The Intelligence from The Economist

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.

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.

Americans are becoming more anxious about how artificial intelligence will affect jobs, society and even human existence. Republican and Democrat voters are unusually united in their concerns. Divorce rates are rising in China and the Communist party cannot stop them. And the politics of air-conditioning in a scorching Europe.Guests and host:Robert Guest, Economist deputy editorSarah Wu, China correspondentLane Greene, senior digital editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The intelligence”Topics covered: Artificial intelligence, midterms, Alex BoresDivorce, China, fertilityHeatwaves, Europe, air-conditioning Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe 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.

After winning a resounding victory for Britain’s Labour party two years ago, Sir Keir Starmer has announced his departure. As the country gets ready for its 7th prime minister in ten years, our correspondent asks if it has become ungovernable. A Trump-loving right winger wins Colombia’s presidency. And “Toy Story 5” sets the toys against technology. Guests and host:Hugo Gye, Britain political editorHal Hodson, Americas editorAlexandra Suich Bass, culture editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The intelligence”Topics covered: Keir Starmer, Andy Burnham, Britain, LabourColombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, cocaineToy Story 5, tech, screen timeListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe 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.

Andy Burnham won a by-election he needed in order to challenge Sir Keir Starmer, Britain’s prime minister. We look at the path ahead for him. The Iran deal seemingly promises a financial windfall for the country and its regime—one that its battered economy sorely needs. And the mythmaking of presidential libraries, as seen in the latest one: Barack Obama’s.Watch extended clips from Insider here.Guests and host:Hugo Gye, British political correspondentFraser McIlwraith, foreign correspondentJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: British politics, Andy Burnham, Labour party Iran war, Iran deal, Iran’s economyBarack Obama, presidential librariesGet 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.

As expected, the new Federal Reserve chairman kept rates steady. More interesting were what he did and did not say. How will he handle inevitable pressure from President Donald Trump? After nearly disappearing altogether, Germany’s left-wing Die Linke party is roaring back—particularly among the young. And a selection of our readers’ examples of upward-management tips and tricks.Guests and host:Archie Hall, US economics editorTom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chiefAndrew Palmer, Bartleby columnistRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Federal Reserve, interest rates, monetary policy, Iran warGermany, Die Linke, left-wing politicsmanagement, managing managementGet 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.

Geopolitics has dominated this year’s G7 political meeting in Evian, France. Donald Trump offered scant detail on the Iran peace deal but leaders promised to boost support for Ukraine. Though prostitution in Japan has a long history, recent scandals have drawn it into the spotlight. And Britain’s Country Life magazine has a winning formula: ignore the news. Guests and host:Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chiefMoeka Iida, East Asia reporterCatherine Nixey, Britain correspondentRosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: G7, Donald Trump, Iran, UkraineProstitution, Japan, sex workCountry Life, publishing, BritainListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe 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.

Millions of people will tune in when the World Cup starts today. But demonstrators in Mexico, which hosts the first match, are using the international spectacle to draw attention to their causes. Commercial enterprises are on the cusp of making money in space: who will tax the heavens? And Narendra Modi is unsettling India’s middle class.Guests and host:Hal Hodson, Americas editorShera Avi-Yonah, business correspondentLeo Mirani, Ashoka columnistRosie Blau, co-host of “The intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The intelligence”Topics covered: World Cup, Mexico, protestsSpace, taxation, global commonsIndia, Modi Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe 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.

The British government tightened immigration in response to public demand. Yet that policy damaged both the country and the Labour party. Our correspondent embeds on a US nuclear submarine to find out how China and Russia are vying for dominance in the Pacific. And what anti-ageing products actually work? Guests and host:Joel Budd, Britain social affairs editorAnton La Guardia, diplomatic editorAinslie Johnstone, science correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The intelligence”Topics covered: Immigration, Britain, asylumSubmarines, Pacific, geopoliticsAgeing, wrinkles, retinoids, peptidesListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe 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.

Xi Jinping’s first visit to North Korea in seven years has been marked by pomp and shows of friendship. But what does the Chinese leader really want from the trip? Our correspondent visits Goma in Congo to see what life is like under Rwanda-backed rebel group M23. And why curry may soon be off the menu in Japan. Guests and host:Jeremy Page, chief China correspondentJohn McDermott, chief Africa correspondentMoeka Iida, Japan correspondentRosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un, Russia, nuclear proliferationCongo, Goma, M23, RwandaJapan, India, immigration, curry  Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe 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.

The fragile ceasefire between America and Iran is threatened by an exchange of ballistic missiles overnight between Iran and Israel. Our correspondent examines the consequences. China’s BYD cars are losing ground to other electric vehicles. And why hit TV shows inspire “companion podcasts”.  Guests and host:Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondentDon Weinland, China business editorElizabeth Peet, researcherRosie Blau, co-host of “The intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The intelligence”Topics covered: Iran, Israel, Lebanon, ceasefire, TrumpBYD, EVs, Tesla, Xpeng, Li AutoPodcasts, Beef, The Pitt, HBOListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe 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.

After decades of overpopulation worries, the country now has the opposite concern. We examine India’s unusual demographic turn, and why it is a wider warning to the world. Vegan substitutes have broadly improved in recent years—so why is there no good vegan cheese? And remembering Sonny Rollins, an absolute colossus of the saxophone. Watch extended clips from Insider here.Guests and host:Tom Sasse, South Asia bureau chiefSam Colbert, senior series producer, Economist PodcastsJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: India, fertility rates, global populationvegan cheeseSonny Rollins, jazzGet 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.

Nigel Farage, leader of the populist-right Reform UK party, wants Britons to be enraged by a killing in the street. We ask why his tone has changed from “colour-blind” to race-baiting. NATO must now take seriously the idea that America is pulling back; we ask how it is adjusting. And why skipping title sequences is forgoing some of television’s magic.Guests and host:Hugo Gye, British political correspondentJonathan Rosenthal, international correspondentAndrew Miller, “Back Story” columnistJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: British politics, race relationsNATO, American foreign policytelevision, mediaGet 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.

Now that America has stepped back, Europe is at last stepping up. We examine the bloc’s tactics (if not yet a strategy) and how steady its support is likely to be. With the coming public listings of SpaceX and Anthropic, we ask whether stockmarkets can handle a string of “giga-IPOs”. And our World Cup series looks at Iran’s side.Guests and host:Tom Nuttall, chief Germany correspondentJoshua Roberts, capital markets correspondentJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Europe, security, Ukraine warIPOs, investment, stockmarkets, SpaceX, Anthropic, OpenAIWorld Cup, IranVisit education.economist.com and use code 5YEARS to save 15% on courses developed by our editors and correspondents.Get 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.

The AI world’s go-to chipmaker is blazing a trail toward your personal computer. We ask what moving out of the cloud indicates about the future of computing. The three candidates for mayor of Los Angeles could not be more different, and they are running neck and neck. And updating generic filler text for the business-jargon era.Guests and host:Shailesh Chitnis, global business writerAryn Braun, West Coast correspondentAndrew Palmer, executive editor and “Bartleby” columnistJason Palmer (no relation), co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Nvidia, AI, technologyLos Angeles, American politicscorporate jargonGet 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.

Aid is ramping up to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and vaccine work is progressing. But what the Ebola response most lacks is trust of the community. European governments and businesses are wary of their dependence on America’s tech giants; we examine a spate of home-grown efforts. And sticky toffee pudding, a staid British classic, gets a sweet social-media boost. Guests and host:John McDermott, chief Africa correspondentChristian Odendahl, European economics editorỌrẹ Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondent and sticky toffee pudding enthusiastJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Ebola outbreak, Democratic Republic of Congo, epidemiology, vaccinesEuropean technology, American tech giants, technological sovereignty sticky toffee puddingGet 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.

Our outgoing defence editor reflects on how war has changed during the eight years of his tenure. Wars have become easier to start and harder to finish, and the little guy has a better chance than ever before. And our obituaries editor pays tribute to Barney Frank, a trailblazing Democratic congressman.Watch extended clips from Insider hereGuests and host:Shashank Joshi, defence editorAnn Wroe, obituaries editorJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: war, technology, Ukraine, IranBarney FrankGet 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.

The American administration’s next round of sabre-rattling has been directed at Cuba. But more military adventures there would probably prove disastrous. We profile the three starkly different contenders in Colombia’s hyper-polarised presidential election. And our series looking at World Cup squads goes to Mexico.Guests and host:Sarah Birke, bureau chief for Mexico, Central America and the CaribbeanKinley Salmon, Latin America correspondentJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Cuba, American foreign policyColombia’s electionsWorld Cup, MexicoGet 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.

Economic support, drone capability, defence under new management: the tide may have turned for Ukraine. But domestic politics and perceptions will define what kind of win the country might hope for. We examine how Home Depot, the world’s largest DIY chain, is a window into America’s ailing housing market. And what is pinching the supply of England’s famed cricket bats. Guests and host:Oliver Carroll, Ukraine correspondentVinjeru Mkandawire, news editorAndrew Rummer, Britain contributorJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Ukraine warAmerica’s housing market, Home Depotcricket bats, supply chainsGet 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.

More mixed messages from President Donald Trump and air strikes that seem to violate the ceasefire: all that is remotely in prospect is a deal to keep on dealmaking. China’s “superapps” are pioneering the use of agentic AI—with some odd outcomes. And the curious reason that grouse harm themselves on ski lifts (and how to save them). Guests and host:Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondentDon Weinland, China business and finance editorMatt Kaplan, science correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Iran war, diplomacyChina, business, agentic AIbirds, scienceGet 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.

What do we mean by a “good book”? Some people choose a holiday read that demands time and attention. Others pick rip-roaring novels that require little thought. Our bookworms discuss whether art has to be improving to be praiseworthy, and give genre fiction some much-needed air time. This is a full list of the books mentioned in the show:“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen“Red Rising” by Pierce BrownJack Reacher series by Lee Child“The Hunt for Red October” by Tom Clancy“Riders” and the other Rutshire chronicles by Jilly CooperDungeon Crawler Carl series by Matt Dinniman“Middlemarch” by George Eliot“Ulysses” by James Joyce“Wolf Hall” by Hilary Mantel“The Diamond Age” by Neal StephensonThe Murderbot series by Martha Wells “The Martian” by Andy Weir“American Wife” by Curtis SittenfeldGuests and host:Catherine Nixey, culture and Britain correspondentTom Standage, Economist deputy editorAlexandra Suich Bass, culture editorAlex Hern, AI writerRosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Fiction, romance, sci-fi, crime, thrillers, fantasy, romantasyJane Austen, Jilly Cooper, Curtis Sittenfeld, Lee ChildMatt Dinniman, Pierce Brown, Neal StephensonListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe 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.

Elon Musk has launched the largest stockmarket listing in history. The accompanying space mission remains grounded. Our correspondent weighs SpaceX’s extraordinary ambitions. The Republican party trades on its masculine image, but some young men are turning away. And, after a blind tasting 50 years ago unleashed a new wave of wine drinking, the market is drying out.Watch extended clips from Insider hereGuests and host:Tim Cross, senior science writerRobert Guest, Economist deputy editorAlexandra Suich Bass, culture editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-hosts of “The intelligence”Topics covered: SpaceX, Starlink, XAI, Elon MuskDonald Trump, Republicans, masculinityWine, Judgement of ParisListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe 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.

Within the space of a week Chinese president Xi Jinping has welcomed both Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to Beijing. Our correspondent explains the significance of these consecutive meetings. How the Premier League got its kick – and became one of Britain’s most successful businesses. And, some relax on holiday, others relish adrenaline-fuelled activities.Guests and host:Jeremy Page, chief China correspondentSonny Loughran, Britain writerCaitlin Talbot, culture correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The intelligence”Topics covered: Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Donald TrumpPremier League, football, soccerAdrenaline holidays, darecationsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe 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.

Is Binyamin Netanyahu’s time up as Israel’s prime minister? As a vote in parliament triggers the election campaign, our correspondent – and Netanyahu’s biographer – analyses what comes next. We join a US-backed counter-terrorism training exercise in Africa and question whether such missions will outlast Trump. And how Cape Verde came to take part in its first World Cup.Guests and host:Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondentTom Gardner, Africa correspondentJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentRosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Binyamin Netanyahu, Israel, Knesset, Gaza, Hizbullah, IranIvory Coast, jihadism, anti-terrorism, overseas aidWorld Cup, FIFA, Cape VerdeListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe 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.

The latest Ebola emergency is different from previous ones: there is no vaccine, and the kind of community-level work that stops the spread has been thinned by aid cuts. Britain is likely to get a new prime minister soon; we profile Andy Burnham, the Labour party’s polling favourite. And celebrity book clubs abound—but useful criticism in them does not. Guests and host:John McDermott, chief Africa correspondentJoel Budd, social affairs editorCatherine Nixey, culture correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Ebola outbreak, West AfricaAndy Burnham, British politicscelebrities, book clubs, book industryGet 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.

Atef Najib, a former security chief, is the highest-profile member of the Assad regime to go on trial. We ask why the speed, uneven spread and murky legal basis of justice troubles many Syrians. Our series leading up to America’s 250th birthday continues to plumb our archive. Today: the cold war and Vietnam. And why whiskymaking is booming in China.Guests and host:Gareth Browne, Middle East correspondentAnnie Crabill, senior digital editorDon Weinland, China business and finance editorJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Syria, judicial system, transitional justiceAmerica, 250th anniversary, historyChina, business, whiskyGet 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.Runtime: 24 minTWITTER HANDLES OF CONTRIBS @BrowneGareth – Syria@annie_crabill – US250@donweinland – whisky Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tommy Robinson is an influencer who has shaped views on Britain, particularly among his American supporters and funders. A rally this weekend will show how his worldview is reaching the mainstream. A merger in the oligopoly of liftmakers will reshape an industry known for its ups and downs. And remembering Raghu Rai, whose photographs captured the intensity of India’s people.Watch extended clips from Insider here.Guests and host:Georgia Banjo, Britain correspondentSimon Wright, industry editorAnn Wroe, obituaries editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Tommy Robinson, Britain’s far right, America’s far rightLifts, mergers, businessRaghui Rai, India, photojournalismGet 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.

Artificial intelligence could help terrorists develop new dangerous pathogens. Our correspondent asks how humanity can protect itself from machine-assisted biological weapons. Stock markets are soaring, despite the oil shock. What does this tell us about investor confidence in traditionally safe assets? And the doughs and don’ts of German bread.  Guests and host:Arthur Holland Michel, emerging tech writerJosh Roberts, capital markets correspondentLily Meckel, audience fellowRosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Bioweapons, AI, virusStockmarkets, oil shock, dollar, government bondsGerman bread, Bernd das BrotListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe 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.

Germany’s chancellor came to office making big promises. A year later they are unfulfilled, his government is squabbling and he has drawn President Donald Trump’s ire. The advertising industry is, inevitably, starting to peddle its wares quietly in AI chatbots. And a historical look at the oratory around war and how it has taken a sharp turn for the worse.Guests and host:Tom Nuttall, chief Germany correspondentTom Wainwright, media editorCatherine Nixey, culture correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Germany, Friedrich Merz, Donald TrumpAI, chatbots, advertisingrhetoric of war Get 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.

The Trump administration’s “Project Freedom” has done and will do little to boost traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. We examine an unsustainable standoff. A fashion influencer’s post addressed to President Vladimir Putin has brought Russians’ wider grumbling into the open. And how India’s notorious street noise comes with costs to human health. Guests and host:Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondentArkady Ostrovsky, Russia editorVishnu Padmanabhan, Asia correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Iran war, Strait of HormuzRussia, Vladimir Putin, influencersIndia, noise pollution, healthGet 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.

In Iran, America is using expensive weaponry against cheap local drones. Can upstart tech companies change the economics – and nature — of conflict? As part of our ongoing series on the US at 250, we examine the impact of the two world wars. And should you ever use an emoji at work?Listen to “Money Talks” on defence tech upstarts. Guests and host:Henry Tricks, US technology editorAnnie Crabill, a senior digital editorAndrew Palmer, host of “Boss Class” podcastRosie Blau, host of “The intelligence”Topics covered: Pentagon, Palantir, SpaceX, AndurilAmerica 250, Woodrow Wilson, FDREmojis, auberginesListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe 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.