The Intelligence from The Economist

<p>The world’s largest carbon emitter is finally turning a corner and the rest of the world ought to pay attention. El Salvador’s president Nayib Bukele is taking his <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2026/11/05/el-salvadors-president-thinks-he-can-eliminate-haitis-gangs?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">gangbusting</a></u> tactics beyond his borders. And how dogs disrupt <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2026/10/28/why-dogs-catch-yawns-from-their-owners-but-not-other-dogs?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wolves</a></u>’ biology.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Oliver Morton, senior editor</li><li>Sarah Birke, Bureau Chief for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean</li><li>Matt Kaplan, science writer</li><li>Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>China, carbon emissions, clean energy</li><li>Nayib Bukele, El Salvador, Haiti</li><li>Dogs, wolves, evolutionary anthropology</li></ul><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<u><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to The Economist</a></u>.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>As Donald Trump’s party <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/united-states/2026/11/08/the-fight-over-republicans-future-has-begun?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">absorbs</a></u> a sobering defeat at the ballot box, politicians are in a reflective mood. Is Trumpism over? <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2026/11/01/intensive-parenting-is-no-longer-the-preserve-of-the-rich?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Parents</a></u> across income groups are spending more to get their children ahead, but it might be for naught. And the <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/10/27/once-the-heroes-ambitious-outsiders-have-become-tv-villains?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dramas</a></u> trying to turn viewers against the underdog. </p><p>Guests and host:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Shashank Joshi, Washington bureau chief</li><li>Vinjeru Mkandawire, news editor</li><li>Andrew Miller, special correspondent</li><li>Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>American midterms, Republicans, Democrats</li><li>Parenting, education, tutoring</li><li>Television, “War”, villains</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<u><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to The Economist</a></u>.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/11/09/can-nvidias-boss-survive-a-chinese-spy-controversy?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">liaison</a></u> has become more than just family business as Jensen Huang’s lover is allegedly a Chinese spy. The FBI and Nvidia’s board are investigating, but what will become of the man at the centre of the AI boom? The <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/11/04/the-latest-ebola-outbreak-could-be-the-worst-ever?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">deadly Ebola epidemic</a></u> is spreading unchecked beyond the Democratic Republic of Congo. And a rural American <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/10/01/what-a-rural-american-cooking-contest-reveals-about-food-culture?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cooking contest</a></u> reveals much about food culture.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Henry Tricks, US technology editor</li><li>Gisa Tunbridge, Africa writer</li><li>Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent </li><li>Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li></li></ul><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Nvidia, Jensen Huang, AI</li><li>Ebola, Kenya, epidemic</li><li>Roadkill, Appalachian mountains, nose-to-tail</li><li></li></ul><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<u><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to The Economist</a></u>.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The president has tasked the former general – and Binyamin Netanyahu’s strongest rival – with building a <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/11/08/gadi-eisenkot-has-a-chance-to-form-a-new-government-in-israel?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">new government</a></u>. With just six weeks and barely a third of the Knesset seats on his side, will he succeed? Russia has a <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/graphic-detail/2026/10/30/stalled-on-the-front-lines-russia-hits-ukraine-harder?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">stalled front line</a></u> with Ukraine but is bombarding harder from the air. And why the sale of the world’s oldest <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/10/22/britains-elite-may-soon-become-harder-to-spot?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">biographical reference annual</a></u> matters.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent</li><li>Sondre Solstad, data journalist</li><li>Catherine Nixey, Britain correspondent</li><li>Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Israel, Gadi Eisenkot, Binyamin Netanyahu</li><li>Ukraine, Russia, Vladimir Putin</li><li>Who’s Who, Britain, publishing</li></ul><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<u><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to The Economist</a></u>.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Ahead of the G20 summit in Manchester, Britain’s prime minister sets out his <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/11/05/andy-burnham-promises-three-foreign-policy-overhauls?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">foreign-policy plans</a></u>. From reviewing EU links, to brokering the relationship between America and China, he is making big promises. To Russia’s delight, war is <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/11/05/war-battered-ukraine-risks-a-demographic-collapse?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">eroding Ukraine&#39;s population</a></u>. And a tribute to a renowned <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/obituary/2026/11/05/dolores-huerta-fought-for-farm-workers-rights-and-kept-devastating-secrets?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">American labour leader</a></u>. </p><p>Watch extended clips from Insider <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/insider/previews?utm_campaign=a.brand_fy2627_q1_awareness-imp-tr_prospecting_global-global_direct_na&utm_medium=audio.podcast.pd&utm_source=economist&utm_content=discovery.awareness.anonymous.tr_nativeread_np-tiinsider-apr_na-na_web_na_na_na_na&utm_term=sa.arc-isi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a></u></p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Hugo Gye, Britain political correspondent</li><li>Piotr Zalewski, Turkey correspondent</li><li>Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent</li><li>Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li></li></ul><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Britain, Andy Burham, Brexit</li><li>Ukraine, Russia, demographics</li><li>Dolores Huerta, César Chávez, labour rights</li><li></li></ul><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<u><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to The Economist</a></u>.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The success of GLP-1s has prompted biotechs to approach the challenge differently. After years of false starts and disappointing results, <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/11/02/the-quest-for-immortality-has-become-serious-business?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">longevity drugs</a></u> could be on the horizon. Do immigrants from some countries commit more <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/10/25/do-immigrants-from-some-countries-commit-more-sex-crimes?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sex crimes</a></u>? And the big business of <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/10/13/whats-behind-the-big-interest-in-miniatures?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">miniatures</a></u>. </p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Shailesh Chitnis, global business writer</li><li>James Fransham, data correspondent</li><li>Sascha Lowdermilk, culture intern</li><li>Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Longevity drugs, biotechnology, ageing</li><li>Immigration, sex crime, Britain</li><li>Miniatures, 3D printing, hobbies</li></ul><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<u><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to The Economist</a></u>.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>In the end, the result was clear and uncontested: Democrats had an <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/2026/us-midterms/results/summary?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">astonishingly good night</a></u>. Our editors and correspondents across America report on the proceedings, and we ask <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/united-states/2026/11/04/a-landslide-for-democrats-a-rebuke-to-donald-trump?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">what comes next</a></u>—for Democrats, for Republicans and for Trumpism more widely.</p><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Edward Carr, deputy editor</li><li>Charlotte Howard, United States editor</li><li>Rebecca Jackson, Southern correspondent</li><li>Daniel Knowles, Midwest correspondent</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>midterm elections, Congressional control</li><li>Donald Trump, MAGA</li><li>the future of the free world</li></ul><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<u><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to The Economist</a></u>.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Two European startups are tackling the chromosomal abnormalities that make it difficult for older women to get pregnant. Their <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2026/10/26/treatments-for-age-related-infertility-are-being-developed-at-last?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">innovations</a></u> might also prevent younger women from miscarrying. <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/europe/2026/10/09/belarus-is-becoming-increasingly-russian?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Belarusian culture</a></u> looks increasingly Russian. And the world is taking a liking to <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/09/23/biltong-is-going-global-like-south-africans?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">biltong</a></u>.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Catherine Brahic, environment editor</li><li>Katie Bryant, senior video producer</li><li>John McDermott, chief Africa correspondent</li><li>Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li></li></ul><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Infertility, in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), </li><li>Belarus, Russia, Alexander Lukashenko</li><li>Biltong, South Africa, meat</li><li></li></ul><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<u><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to The Economist</a></u>.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Ahead of tomorrow’s legislative elections we consider <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/2026/us-midterms/prediction-model/house?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the chances</a></u> of a “blue wave”, the most <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/10/29/the-americans-changing-politics-for-the-better?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">influential demographics</a></u> this time around and whether to expect election-administration trouble. Young people are deciding that bricks-and-mortar investment is not as dependable as the <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2026/10/07/why-shares-are-the-new-bricks-and-mortar?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">stocks-and-shares kind</a></u>. And 100 years on from his death Harry Houdini still has <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/10/29/what-the-worlds-most-famous-magician-has-to-teach-you?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">lessons to teach</a></u> about getting and staying famous.</p><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Charlotte Howard, United States editor</li><li>Kennett Werner, Washington correspondent</li><li>Vinjeru Mkandawire, news editor</li><li>Caitlin Talbot, digital culture correspondent</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p>Topics covered:</p><ul><li>America’s midterm elections</li><li>property, securities, investing</li><li>Harry Houdini, fame</li></ul><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<u><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to The Economist</a></u>.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>We examine the record of the man at the helm of India’s government. As protests pose a fresh threat, where will he take the country next? From New Hampshire to Virginia, our American-midterms series takes you to the races you might be missing. And the life of Winston Churchill’s last personal secretary. </p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Tom Sasse, South Asia bureau chief</li><li>Daniella Raz, US correspondent</li><li>Ann Wroe, obituaries editor</li><li>Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Narendra Modi, India, Cockroach-Janta party</li><li>America’s midterm elections, abortion, California</li><li>Cecily Gemmell, Winston Churchill</li></ul><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<u><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to The Economist</a></u>.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The world’s richest person does not say much nice about philanthropy, and his foundation does not say much about itself. Our correspondent <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/10/13/elon-musks-foundation-is-opaque-miserly-and-self-serving?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">digs deeper</a></u>. The next stop for our <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/united-states/2026/10/28/our-forecast-of-the-midterms-outcome?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">midterm-elections</a></u> series is Kansas, where a Republican-seeming Democrat has an unlikely shot at the Senate. And an examination of the <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2026/10/09/do-you-need-to-walk-10000-steps-a-day?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">received wisdom</a></u> about how many steps to walk in a day.</p><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Avantika Chilkoti, global business writer</li><li>Daniel Knowles, Midwest correspondent</li><li>Sam Wikeley, science correspondent</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Elon Musk, Musk Foundation, philanthropy</li><li>America’s midterm elections, Kansas</li><li>wellness, walking, received wisdom</li></ul><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<u><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to The Economist</a></u>.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Binyamin Netanyahu has underperformed but so has his main opponent, Gadi Eisenkot. Who will form a government? We decipher what the <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/10/28/israels-voters-deny-binyamin-netanyahu-a-majority?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">messy results</a></u> mean for Israel. Our American-midterms series heads south to <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/united-states/2026/10/11/the-jon-ossoff-guide-to-being-a-democrat?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Georgia</a></u>. And how film <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/culture/2026/10/22/are-film-critics-as-snooty-and-out-of-touch-as-people-think?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">critics and audiences</a></u> have agreed to disagree.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent</li><li>Rebecca Jackson, Southern correspondent</li><li>Doug Dowson, data journalist</li><li>Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p>Topics covered:</p><ul><li>Israel, Binyamin Netanyahu, Gadi Eisenkot</li><li>America’s midterm elections, Georgia, Jon Ossoff</li><li>Film critics, cinema, the box office</li></ul><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<u><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to The Economist</a></u>.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>It would be the first public listing from a frontier-AI firm—and perhaps the largest IPO of all time. We comb through <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/10/26/dont-expect-supersize-profits-from-anthropic-any-time-soon?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the filing</a></u> to understand how the company is thinking about itself and its industry. Our American-midterms series continues in the battleground state of <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/united-states/2026/09/20/a-contentious-battle-in-alaska-may-determine-control-of-the-senate?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Alaska</a></u>. And scientists consider how to <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/united-states/2026/09/20/a-contentious-battle-in-alaska-may-determine-control-of-the-senate?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">redefine the second</a></u>. </p><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Miles Kruppa, technology correspondent</li><li>Aryn Braun, West Coast correspondent </li><li>David Adam, science writer</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Anthropic IPO, AI</li><li>America’s midterm elections, Alaska</li><li>the second, metrology, atomic clocks </li></ul><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<u><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to The Economist</a></u>.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Brazil’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, staged a <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2026/10/26/lula-the-great-survivor-makes-history?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">historic comeback</a></u> to win a fourth term. We ask how he did it, and what he must do next. Each day this week our correspondents in America are focusing on crucial midterm-election races; today we start in <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/united-states/2026/10/18/republicans-identity-crisis-in-texas?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Texas</a></u>. And tote-bag economics: why so many businesses are getting in on <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/10/08/why-your-favourite-bakery-and-coffee-shop-now-sell-tote-bags?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">selling merchandise</a></u>.</p><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Ana Lankes, Brazil bureau chief</li><li>Rebecca Jackson, southern correspondent</li><li>Lizzy Peet, researcher</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Brazil election, Lula, Flávio Bolsonaro</li><li>America’s midterm elections, Texas, Ken Paxton, James Talarico</li><li>economics of “merch” </li></ul><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<u><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to The Economist</a></u>.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p><u><a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/10/01/nigerians-dislike-their-president-but-may-re-elect-him-anyway?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nigeria</a></u> is suffering a worsening security crisis, compounded by a lean harvest, global aid cuts and rising energy prices. So why is President Bola Tinubu likely to win January’s election? Europe is struggling to develop a rival to <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/10/20/europes-dependence-on-america-in-space-is-hard-to-escape?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Starlink</a></u> and reduce reliance on American satellites. And our obituaries editor recalls the improbable career of author and conman <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/obituary/2026/10/22/jeffrey-archers-career-was-worthy-of-his-most-improbable-plots?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jeffrey Archer</a></u>.</p><p>Watch extended clips from Insider <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/insider/previews?utm_campaign=a.brand_fy2627_q1_awareness-imp-tr_prospecting_global-global_direct_na&utm_medium=audio.podcast.pd&utm_source=economist&utm_content=discovery.awareness.anonymous.tr_nativeread_np-tiinsider-apr_na-na_web_na_na_na_na&utm_term=sa.arc-isi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a></u>. </p><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Ore Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondent</li><li>Jonathan Rosenthal, international correspondent</li><li>Ann Wroe, obituaries editor</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Nigeria, Bola Tinubu</li><li>Starlink, Ukraine, Musk, OneWeb, Eutelsat</li><li>Jeffrey Archer, Kane and Abel, perjury</li></ul><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<u><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to The Economist</a></u>.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>This week, <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/10/19/everything-is-going-wrong-for-muhammad-bin-salman?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Muhammad bin Salman</a></u>, crown prince of Saudi Arabia, was forced to postpone his annual investment summit. His other big bets on the kingdom’s future are also floundering. <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/10/01/effective-altruism-is-this-centurys-biggest-idea?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sam Bankman-Fried</a></u>, a crypto-billionaire supporter of effective altruism, calls our correspondent from prison. And things look <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/asia/2026/10/14/can-asian-governments-prevent-a-food-shock?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hazy</a></u> in Singapore and other Asian countries. </p><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent</li><li>Shera Avi-Yonah, US business correspondent</li><li>Vishnu Padmanabhan, Asia correspondent</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>MBS, Saudi, Davos in the desert, Future Investment Initiative</li><li>Sam Bankman-Fried, FTX, effective altruism</li><li>Indonesia, Singapore, wildfires, El Niño</li></ul><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<u><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to The Economist</a></u>.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Donald Trump’s administration is turning against <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/10/18/as-america-turns-against-ukraine-europe-stands-alone?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ukraine</a></u>. But as European powers confront trouble at home, they are struggling to replace American support. Are US <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2026/10/19/americas-new-era-of-private-science?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">private science institutions</a></u> entering a golden age? And the climb in <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/10/14/european-museums-are-seeing-a-spike-in-high-value-art-theft?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">art crime</a></u>.</p><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Anton La Guardia, diplomatic editor</li><li>Shera Avi-Yonah, US business correspondent</li><li>Vendeline von Bredow, senior Germany correspondent</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Ukraine, Witkoff, Zelenksy</li><li>Scientific research, National Science Foundation</li><li>Art theft, Louvre, Museum for Applied Art</li></ul><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<u><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to The Economist</a></u>.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>What started as student protests ballooned into national lawlessness. The disorder plays into the hands of France’s political extremes; <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/10/18/expect-violent-protests-to-erupt-in-france-again?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">expect more of it</a></u>. In Zimbabwe white farmers are <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/10/04/white-zimbabweans-return-to-farming?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">returning to work land</a></u> taken by Robert Mugabe a quarter-century ago. And our columnist considers the <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/09/22/bartleby-newsletter-the-tandcs-of-the-ai-apocalypse?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">delicate wording</a></u> that might indemnify AI firms if the bots happen to wipe out humanity. </p><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief</li><li>John McDermott, chief Africa correspondent</li><li>Andrew Palmer, “Bartleby” columnist</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>France riots, French politics</li><li>Zimbabwe, agriculture, white farmers</li><li>AI, extinction-level events, legalese, parody</li></ul><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<u><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to The Economist</a></u>.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>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 <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/briefing/2026/10/15/donald-trump-may-save-canada?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">many headaches</a></u>. Our correspondent examines China’s efforts toward brain-computer interfaces, finding the country is <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/10/06/china-wants-to-get-inside-your-head?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">closing the gap</a></u> with America. And Britain’s “<u><a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/10/08/conservationists-are-building-highways-for-bugs?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bug superhighways</a></u>” link up the shrinking number of lush insect habitats.</p><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Robert Russo, Canada writer</li><li>Don Weinland, China business and finance editor</li><li>Bella King, news editor</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Canada, Alberta, separatists, referendum</li><li>China, brain-computer interfaces</li><li>Britain, insects, conservation</li></ul><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<u><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to The Economist</a></u>.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>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 <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/10/15/what-if-the-machines-take-over-science?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">science</a></u> and what role human researchers may play. Why crisps are getting <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/10/08/why-your-snacks-are-chunkier-and-chewier-than-before?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">chunkier</a></u> and chocolate chewier. And celebrating the life and work of author <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/obituary/2026/10/15/annie-dillard-wanted-to-know-the-mind-of-god?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Annie Dillard</a></u>. </p><p>Watch extended clips from Insider <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/insider/previews?utm_campaign=a.brand_fy2627_q1_awareness-imp-tr_prospecting_global-global_direct_na&utm_medium=audio.podcast.pd&utm_source=economist&utm_content=discovery.awareness.anonymous.tr_nativeread_np-tiinsider-apr_na-na_web_na_na_na_na&utm_term=sa.arc-isi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a></u>.</p><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Alex Hern, AI writer</li><li>Alok Jha, science editor</li><li>Avantika Chilkoti, global business writer</li><li>Ann Wroe, obituaries editor</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Scientific research, mathpocalypse, AI </li><li>Crisps, snacks, texture, crunchtok</li><li>Annie Dillard, nature, obituary</li></ul><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<u><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to The Economist</a></u>.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>