The Intelligence from The Economist

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  Coffer stop: AI may shrink tax base 02.10.2026 26Min.

  If Artificial Intelligence results in job losses or lower salaries, government revenues will fall. Our correspondent explains how best to tax the windfalls from AI. Paint is a surprisingly cheap way to cool buildings. And remembering the life of Stanislas Hutin, who revealed France’s barbarity in Algeria.Watch extended clips from Insider hereGuests and host:Callum Williams, senior economics writerNikita Ostrovsky, science writerAnn Wroe, obituaries editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: AI, tax, wealth tax, consumption taxClimate change, paint, adaptationStanislas Hutin, Algeria, France, war crimesListen 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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  Trial and terror: Russia escalates Kyiv campaign 01.10.2026 21Min.

  Russia has embarked on a new campaign to quell Ukraine, focused on supermarkets, playgrounds and other civilian targets. Our correspondent reports on the toll on daily life in Kyiv. Despite the backlash against “pervert glasses”, companies continue to develop AI-enabled smart specs. And how the pen changed history.Guests and host:Oliver Carroll, Ukraine correspondentHenry Tricks, US technology editorCatherine Nixey, Britain correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Ukraine, Kyiv, civilian targetsSmart 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Cheques and the City: Premier League disgrace 30.09.2026 20Min.

  An independent commission has found Manchester City guilty of breaching over 100 rules. What penalty will the Premier League exact? Russia’s increasingly brazen attempts to provoke and undermine Europe. And why cute Chiikawa, star of a Japanese blockbuster, gives comfort in anxious times. Subscribers can listen to “Kidulting” on “The Weekend Intelligence”Guests and host:Sonny Loughran, Britain correspondentJonathan Rosenthal, international correspondentMoeka Iida, East Asia reporterRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Man City, Abu Dhabi, Premier LeagueRussia, Europe, grey-zone, droneChiikawa, kawaii, mangaListen 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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  Brazil rut: Lula v Bolsonaro, again 29.09.2026 21Min.

  On October 4th, Brazil faces a polarising general election: re-elect the octogenarian incumbent or pick the son of a former president jailed for attempting a coup. In some countries honour culture holds women back from even entering the workplace. And why artists are banning phones from concerts. Guests and host:Ana Lankes, Brazil correspondentRobert Guest, deputy editorVicky Jessop, culture writerRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Brazil, Lula, BolsonaroWomen, honour culture, equalityPhone-free, concerts, gigsListen 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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  Foiled plot: did Iran plan British base attack? 28.09.2026 20Min.

  Five men are in custody under suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences after being arrested near a British military base used by American aircraft. This could mark a significant escalation in Iranian hybrid warfare. What oil firms are doing with their profits from the Gulf conflict. And why women’s wages rise after their male managers have daughters.Guests and host:Matthew Symonds, contributing editor Matthieu Favas, commodities editorMichelle Hennessy, graphic detail editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Fairford, Iran, hybrid warfare, terrorist attackOil, oil prices, IranGender-pay gap, fatherhood, daughtersListen 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 meet, little meat: the Trump-Xi summit 25.09.2026 27Min.

  Not much of real substance appears to have emerged from the get-together. But our correspondent says there are clues of how both sides view an evolving relationship. Tommy Robinson, a British far-right influencer, is increasingly well known to MAGA types in America; we examine his rise to prominence. And remembering Bob Mackie, daring dressmaker to the stars. Watch extended clips from Insider hereGuests and host:Simon Rabinovich, Beijing bureau chiefGeorgia Banjo, Britain correspondentAnn Wroe, obituaries editorJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Xi Jinping, Donald Trump, trade war, diplomacyTommy Robinson, American politics, TexasBob Mackie, fashionListen 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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  Home disadvantage: risks in housing markets 24.09.2026 23Min.

  Rich-world house prices survived the last fit of interest-rate rises; our correspondent lays out why they may not this time. Nine months after Australia banned social media for under-16s, we ask if anything has changed. And a critical look at Israel’s hit show “Fauda” as it tackles the atrocities of October 7th. Guests and host:Callum Williams, senior economics writerJosh Spencer, Asia news editorAndrew Miller, special correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: housing markets, bond yields, interest ratesAustralia, social media bans“Fauda”, October 7thListen 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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  National front-runner: who can beat Le Pen? 23.09.2026 19Min.

  Marine Le Pen, party leader of France’s populist-right National Rally, starts her fourth presidential bid with a commanding lead. The country’s political centre is broad, fragmented—and flagging. A buffer zone against so-called infiltrators in India’s West Bengal state is making life miserable also for Indian citizens. And how Argentina’s supply of horses and cowboys led to world dominance in polo. Guests and host:Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief Kira Huju, Asia correspondentHamish Clayton, culture writerRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: French politics, Marine Le PenIndia, West Bengal, Bangladesh, Hindu nationalismArgentina, poloListen 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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  The mob rule: criminality consumes South Africa 22.09.2026 20Min.

  An illicit shadow economy, rampant extortion and the capture of the criminal justice system: mafia members and tactics are eating away at the state. Oura seems to have captured the market for smart rings; we ask whether it can keep its lead finger-tight. And our correspondent finds convention upended, for good and bad, at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.Guests and host:John McDermott, chief Africa correspondentShera Avi-Yonah, business correspondentAlexandra Suich Bass, culture editorJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: South Africa, organised crime, criminal justicewearable tech, Oura ringsLucas MuseumListen 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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  Centre punch: Germany’s state-election shocker 21.09.2026 21Min.

  Two more state-election results reveal surging support for both the far-right AfD and the populist-left Die Linke parties. Chancellor Friedrich Merz himself described the outcome as a disaster; what will it mean for him? Our correspondent looks into why there is so much enthusiasm for African stocks. And what the science says about blue-light exposure and sleep. Guests and host:Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chiefỌrẹ Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondentSam Wikeley, science correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: German politics, Friedrich Merz, AfD, Die LinkeAfrican stockmarkets, Aliko Dangotesleep science, blue lightListen 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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  Drone truth: Russia has the upper hand 18.09.2026 25Min.

  After a visit to Ukraine last week, our defence editor reports on a new phase of the war as Kyiv and other civilian targets are bombarded by Russian missiles. He also visits an elite Ukrainian drone unit. Why alcohol companies are scrambling to innovate. And remembering the life of feminist pioneer Gloria Steinem. Watch extended clips from Insider Guests and host:Alex Turner, defence editorAvantika Chilkoti, global business writerAnn Wroe, obituaries editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Ukraine, drones, Shahed, KyivAlcohol, beer, aperolGloria Steinem, feminismListen 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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  Rise and shine: Warsh’s Fed rate test 17.09.2026 21Min.

  The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the first time since July 2023. For the central bank’s new chair Kevin Warsh, that decision was a test both of monetary policy and politics. A governor’s election in Okinawa is a boon to Japan’s military ambitions. And why summer is a casualty of climate change.Guests and host:Archie Hall, acting economics editorMoeka Iida, East Asia reporterAndrew Miller, special correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh, interest rates, inflationOkinawa, JapanSummer, climate change, heatwaveListen 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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  The end of the world is AI? An existential threat 16.09.2026 24Min.

  Is artificial intelligence becoming uncontrollably powerful? Our correspondent analyses whether a pause to breakneck development is possible or feasible. We have entered the new age of the orator. And why cheese is getting more popular in India. Guests and host:Alex Hern, AI writerTom Wainwright, culture correspondentTom Sasse, South Asia bureau chiefRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Human extinction, AI, Sam Altman, Dario AmodeiOral culture, literacy, James Marriott, Walter OngCheese, India, kalimpongListen 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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  Islamism in Britain: what is the threat? 15.09.2026 23Min.

  Though a growing share of the British population is anxious about Islam, they have no reason to be. Islamism, a fringe ideology that believes government and society should be guided by Islamic principles, is the real concern. America cracks down on multinationals’ efforts to shift profits overseas. And why corporate training videos are virtually useless.Guests and host:Sonny Loughran, Britain correspondentShera Avi-Yonah, US business correspondentAndrew Palmer, “Boss Class” host and Bartleby columnistRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Islamism, Britain, IslamophobiaIRS, corporate tax, Coca-ColaCorporate training videosListen 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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  Strait and narrowing: the Houthis’ striking advance 14.09.2026 22Min.

  After years of stalemate, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis are taking territory, including on a Red Sea strait. We ask what has changed, and how the shift fits into the wider regional conflict. As America’s midterm elections approach, we examine the fragmentation of the coalition that put Donald Trump back in office. And we ask how much nepotism matters in Hollywood today.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The Weekend Intelligence: Shire folk - Episode 1: Tommy's Town 12.09.2026 49Min.

  For 15 years, the British media dismissed Tommy Robinson as a far-right extremist. We kept him off our televisions, and out of our newspapers. Today his rallies attract tens of thousands of followers and he has the ear of the world’s richest man.Shire Folk is the story of how some of the most powerful people in America came to see Britain—and Islam—through the eyes of a fringe football hooligan.Topics covered:Radical IslamGangsEnglish Defence LeagueListen 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 [email protected] more about how we are using AI. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Out-numbered: AI’s contentious maths milestone 11.09.2026 22Min.

  OpenAI’s claim to have solved one of the great problems in mathematics has itself created problems. We ask why the breakthrough has shaken the field. On the 25th anniversary of 9/11 we examine the vast counterterrorism machinery that followed in America, and nascent efforts to pare those powers back. And remembering Guo Lanying, a Chinese singer who championed traditional opera.Watch extended clips from Insider here.Guests and host:Sam Wikeley, science correspondentSam Beal, Washington correspondentAnn Wroe, obituaries editorJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: mathematics, AI, Millennium Prize Problems9/11 anniversary, counterterrorism lawGuo Lanying, Chinese operaListen 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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  Working through it: the AI jobs boom dawns 10.09.2026 19Min.

  The labour data are in from America and a trend is becoming clearer: on balance AI is starting to create more jobs than it hoovers up. Despite advancements of just about every other kind, China cannot seem to escape its food-safety problems. We ask why not. And why Kenya’s ants have become the target of smugglers.Guests and host:Alex Domash, economics correspondentGabriel Crossley, China correspondentCarla Subirana, news editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: AI, labour statistics, labour marketChina, regulation, food safetyants, smuggling, KenyaListen 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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  Chainsaw sputtering: Milei’s experiment falters 09.09.2026 22Min.

  President Javier Milei has tamed inflation and improved the lot of many Argentines. But an election season approaches, and the promised economic and wage growth are not materialising. As LIV Golf files for bankruptcy, we ask where it went wrong in trying to disrupt the sport. And the growth that is good for India’s people is bad for its elephants.Guests and host:Kinley Salmon, Latin America correspondentHenry Tricks, US technology editorAbhishek Kumar, India writerRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Argentina, Javier Mileigolf, LIV Golf, Saudi ArabiaIndia, elephantsListen 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 08.09.2026 21Min.

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