The Intelligence

Amid record-tickling yields, the bond markets are now trying to make sense of what Scott Bessent, America's Treasury secretary, has announced—a move that might put him on a collision course with the Federal Reserve. We ask why it is so easy for hackers to infiltrate America's water infrastructure. And understanding a political lineage through the new British prime minister's accent.Guests and host:Joshua Roberts, capital markets correspondentShashank Joshi, Washington bureau chiefLane Greene, language correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: bond markets, Treasury, yields, Scott BessentAmerica, cyber-attacks, water, critical infrastructureBritish politics, Andy Burnham, accents, class angstListen 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.

After much hullabaloo America announced its “Operation Economic Outcast”, a new tranche of sanctions. It is thin gruel, and might in fact invite military reprisals from Iran. Call centres form a large part of the economy of the Philippines; surprisingly, AI is not stopping the industry's rise. And a data-led look at which cities offer the best (relative) paycheques.  Guests and host:Fraser McIlwraith, foreign correspondentJoshua Spencer, Asia news editorVishnu Padmanabhan, Asia correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Iran war, sanctionsAI, offshoring, the Philippinesworld cities, pay, economic migrationListen 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.

Promising trade talks imploded after a literal 11th-hour change from the American side. We examine the new trade barriers being erected, and the complex calculation for Prime Minister Mark Carney. In Japan Gen X workers are even still bearing the costs of an economic bubble-burst from the 1990s. And how fates of civilisations have turned on sieges throughout history. Guests and host:Hal Hodson, Americas editorMoeka Iida, East Asia reporterRichard Cockett, senior digital editorJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Canada, the United States, tariffs, Mark Carney, trade warJapan, Gen X, labour marketsieges, world historyListen 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.

The rise of generative AI has put new urgency into ancient questions. What is consciousness, and can machines ever have it? We dive into the data that reveal a surge in sexually transmitted infections in Europe. And our obituaries editor considers the life of Mary de Rachewiltz, translator and tireless defender of her father, Ezra Pound. Watch extended clips from Insider here.Guests and host:Alok Jha, science & technology editorStephen Hurford, newsdesk writerAnn Wroe, obituaries editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: AI, consciousnesssexual health, STIs, STDs, EuropeMary de Rachewiltz, Ezra PoundListen 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.

Yuval Noah Harari is a big-ideas guy. Known for penning tomes that tackle broad sweeps of history, the historian-cum-philosopher has now turned his attention to AI. He joins Zanny Minton Beddoes, The Economist's editor-in-chief, for The Insider, our video show for premium subscribers. They discuss why Mr Harari believes AIs will come to control civilisation—and what it might mean to be human in that world.Watch the full show—and sign up to the Insider newsletter.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From anti-corruption probes to a disgruntled ex-minister calling for elections to disrupted grain shipments, headaches are mounting for Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. China has until now coped with a patchy, pricey system for mental-health treatment. The government is now getting serious about plugging the gaps. And why a debate over “Paw Patrol” is more than just culture-war madness. Guests and host:Oliver Carroll, Ukraine correspondentSarah Wu, China correspondentAndrew Miller, special correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Ukraine war, Volodymyr Zelensky, Mykhailo FedorovChina, CCP, mental healthPaw Patrol, culture warsListen 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.

Orexins are peptides involved in the body's sleep-wake system—and are big pharma's next big thing. Like multi-purpose GLPs, they may have far more uses than just regulating shuteye. We ask why Japan's post-war innovation boom petered out, and what must be done to breed more unicorns. And why procrastination seems to be on the rise, and how to beat it.Guests and host:Shailesh Chitnis, global business correspondentEthan Wu, Asia business and finance editorBenjamin Sutherland, science writerRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: orexins, peptides, sleep disorders, pharmaceuticalsJapan, innovation, startupsprocrastinationListen 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.

Israeli settlers have been clashing more and more with Palestinians in the West Bank, often with government backing. We examine the forces at play in what could soon be yet another battlefront. India's proliferating civil codes are creating insuperable legal contradictions for a multi-faith people. And answering some letters addressed to our “agony uncle” columnist. Guests and host:Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondentKira Huju, Asia correspondentAndrew Palmer, executive editorJason Palmer (no relation), co-host of “The Intelligence”Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: West Bank, Palestinians, Israeli settlers, Israel electionIndia, civil codes, Hindu nationalismmanagement, adviceListen 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.

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 correspondentOliver Morton, planetary affairs editorCaitlin Talbot, culture correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Zack Polanski, Green PartySpudCells, synthetic biologytravel agents, luxury travelListen 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.

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 chiefClaire McQue, Latin America writerAnn Wroe, obituaries editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Afghanistan, Taliban, sanctionsColombia, earthquake, EspriellaNirmal Purja, mountaineer, Everest, avalancheListen 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.

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 correspondentShera Avi-Yonah, business correspondentBrook Unger, senior digital editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Venezuela, Maduro, Delcy Rodríguez, MachadoFast food, McDonalds, burgersWagner, “Ring” cycle, classical musicListen 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.

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 editorAna Lankes, Brazil bureau chiefVishnu Padmanabhan, Asia correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: China, Iran, oil supplies, OPEC, crudeBrazil, hate speech, racismLaos, Beerlao, beer, lagerListen 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.

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 correspondentJames Fransham, data journalistHamish Clayton, Britain writerRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Muslim Brotherhood, Islamism, Arab SpringElon Musk,  Insider, Europe, crime, Padel, tennis, racket sportsListen 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.

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 editorRebecca Jackson, US Southern correspondentDoug Dowson, data journalistRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: AI, agentic flooding, bureaucracyCatholic church, confessions, child abuseShort kings, short men, height differentialListen 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.

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 correspondentAnnie Crabill, senior digital editorAnn Wroe, obituaries editorJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Sudan war, proxy war, geopolitics Canada-America relations, Gordie Howe BridgeBetye Saar, artListen 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.

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 correspondentCatherine Nixey, Britain correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: America's primary season, Democratic Socialists of America, Michigan, Abdul El-SayedChina, Yangtze River, remediationpostcards, second world war, British historyListen 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.

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 editorỌrẹ Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondentDoug Dowson, data journalistRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: climate change, albedo, global temperaturesAfrica, cocaine, smugglingwage equality, gender pay gapListen 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.

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 correspondentShera Avi-Yonah, business correspondentWilliam Finlator, contributor to The EconomistJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Gaza, Hamas, Israel, Board of PeaceAmerican business, entrepreneurshipAfrica, media, radioListen 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.

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 largeLeo Mirani, Ashoka columnistCaitlin Talbot, digital culture correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Ceuta, migration, Spain, EU, SchengenIndia, public safetyAI writing, waning human primacyListen 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.

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 East correspondentDon Weinland, China business and finance editorAnn Wroe, obituaries editorJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Iran war, Strait of Hormuz, diplomacyChina, AI, driverless carsWally Funk, astronautsListen 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.

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 correspondentCarla Subirana, news editorSarah Lawrynuik, deputy editor of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: dementia, global health statistics, ageingBrazil, Pix, payment systems, Donald Trumpemo music, My Chemical RomanceListen 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.

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 correspondentVendeline von Bredow, senior Germany correspondentTom Wainwright, culture correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Turkish politics, New Party, Recep Tayyip ErdoganGerman politics, Jens Spahn, Friedrich MerzGen Z, careersListen 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.

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 editorVinjeru Mkandawire, Britain correspondentDaniella Raz, US corespondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: fires, France, Spain, fire ecologywomen in the workplace, equalityAmerica, night-time economyListen 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.

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 correspondentJoshua Roberts, capital markets correspondentCaitlin Talbot, digital culture correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: India, Cockroach Janta Party, protest, Narendra Modimacro trading, retail investingInvader, Flashinvader, street artListen 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.

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” hereGuests and host:Zanny Minton Beddoes, editor-in-chief of The EconomistMaighna Nanu, editor of foreign newsletters Ann Wroe, obituaries editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Elon Musk, AI, killer robots, far right, The Insiderchild criminals, criminal responsibility, gangsMona Khalil, Lebanon, turtles, conservationListen 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.

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.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.

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 and host:Callum Williams, senior economics writerSue-Lin Wong, Asia correspondentChris Impey, co-editor of “The Intelligence”Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Billionaires, Elon Musk, Lionel Messi, Taylor SwiftScams, scam compounds, CambodiaLarry the Cat, Andy Burnham, Downing StreetListen 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.

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 editorDaniel Knowles, US Midwest correspondentMoeka Iida, East Asia reporterRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Fedorov, Syrsky, Zelensky, UkrainePolice killings, gun crime, murderJapan, haunted houses, jiko bukkenListen 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.

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 correspondentVendeline von Bredow, senior Germany correspondentDoug Dowson, data journalistRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Lebanon, Beirut, Joseph Aoun, HizbullahRed Bull, energy drinks, extreme sportsTrophy wives, age gap, misogynyListen 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.

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 correspondentGareth Browne, Middle East correspondentAnnie Crabill, senior digital editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Andy Burnham, Keir Starmer, prime ministerSyria, Ahmad al-Sharaa, AssadNew York, street markets, farmers' marketsListen 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.

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 editorJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentAnn Wroe, obituaries editorJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Israeli election, Binyamin NetanyahuWorld Cupicebergs, climateWatch extended clips from Insider here. And 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.

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 correspondentỌrẹ Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondentCatherine Nixey, culture correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Nigel Farage, Count Binface, British politics, farceAfrica's internet infrastructure, Starlink“The Odyssey”, Christopher NolanListen 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.

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 correspondentLeo Mirani, Ashoka columnistRachel Mayman, senior audience editor Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Iran war, Strait of HormuzIndia's government, ITsummer camps, kidultingListen 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.

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 editorCerian Richmond-Jones, international economics correspondentSam Wikeley, science correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Aung San Suu Kyi, MyanmarTurkey, economics, Iran warsleep, scienceListen 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.

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 editorSondre Solstad, senior data journalistAlexandra Suich Bass, culture editorJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Lindsey Graham, Republican party, American foreign policyAI frontier models, valuesart market, Old MastersListen 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.

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 editorArkady Ostrovsky, Russia editorOliver Carroll, Ukraine correspondentJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Russia, Putin, Andrey MelnichenkoUkraine, Kyiv, drone, interceptorRoute 66, car cultureListen 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.

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 correspondentFarah Cheah, Asia reporterJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Iran, ceasefire, Strait of Hormuz, AyatollahFilial piety, ageing, elderly careRoute 66, Oklahoma, race relationsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 chiefSam Colbert, senior podcast producerJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Marine Le Pen, National RallyWhales, beluga, animal rightsRoute 66, AmericaListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As NATO leaders 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 vibe lawyering is coming to courtrooms. And day two of our great American roadtrip down Route 66.  Guests and host:Anton La Guardia, diplomatic editorAnna Kerr, senior audience editorJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: NATO, Ukraine, AnkaraVibe lawyering, vibe coding, courtroomRoute 66, CaliforniaListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Iranian regime hopes the massive crowds gathered for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral will demonstrate its strength. Our correspondent says they could also reveal its weakness. Why Japan wants to change its divorce laws and custody arrangements. And the first part of our week-long road trip down America's iconic Route 66. Guests and host:Nicolas Pelham, Middle East correspondentMoeka Iida, East Asia correspondentJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Ayatollah, Khamenei, Iran, Supreme LeaderJapan, divorce, custodyRoute 66, Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Watch extended clips from Insider here.Guests and host:Robert Guest, deputy editorRebecca Jackson, Southern correspondentDaniel Knowles, Midwest correspondentAryn Braun, West Coast correspondentJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: American history, American democracyimmigration policyAmerican cultural exportsGet a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big oil firms keep one part of their business hush-hush: trading. Amid an almighty oil shock, the majors' trading arms are raking it in. But competition is mounting. We look at the Trump administration's messy attempts to regulate frontier AI models, and how that may cost America its AI edge. And why the biggest music tours are going to fewer places. Guests and host:Matthieu Favas, commodities editorShashank Joshi, incoming Washington bureau chiefVicky Jessop, culture writerJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: oil majors, oil tradingAI,  frontier models, American regulationmusic business, concert toursGet a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.