The Intelligence: the relentless audacity of Alexei Navalny
The ominous disappearance of Russia’s opposition leader led many to fear the worst. But he has turned up in an Arctic penal colony—his message of resistance unchanged. From Batman-themed restaurants to playing a (non-lethal) version of “Squid Game”, movie studios are trying anything to squeeze more from their intellectual property (9:47). And a new film examines what lies behind losing streaks (17:16).Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. 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 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.
19 Jan 202425min
The Intelligence: The darkness before the Don
Many of America’s business leaders reckon a second Trump term would be worse for them and for the economy than the first was—not that they’re speaking up about it. We examine just how much of Ukraine’s art and cultural heritage has been moved or looted in the course of the war (9:35). And why the price of olive oil is skyrocketing (17:17).Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. 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 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.
18 Jan 202423min
The Intelligence: Gaza’s ever-graver crisis
A tentative aid deal in Gaza is just a sliver of what is needed; hunger and disease may well claim more Palestinian lives this year than the military campaign will. New research suggests American places worst-hit by the opioid epidemic are undergoing a rightward political shift (11:45). And why Britain, renowned for its facility with statistics, might end its decadal census (17:19).Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. 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 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.
17 Jan 202423min
The Intelligence: The CCP would like chips with that
China’s flip-flopping on video-game regulation reveals a messy message: leaders want to encourage “hard tech” such as chips and AI over the consumer kind—without sparking another costly crackdown. We ask Mark Carney, a former central-bank governor, whether he has ambitions to lead Canada (09:16). And why so many social-media types want to share their diaries online (18:19). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. 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 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.
16 Jan 202424min
The Intelligence: Independents’ day
Taiwan’s election of William Lai Ching-te of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party is sure to annoy leaders in Beijing; we ask what to expect next. Britain’s Post Office scandal simmered for two decades before a television series made it boil over (10:14). And what happens when climate change makes it too hot to work (17:44). Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. 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 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.
15 Jan 202424min
The Intelligence: Air strikes on Houthi rebels
America and its allies delivered on a threat to retaliate against Houthi rebels in Yemen who have been targeting Red Sea ships. How far will the escalation go? We visit Iowa ahead of the first event of America’s presidential-primary season and ask if any surprises await (10.16). And remembering Mike Sadler, one of the first recruits to Britain’s SAS special forces (19.17).Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. 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 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.
12 Jan 202426min
The Intelligence: Growing, no pains
America seems to be in a best-of-worlds scenario: growth is outpacing expectations even as inflation keeps falling—how will the party end? This week’s loss of the Peregrine One Moon lander was disappointing, but our correspondent sees the good news from the launch (9:19). And how Japan’s geishas are modernising their trade in order to keep it alive (17:35).Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. 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 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.
11 Jan 202425min
The Intelligence: Emmanuel override
Gabriel Attal, France’s youthful new prime minister, represents President Emmanuel Macron’s renewed push to pass policy reforms and to counter a resurgent far-right. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a landslide re-election of President Félix Tshisekedi has raised eyebrows—and tempers (7:41). And a look at how “The Wicker Man” may be the force behind a rise in paganism (15:30).Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. 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 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.
10 Jan 202421min
