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The Intelligence from The Economist

by The Economist · English · News

New episodes: Daily
Typical length: 23 min
Latest: 8 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026 · 22 minNew

Valley of the shadow of debt: bond-market jitters

Bond yields across the rich world keep ticking up. We take a global look at where the risks are mounting most, and just how much worry is warranted. What might have once seemed fanciful is becoming real: delivering daylight to dark parts of the world using mirrors in space . And the fatal earnestness of “The Social Reckoning”. Guests and host: Alex Domash, economics correspondent Tim Cross, senior science writer Tom Wainwright, culture correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: bond yields, monetary policy, animal…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

7 Oct 2026 · 20 minNew

Gilets jeunes? France’s school protests

What started as a small protest about conditions of a school and of schooling has mushroomed , and tapped into national anxieties that may prove hard to tame. In the context of the “Cornell 7” case we examine Title IX, the statute that should protect students—but that is failing. And how peddling superstitions to financiers is big business in India. Guests and host: Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief Stevie Hertz, US policy correspondent Abhishek Kumar, India writer Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: France protests, French politics Cornell 7, Title IX, sexual assault…
6 Oct 2026 · 23 minNew

House call: Spain’s snap election

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is gambling that anger about housing might solidify his mandate in a snap poll . Most probably it will instead add to the rightward shift in European politics. America’s beef prices have never been higher, so why is it that the meatpackers have it so tough ? And the battery technology to improve medical diagnostics you can swallow. Listen to our episode of “Babbage” on edible electronics here . Guests and host: Michael Reid, Spain correspondent and writer at large Bella King, news editor David Adam, science writer Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason…
5 Oct 2026 · 23 min

Here comes the son? Brazil’s election tips rightward

Flávio Bolsonaro, populist-right son of the imprisoned coup architect Jair, received the most votes in the presidential first round. We ask why Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the incumbent, fell behind—and what is at stake when they go head-to-head. We examine Americans’ growing anger at automatic number-plate-reading cameras. And the demanding but lucrative business of nannying the children of the super-rich. Guests and host: Ana Lankes, Brazil bureau chief Hollie Berman, news editor Alice Fulwood, US business editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The…
2 Oct 2026 · 26 min

Coffer stop: AI may shrink tax base

If Artificial Intelligence results in job losses or lower salaries, government revenues will fall. Our correspondent explains how best to tax the windfalls from AI. Paint is a surprisingly cheap way to cool buildings. And remembering the life of Stanislas Hutin , who revealed France’s barbarity in Algeria. Watch extended clips from Insider here Guests and host: Callum Williams, senior economics writer Nikita Ostrovsky, science writer Ann Wroe, obituaries editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: AI, tax, wealth tax, consumption tax Climate change, paint, adaptation…
1 Oct 2026 · 22 min

Trial and terror: Russia escalates Kyiv campaign

Russia has embarked on a new campaign to quell Ukraine, focused on supermarkets, playgrounds and other civilian targets. Our correspondent reports on the toll on daily life in Kyiv. Despite the backlash against “ pervert glasses ”, companies continue to develop AI-enabled smart specs. And how the pen changed history. Guests and host: Oliver Carroll, Ukraine correspondent Henry Tricks, US technology editor Catherine Nixey, Britain correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Ukraine, Kyiv, civilian targets Smart glasses, Meta, pervert glasses Fountain pen, Simon…
30 Sep 2026 · 21 min

Cheques and the City: Premier League disgrace

An independent commission has found Manchester City guilty of breaching over 100 rules. What penalty will the Premier League exact? Russia’s increasingly brazen attempts to provoke and undermine Europe. And why cute Chiikawa , star of a Japanese blockbuster, gives comfort in anxious times. Subscribers can listen to “ Kidulting ” on “The Weekend Intelligence” Guests and host: Sonny Loughran, Britain correspondent Jonathan Rosenthal, international correspondent Moeka Iida, East Asia reporter Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered:…
29 Sep 2026 · 21 min

Brazil rut: Lula v Bolsonaro, again

On October 4th, Brazil faces a polarising general election : re-elect the octogenarian incumbent or pick the son of a former president jailed for attempting a coup. In some countries honour culture holds women back from even entering the workplace. And why artists are banning phones from concerts . Guests and host: Ana Lankes, Brazil correspondent Robert Guest, deputy editor Vicky Jessop, culture writer Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Brazil, Lula, Bolsonaro Women, honour culture, equality Phone-free, concerts, gigs Listen to what matters most, from global politics…
28 Sep 2026 · 20 min

Foiled plot: did Iran plan British base attack?

Five men are in custody under suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences after being arrested near a British military base used by American aircraft. This could mark a significant escalation in Iranian hybrid warfare. What oil firms are doing with their profits from the Gulf conflict. And why women’s wages rise after their male managers have daughters. Guests and host: Matthew Symonds, contributing editor Matthieu Favas, commodities editor Michelle Hennessy, graphic detail editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered:…
25 Sep 2026 · 27 min

Big meet, little meat: the Trump-Xi summit

Not much of real substance appears to have emerged from the get-together. But our correspondent says there are clues of how both sides view an evolving relationship. Tommy Robinson, a British far-right influencer, is increasingly well known to MAGA types in America; we examine his rise to prominence. And remembering Bob Mackie, daring dressmaker to the stars. Watch extended clips from Insider here Guests and host: Simon Rabinovich, Beijing bureau chief Georgia Banjo, Britain correspondent Ann Wroe, obituaries editor Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Xi Jinping,…
24 Sep 2026 · 23 min

Home disadvantage: risks in housing markets

Rich-world house prices survived the last fit of interest-rate rises; our correspondent lays out why they may not this time . Nine months after Australia banned social media for under-16s, we ask if anything has changed . And a critical look at Israel’s hit show “Fauda” as it tackles the atrocities of October 7th. Guests and host: Callum Williams, senior economics writer Josh Spencer, Asia news editor Andrew Miller, special correspondent Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: housing markets, bond yields, interest rates Australia, social media bans “Fauda”, October 7th…
23 Sep 2026 · 20 min

National front-runner: who can beat Le Pen?

Marine Le Pen, party leader of France’s populist-right National Rally, starts her fourth presidential bid with a commanding lead. The country’s political centre is broad, fragmented—and flagging . A buffer zone against so-called infiltrators in India’s West Bengal state is making life miserable also for Indian citizens. And how Argentina’s supply of horses and cowboys led to world dominance in polo. Guests and host: Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief Kira Huju, Asia correspondent Hamish Clayton, culture writer Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The…
22 Sep 2026 · 21 min

The mob rule: criminality consumes South Africa

An illicit shadow economy, rampant extortion and the capture of the criminal justice system: mafia members and tactics are eating away at the state. Oura seems to have captured the market for smart rings; we ask whether it can keep its lead finger-tight. And our correspondent finds convention upended, for good and bad , at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. Guests and host: John McDermott, chief Africa correspondent Shera Avi-Yonah, business correspondent Alexandra Suich Bass, culture editor Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: South Africa, organised crime, criminal…
21 Sep 2026 · 21 min

Centre punch: Germany’s state-election shocker

Two more state-election results reveal surging support for both the far-right AfD and the populist-left Die Linke parties. Chancellor Friedrich Merz himself described the outcome as a disaster ; what will it mean for him? Our correspondent looks into why there is so much enthusiasm for African stocks. And what the science says about blue-light exposure and sleep . Guests and host: Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chief Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondent Sam Wikeley, science correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: German…
18 Sep 2026 · 26 min

Drone truth: Russia has the upper hand

After a visit to Ukraine last week, our defence editor reports on a new phase of the war as Kyiv and other civilian targets are bombarded by Russian missiles. He also visits an elite Ukrainian drone unit. Why alcohol companies are scrambling to innovate. And remembering the life of feminist pioneer Gloria Steinem . Watch extended clips from Insider Guests and host: Alex Turner, defence editor Avantika Chilkoti, global business writer Ann Wroe, obituaries editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Ukraine, drones, Shahed, Kyiv Alcohol, beer, aperol Gloria Steinem,…
17 Sep 2026 · 22 min

Rise and shine: Warsh’s Fed rate test

The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the first time since July 2023. For the central bank’s new chair Kevin Warsh, that decision was a test both of monetary policy and politics. A governor’s election in Okinawa is a boon to Japan’s military ambitions. And why summer is a casualty of climate change. Guests and host: Archie Hall, acting economics editor Moeka Iida, East Asia reporter Andrew Miller, special correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh, interest rates, inflation Okinawa, Japan Summer, climate change, heatwave…
16 Sep 2026 · 24 min

The end of the world is AI? An existential threat

Is artificial intelligence becoming uncontrollably powerful? Our correspondent analyses whether a pause to breakneck development is possible or feasible. We have entered the new age of the orator . And why cheese is getting more popular in India. Guests and host: Alex Hern, AI writer Tom Wainwright, culture correspondent Tom Sasse, South Asia bureau chief Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Human extinction, AI, Sam Altman, Dario Amodei Oral culture, literacy, James Marriott, Walter Ong Cheese, India, kalimpong Listen to what…
15 Sep 2026 · 24 min

Islamism in Britain: what is the threat?

Though a growing share of the British population is anxious about Islam, they have no reason to be. Islamism , a fringe ideology that believes government and society should be guided by Islamic principles, is the real concern. America cracks down on multinationals’ efforts to shift profits overseas. And why corporate training videos are virtually useless. Guests and host: Sonny Loughran, Britain correspondent Shera Avi-Yonah, US business correspondent Andrew Palmer, “Boss Class” host and Bartleby columnist Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”…
14 Sep 2026 · 23 min

Strait and narrowing: the Houthis’ striking advance

After years of stalemate, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis are taking territory , including on a Red Sea strait. We ask what has changed, and how the shift fits into the wider regional conflict. As America’s midterm elections approach, we examine the fragmentation of the coalition that put Donald Trump back in office. And we ask how much nepotism matters in Hollywood today. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— subscribe to The Economist . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12 Sep 2026 · 49 min

The Weekend Intelligence: Shire folk - Episode 1: Tommy's Town

For 15 years, the British media dismissed Tommy Robinson as a far-right extremist. We kept him off our televisions, and out of our newspapers. Today his rallies attract tens of thousands of followers and he has the ear of the world’s richest man. Shire Folk is the story of how some of the most powerful people in America came to see Britain—and Islam—through the eyes of a fringe football hooligan. Topics covered: Radical Islam Gangs English Defence League Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— subscribe to The Economist . This podcast…
11 Sep 2026 · 23 min

Out-numbered: AI’s contentious maths milestone

OpenAI’s claim to have solved one of the great problems in mathematics has itself created problems. We ask why the breakthrough has shaken the field . On the 25th anniversary of 9/11 we examine the vast counterterrorism machinery that followed in America, and nascent efforts to pare those powers back . And remembering Guo Lanying , a Chinese singer who championed traditional opera. Watch extended clips from Insider here . Guests and host: Sam Wikeley, science correspondent Sam Beal, Washington correspondent Ann Wroe, obituaries editor Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics…
10 Sep 2026 · 20 min

Working through it: the AI jobs boom dawns

The labour data are in from America and a trend is becoming clearer : on balance AI is starting to create more jobs than it hoovers up. Despite advancements of just about every other kind, China cannot seem to escape its food-safety problems . We ask why not. And why Kenya’s ants have become the target of smugglers . Guests and host: Alex Domash, economics correspondent Gabriel Crossley, China correspondent Carla Subirana, news editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: AI, labour statistics, labour market China, regulation,…
9 Sep 2026 · 22 min

Chainsaw sputtering: Milei’s experiment falters

President Javier Milei has tamed inflation and improved the lot of many Argentines. But an election season approaches, and the promised economic and wage growth are not materialising . As LIV Golf files for bankruptcy, we ask where it went wrong in trying to disrupt the sport. And the growth that is good for India’s people is bad for its elephants . Guests and host: Kinley Salmon, Latin America correspondent Henry Tricks, US technology editor Abhishek Kumar, India writer Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Argentina, Javier Milei golf, LIV Golf, Saudi Arabia India,…
8 Sep 2026 · 21 min

School of shock: teenagers get dimmer

International tests in maths and reading show that 15-year-olds today score what 14-year-olds would have done a decade ago. Our correspondent explains the long-term decline. Is Miami ’s thriving economic growth sustainable? And why Jeremy Vine ’s BBC Radio 2 show is a microcosm of Britain. Guests and host: Mark Johnson, senior editor Cerian Richmond Jones, international economics correspondent Sonny Loughran, Britain correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: PISA, education, test scores, exams, aptitude Miami, Trump, Florida, hurricane Jeremy Vine, Radio 2, BBC…
7 Sep 2026 · 24 min

All right on the night: AfD’s victory

Alternative for Germany won an even larger share of the vote than expected in yesterday’s state election. What does the far-right nationalist party’s success mean for Germany and Europe? The climate case for limiting vapour trails from aeroplanes. And why South Korean youths are turning to Buddhism . Guests and host: Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chief Oliver Morton, planetary affairs editor Soobin Kim, Korea writer Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: AfD, Alternative for Germany, Alternative für Deutschland contrails, aviation, climate science South Korea, Buddhism Listen…
4 Sep 2026 · 25 min

Bargaining chips: Nvidia is the bank of AI

Nvidia , the world’s most valuable company, has shifted strategy to boost demand for its chips. Our correspondent assesses the opportunities and risks. Knife crime in Britain moves to rural pastures. And our obituaries editor recounts the life of Frank Smith , who died in prison aged 101. Watch extended clips from Insider here , plus the full Elon Musk interview Guests and host: Shailesh Chitnis, global business writer Sonny Loughran, Britain correspondent Ann Wroe, obituaries editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Nvidia, AI, Jensen Huang Knife crime, county lines,…
3 Sep 2026 · 23 min

Ire and ICE: the toll of America’s deportations

Donald Trump’s stance on immigration helped him win the presidency. Our correspondent asks if a backlash against the campaign could damage Republican midterm prospects. Reddit is struggling in an age of AI. And the enduring beauty of the Bayeux tapestry . Guests and host: Aryn Braun, West Coast correspondent Shera Avi-Yonah, business correspondent Alexandra Suich Bass, culture editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Deportation, ICE, immigration, Minneapolis Reddit, Google, AI Bayeux tapestry, 1066, British Museum Listen to…
2 Sep 2026 · 23 min

Right in front: AfD could win German state

On Sunday, Alternative for Germany could become the first far-right nationalist party to win a state election since the end of the second world war. Is Britain right to worry about Palantir handling government contracts? And could the Chinese learn to love chocolate ? Guests and host: Tom Nuttall, chief Germany correspondent Georgia Banjo, Britain correspondent Don Weinland, China business and finance editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Germany, AfD, Alternative for Germany, Saxony-Anhalt Palantir, NHS China, chocolate…
1 Sep 2026 · 16 min

After the flood: Nepal’s ongoing rescue

After the devastating flash flood last week, our correspondent explains why the country is so ill-equipped to deal with the crisis. Does AI stop children from learning? And why Japanese ongaku kissa , or listening bars , are so popular abroad. Guests and host: Kira Hiju, Asia correspondent Michelle Hennessy, graphic detail editor Aaron Coultate, head of newsletters Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Nepal, flood, climate change, glacier, hydropower AI, education, exams Japan, listening bars, ongaku kissa Listen to what…
31 Aug 2026 · 20 min

Stars in their AIs: tech is changing Hollywood

Behind the scenes, Artificial Intelligence is playing a growing role in every aspect of film-making , from script-writing and production-planning to shot-generation and editing. As the number of people covered by Obamacare falls, our correspondent ponders the future of the healthcare programme. And the secret thrill of American country dancing in France. Guests and host: Henry Tricks, US technology editor Stevie Hertz, US public policy correspondent Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered:…

About The Intelligence from The Economist

Join Jason Palmer and Rosie Blau for noise-cancelling news and analysis from The Economist 's global network of correspondents. Every weekday this award-winning podcast picks three stories shaping your world—the big shifts in politics, business and culture, plus things you never knew you needed to know. On Saturdays, download The Weekend Intelligence to dive deep into a single story, vividly told. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about Economist Podcasts+, including how to get access, please visit our FAQs page at https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Intelligence from The Economist is a English news podcast from The Economist. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: The Economist
Language: English
Category: News
New episodes: Daily
Typical length: 23 min
Latest episode: 8 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1449631195
Website: economist.com/audio/podcasts/the-intelligence

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