• Cash test: can Europe support Ukraine alone?
    Oct 21 2026

    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.

    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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    24 mins
  • Disorder of magnitude: France’s riots
    Oct 20 2026

    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.

    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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    21 mins
  • Independence eh? Canada’s referendum
    Oct 19 2026

    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.

    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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    22 mins
  • An interview with Alice Weidel
    Oct 15 2026

    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.


    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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Schrödinger’s chat: can AI and scientists co-exist?
    Oct 16 2026

    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.

    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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    28 mins
  • Who wants to be a millennial? Generation comeback
    Oct 15 2026

    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.

    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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    22 mins
  • Kicking Kyiv: Trump’s doubtful deals
    Oct 14 2026

    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.

    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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    26 mins
  • Unrest in peace: misery in Gaza
    Oct 13 2026

    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.

    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.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    25 mins