Economist Podcasts

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  The end of the world is AI? An existential threat 16.09.2026 24мин

  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 23мин

  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 22мин

  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 12.09.2026 49мин

  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 22мин

  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 19мин

  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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  TRAILER: Shire folk 10.09.2026 2мин

  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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Chainsaw sputtering: Milei’s experiment falters 09.09.2026 22мин

  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 21мин

  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.
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  All right on the night: AfD’s victory 07.09.2026 24мин

  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. Guests and host:Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chiefOliver Morton, planetary affairs editorSoobin Kim, Korea writerRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: AfD, Alternative for Germany, Alternative für Deutschlandcontrails, aviation, climate scienceSouth Korea, BuddhismListen 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 04.09.2026 24мин

  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. Watch extended clips from Insider here, plus the full Elon Musk interviewGuests and host:Shailesh Chitnis, global business writerSonny Loughran, Britain correspondentAnn Wroe, obituaries editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Nvidia, AI, Jensen HuangKnife crime, county lines, drug marketFrank Smith, electric chair, death rowListen 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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  Ire and ICE: the toll of America’s deportations 03.09.2026 23мин

  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.Guests and host:Aryn Braun, West Coast correspondentShera Avi-Yonah, business correspondentAlexandra Suich Bass, culture editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Deportation, ICE, immigration, MinneapolisReddit, Google, AIBayeux tapestry, 1066, British 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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  Right in front: AfD could win German state 02.09.2026 23мин

  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? Guests and host:Tom Nuttall, chief Germany correspondentGeorgia Banjo, Britain correspondentDon Weinland, China business and finance editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Germany, AfD, Alternative for Germany, Saxony-AnhaltPalantir, NHSChina, 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 01.09.2026 16мин

  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.Guests and host:Kira Hiju, Asia correspondentMichelle Hennessy, graphic detail editorAaron Coultate, head of newslettersRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Nepal, flood, climate change, glacier, hydropowerAI, education, examsJapan, 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 31.08.2026 20мин

  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.Guests and host:Henry Tricks, US technology editorStevie Hertz, US public policy correspondentSophie Pedder, Paris bureau chiefRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Hollywood, filmmaking, AIObamacare, healthcare, health insuranceFrance, country music, line-dancingListen 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 28.08.2026 24мин

  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.Watch extended clips from Insider here, plus the full Elon Musk interviewGuests and host:Don Weinland, China business editorAlice Fulwood, “Money Talks” host and US business editorAlexandra Suich-Bass, culture editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Robots, humanoids, China, AIMeta, Instagram, Facebook, social media, addiction, Shakespeare and Company, Paris, bookshopsListen 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? 27.08.2026 22мин

  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.Guests and host:Natasha Loder, health editorSarah Lawrynuik, deputy editor of “The Intelligence”Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Cancer, immunotherapy, vaccines, mRNAOil, Canada, trade war, tariffsDolly Parton, country musicListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Slip the surly bonds? Scott Bessent goes on a yield trip 26.08.2026 22мин

  Amid record-tickling yields, the bond markets are now trying to make sense of what Scott Bessent, America’s Treasury secretary, has announced—a move that might put him on a collision course with the Federal Reserve. We ask why it is so easy for hackers to infiltrate America’s water infrastructure. And understanding a political lineage through the new British prime minister’s accent.Guests and host:Joshua Roberts, capital markets correspondentShashank Joshi, Washington bureau chiefLane Greene, language correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: bond markets, Treasury, yields, Scott BessentAmerica, cyber-attacks, water, critical infrastructureBritish politics, Andy Burnham, accents, class angstListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Even-more-maximum pressure: sanctions on Iran 25.08.2026 23мин

  After much hullabaloo America announced its “Operation Economic Outcast”, a new tranche of sanctions. It is thin gruel, and might in fact invite military reprisals from Iran. Call centres form a large part of the economy of the Philippines; surprisingly, AI is not stopping the industry’s rise. And a data-led look at which cities offer the best (relative) paycheques.  Guests and host:Fraser McIlwraith, foreign correspondentJoshua Spencer, Asia news editorVishnu Padmanabhan, Asia correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Iran war, sanctionsAI, offshoring, the Philippinesworld cities, pay, economic migrationListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Elbows up, again: a US-Canada trade flare-up 24.08.2026 21мин

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