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2.127 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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Songs of disenchantment: the sorrow of Nigeria
23 oktober 2026 · 25 min
Nigeria is suffering a worsening security crisis, compounded by a lean harvest, global aid cuts and rising energy prices. So why is President Bola Tinubu likely to win January’s election? Europe is struggling to develop a rival to Starlink and reduce reliance on American satellites. And our obituaries editor recalls the improbable career of author and conman Jeffrey Archer. Lees meer
Watch extended clips from Insider here.
Guests and host:
Ore Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondent
Jonathan Rosenthal, international correspondent
Ann Wroe, obituaries editor
Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Topics covered:
Nigeria, Bola Tinubu
Starlink, Ukraine, Musk, OneWeb, Eutelsat
Jeffrey Archer, Kane and Abel, perjury
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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Dunes and gloom: MBS’s annus horribilis
22 oktober 2026 · 24 min
This week, Muhammad bin Salman, crown prince of Saudi Arabia, was forced to postpone his annual investment summit. His other big bets on the kingdom’s future are also floundering. Sam Bankman-Fried, a crypto-billionaire supporter of effective altruism, calls our correspondent from prison. And things look hazy in Singapore and other Asian countries. Lees meer
Guests and host:
Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent
Shera Avi-Yonah, US business correspondent
Vishnu Padmanabhan, Asia correspondent
Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Topics covered:
MBS, Saudi, Davos in the desert, Future Investment Initiative
Sam Bankman-Fried, FTX, effective altruism
Indonesia, Singapore, wildfires, El Niño
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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Cash test: can Europe support Ukraine alone?
21 oktober 2026 · 24 min
Donald Trump’s administration is turning against Ukraine. But as European powers confront trouble at home, they are struggling to replace American support. Are US private science institutions entering a golden age? And the climb in art crime. Lees meer
Guests and host:
Anton La Guardia, diplomatic editor
Shera Avi-Yonah, US business correspondent
Vendeline von Bredow, senior Germany correspondent
Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Topics covered:
Ukraine, Witkoff, Zelenksy
Scientific research, National Science Foundation
Art theft, Louvre, Museum for Applied Art
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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Disorder of magnitude: France’s riots
20 oktober 2026 · 21 min
What started as student protests ballooned into national lawlessness. The disorder plays into the hands of France’s political extremes; expect more of it. In Zimbabwe white farmers are returning to work land taken by Robert Mugabe a quarter-century ago. And our columnist considers the delicate wording that might indemnify AI firms if the bots happen to wipe out humanity. Lees meer
Guests and host:
Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief
John McDermott, chief Africa correspondent
Andrew Palmer, “Bartleby” columnist
Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Topics covered:
France riots, French politics
Zimbabwe, agriculture, white farmers
AI, extinction-level events, legalese, parody
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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Independence eh? Canada’s referendum
19 oktober 2026 · 22 min
The province of Alberta will vote on secession today. It is unlikely to go ahead, but the separatist vibe is just one of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s many headaches. Our correspondent examines China’s efforts toward brain-computer interfaces, finding the country is closing the gap with America. And Britain’s “bug superhighways” link up the shrinking number of lush insect habitats. Lees meer
Guests and host:
Robert Russo, Canada writer
Don Weinland, China business and finance editor
Bella King, news editor
Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Topics covered:
Canada, Alberta, separatists, referendum
China, brain-computer interfaces
Britain, insects, conservation
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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Schrödinger’s chat: can AI and scientists co-exist?
16 oktober 2026 · 28 min
In recent weeks, AI has solved hundreds of previously unanswered maths problems. Our correspondents ask if machines can do the same in other areas of science and what role human researchers may play. Why crisps are getting chunkier and chocolate chewier. And celebrating the life and work of author Annie Dillard. Lees meer
Watch extended clips from Insider here.
Guests and host:
Alex Hern, AI writer
Alok Jha, science editor
Avantika Chilkoti, global business writer
Ann Wroe, obituaries editor
Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Topics covered:
Scientific research, mathpocalypse, AI
Crisps, snacks, texture, crunchtok
Annie Dillard, nature, obituary
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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An interview with Alice Weidel
15 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 1 min
Under Alice Weidel’s leadership the Alternative for Germany (AfD), a right-wing populist party, has been riding high. A series of successes in state elections have brought it closer than ever to power at national level. Ms Weidel is perhaps best known for her calls for “remigration” and criticism of Germany’s support for Ukraine. She spoke to The Economist’s editor-in-chief, Zanny Minton Beddoes, for The Insider, our video show for premium subscribers. Hear their conversation in full. Lees meer
Watch the 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.
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Who wants to be a millennial? Generation comeback
15 oktober 2026 · 22 min
Their struggles to get jobs or buy homes once propelled political movements. Now many millennials are out-earning their parents and in positions of power. Our correspondent explains the transformation. Sophisticated tech tools are being used to sway voters in Israel. And why you should hold your tongue to high standards. Lees meer
Guests and host:
Callum Williams, senior economics writer
Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent
Bella King, digital news editor
Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Topics covered:
Millennials, home ownership, unemployment
Israel, election, Netanyahu
Tongue-scrapers, dental hygiene
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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Kicking Kyiv: Trump’s doubtful deals
14 oktober 2026 · 26 min
Donald Trump claims to have brokered a deal to import Russian diesel and an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. As attacks on Kyiv continue, our deputy editor says Trump is risking Ukraine’s future for a mid-term bounce. India’s government is failing to quell Gen Z protests. And how song binds us together and brings joy. Lees meer
Guests and host:
Edward Carr, deputy editor of The Economist
Kira Huju, Asia correspondent
Joel Budd, Britain social affairs editor
Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Topics covered:
Ukraine, diesel, energy ceasefire, Starlink
Cockroach party, Modi, Abhijeet Dipke
Singing, Sacha Langton-Gilks, choir
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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Unrest in peace: misery in Gaza
13 oktober 2026 · 25 min
A year ago Donald Trump created the Board of Peace to rebuild Gaza. Yet for many Palestinians, life is even harder, as the ceasefire is repeatedly violated, crime is rising and poverty rife. Why record labels are in a spin over AI music. And Japan is struggling to benefit from the global matcha boom. Lees meer
Guests and host:
Nicolas Pelham, Middle East correspondent
Henry Tricks, US technology and media editor
Moeka Iida, East Asia reporter
Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Topics covered:
Gaza, Board of Peace, Hamas
AI music, slop, Warner Music Group
Matcha, Japan, Kagoshima
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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Saudi under siege: Houthis attack airport
12 oktober 2026 · 23 min
This weekend, Yemeni rebels struck Saudi Arabia’s international airport in the deadliest attack on a Gulf Arab country since the Iran war began in February. Our correspondent reports from Riyadh. How European manufacturers are adjusting to high energy prices and war. And the revival of writing by hand. Lees meer
Guests and host:
Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent
Guy Scriven, global business writer
Caitlin Talbot, culture correspondent
Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Topics covered:
Saudi Arabia, Houthis, Yemen, Riyadh airport
European carmakers, energy prices, tariffs
Cursive, handwriting
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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Saving your bacon: healthy-eating policy evolves
9 oktober 2026 · 25 min
Decades of messaging have not worked, so governments are trying new ways to get citizens to eat well, from scary labelling to taxing the junkiest foods. Will it work? The death of a plague researcher in Russia is made more mysterious by the government’s resolute lack of transparency. And a tribute to Cyril Hilsum, the inventor behind ubiquitous flat-screen displays. Lees meer
Watch extended clips from Insider here.
Guests and host:
Slavea Chankova, health-care correspondent
Alex Turner, defence editor
Ann Wroe, obituaries editor
Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Topics covered:
diet, public health, health policy
Russia, plague, bioweapons
Cyril Hilsum, liquid crystals, flat-screen displays
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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Valley of the shadow of debt: bond-market jitters
8 oktober 2026 · 22 min
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”. Lees meer
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 spirits
satellite technology, darkness and light
“The Social Reckoning”, Aaron Sorkin
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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Gilets jeunes? France’s school protests
7 oktober 2026 · 20 min
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. Lees meer
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
India, finance, astrology, superstition
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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House call: Spain’s snap election
6 oktober 2026 · 23 min
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. Lees meer
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 Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Topics covered:
Spanish politics, housing crisis, Pedro Sánchez
America’s meat industry, meatpackers
medical diagnostics, edible electronics, battery technology
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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Here comes the son? Brazil’s election tips rightward
5 oktober 2026 · 23 min
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. Lees meer
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 Intelligence”
Topics covered:
Brazilian election, Lula, Bolsonaro, populist-right politics
Flock cameras, American law enforcement, privacy, surveillance
childcare, plutocrats
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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Coffer stop: AI may shrink tax base
2 oktober 2026 · 26 min
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. Lees meer
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
Stanislas Hutin, Algeria, France, war crimes
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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Trial and terror: Russia escalates Kyiv campaign
1 oktober 2026 · 22 min
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. Lees meer
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 Garfield
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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Cheques and the City: Premier League disgrace
30 september 2026 · 21 min
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. Lees meer
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:
Man City, Abu Dhabi, Premier League
Russia, Europe, grey-zone, drone
Chiikawa, kawaii, manga
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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Brazil rut: Lula v Bolsonaro, again
29 september 2026 · 21 min
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. Lees meer
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 and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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Foiled plot: did Iran plan British base attack?
28 september 2026 · 20 min
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. Lees meer
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:
Fairford, Iran, hybrid warfare, terrorist attack
Oil, oil prices, Iran
Gender-pay gap, fatherhood, daughters
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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Big meet, little meat: the Trump-Xi summit
25 september 2026 · 27 min
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. Lees meer
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, Donald Trump, trade war, diplomacy
Tommy Robinson, American politics, Texas
Bob Mackie, fashion
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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Home disadvantage: risks in housing markets
24 september 2026 · 23 min
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. Lees meer
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
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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National front-runner: who can beat Le Pen?
23 september 2026 · 20 min
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. Lees meer
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 Intelligence”
Topics covered:
French politics, Marine Le Pen
India, West Bengal, Bangladesh, Hindu nationalism
Argentina, polo
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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The mob rule: criminality consumes South Africa
22 september 2026 · 21 min
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. Lees meer
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 justice
wearable tech, Oura rings
Lucas Museum
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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Centre punch: Germany’s state-election shocker
21 september 2026 · 21 min
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. Lees meer
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 politics, Friedrich Merz, AfD, Die Linke
African stockmarkets, Aliko Dangote
sleep science, blue light
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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Drone truth: Russia has the upper hand
18 september 2026 · 26 min
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 Lees meer
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, feminism
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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Rise and shine: Warsh’s Fed rate test
17 september 2026 · 22 min
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. Lees meer
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
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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The end of the world is AI? An existential threat
16 september 2026 · 24 min
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. Lees meer
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 matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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Islamism in Britain: what is the threat?
15 september 2026 · 24 min
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. Lees meer
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”
Topics covered:
Islamism, Britain, Islamophobia
IRS, corporate tax, Coca-Cola
Corporate training videos
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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Strait and narrowing: the Houthis’ striking advance
14 september 2026 · 23 min
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. Lees meer
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The Weekend Intelligence: Shire folk - Episode 1: Tommy's Town
12 september 2026 · 49 min
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. Lees meer
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 transcript is generated by third-party AI. It has not been reviewed prior to publication. We make no representations or warranties in relation to the transcript, its accuracy or its completeness, and we disclaim all liability regarding its receipt, content and use. If you have any concerns about the transcript, please email us at podcasts@economist.com.
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Out-numbered: AI’s contentious maths milestone
11 september 2026 · 23 min
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. Lees meer
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 covered:
mathematics, AI, Millennium Prize Problems
9/11 anniversary, counterterrorism law
Guo Lanying, Chinese opera
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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Working through it: the AI jobs boom dawns
10 september 2026 · 20 min
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. Lees meer
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, food safety
ants, smuggling, Kenya
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TRAILER: Shire folk
10 september 2026 · 2 min
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. Lees meer
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Chainsaw sputtering: Milei’s experiment falters
9 september 2026 · 22 min
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. Lees meer
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, elephants
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.
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School of shock: teenagers get dimmer
8 september 2026 · 21 min
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. Lees meer
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
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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All right on the night: AfD’s victory
7 september 2026 · 24 min
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. Lees meer
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 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.
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Bargaining chips: Nvidia is the bank of AI
4 september 2026 · 25 min
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. Lees meer
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, drug market
Frank Smith, electric chair, death row
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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Ire and ICE: the toll of America’s deportations
3 september 2026 · 23 min
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. Lees meer
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 what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
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Right in front: AfD could win German state
2 september 2026 · 23 min
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? Lees meer
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
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.
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After the flood: Nepal’s ongoing rescue
1 september 2026 · 16 min
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. Lees meer
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 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.
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Stars in their AIs: tech is changing Hollywood
31 augustus 2026 · 20 min
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. Lees meer
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:
Hollywood, filmmaking, AI
Obamacare, healthcare, health insurance
France, country music, line-dancing
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.
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Bots on the ground: China leads humanoid race
28 augustus 2026 · 25 min
Our correspondent goes inside a Chinese robot facility to see thousands of droids being taught to complete useful tasks. Is it worth the time and money? How Meta’s $17bn settlement at its blockbuster trial could change teen social-media use. And 75 years of the Paris bookshop Shakespeare and Company. Lees meer
Watch extended clips from Insider here, plus the full Elon Musk interview
Guests and host:
Don Weinland, China business editor
Alice Fulwood, “Money Talks” host and US business editor
Alexandra Suich-Bass, culture editor
Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Topics covered:
Robots, humanoids, China, AI
Meta, Instagram, Facebook, social media, addiction,
Shakespeare and Company, Paris, bookshops
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.
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Big shot: does a cancer vaccine work?
27 augustus 2026 · 22 min
Personalised vaccines could offer a breakthrough in the fight against cancer. Our correspondent analyses the latest trial. Canada’s oil market is flourishing, despite the trade war. And, why we will always love Dolly Parton. Lees meer
Guests and host:
Natasha Loder, health editor
Sarah Lawrynuik, deputy editor of “The Intelligence”
Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent
Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Topics covered:
Cancer, immunotherapy, vaccines, mRNA
Oil, Canada, trade war, tariffs
Dolly Parton, country music
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.
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Slip the surly bonds? Scott Bessent goes on a yield trip
26 augustus 2026 · 23 min
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. Lees meer
Guests and host:
Joshua Roberts, capital markets correspondent
Shashank Joshi, Washington bureau chief
Lane Greene, language correspondent
Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Topics covered:
bond markets, Treasury, yields, Scott Bessent
America, cyber-attacks, water, critical infrastructure
British politics, Andy Burnham, accents, class angst
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.
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Even-more-maximum pressure: sanctions on Iran
25 augustus 2026 · 23 min
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. Lees meer
Guests and host:
Fraser McIlwraith, foreign correspondent
Joshua Spencer, Asia news editor
Vishnu Padmanabhan, Asia correspondent
Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Topics covered:
Iran war, sanctions
AI, offshoring, the Philippines
world cities, pay, economic migration
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.
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Elbows up, again: a US-Canada trade flare-up
24 augustus 2026 · 22 min
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. Lees meer
Guests and host:
Hal Hodson, Americas editor
Moeka Iida, East Asia reporter
Richard Cockett, senior digital editor
Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Topics covered:
Canada, the United States, tariffs, Mark Carney, trade war
Japan, Gen X, labour market
sieges, world history
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.
Correction (August 26th): We originally published a version of this podcast stated that Japan's bubble era spanned the 1970s and 1980s. It was only the 1980s. Apologies for the error.
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I, robot? AI and consciousness
21 augustus 2026 · 25 min
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. Lees meer
Watch extended clips from Insider here.
Guests and host:
Alok Jha, science & technology editor
Stephen Hurford, newsdesk writer
Ann Wroe, obituaries editor
Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Topics covered:
AI, consciousness
sexual health, STIs, STDs, Europe
Mary de Rachewiltz, Ezra Pound
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.
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An interview with Yuval Noah Harari
20 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 8 min
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. Lees meer
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.
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