fire: further US-Iran strikes
Jul 9, 2026 · 21 min
As America hit 90 targets in a second day of attacks on Iran, the fragile truce is in jeopardy. Our correspondent explains how power shifts within Iran may affect the war. Asian governments are trying to force children to care for ageing parents. And day four of our journey down Route 66 traverses a darker side of the road. Guests and host: Nicolas Pelham, Middle East correspondent Farah Cheah, Asia reporter Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The I…
Marine warfare: Le Pen runs for president
Jul 8, 2026 · 24 min
Last night, the populist-right leader announced 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 refuge for whales once held in captivity. And our journey down America’s Route 66 takes us into its commercial history. Guests and host: Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief Sam Colbert, senior podcast producer Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent Rosie Blau, co-hos…
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