The Intelligence from The Economist

<p>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. </p><p><em>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></em></p><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Simon Rabinovich, Beijing bureau chief</li><li>Georgia Banjo, Britain correspondent</li><li>Ann Wroe, obituaries editor</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Xi Jinping, Donald Trump, trade war, diplomacy</li><li>Tommy Robinson, American politics, Texas</li><li>Bob Mackie, fashion</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>Rich-world house prices survived the last fit of interest-rate rises; our correspondent lays out why they <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2026/09/20/house-prices-survived-the-last-interest-rate-rise-will-they-this-time?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">may not this time</a></u>. Nine months after Australia banned social media for under-16s, we ask if <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/asia/2026/09/03/social-media-curbs-for-kids-are-not-working-in-asia?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">anything has changed</a></u>. And a <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/09/18/can-fauda-capture-the-truth-of-israel-gaza-and-october-7th?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">critical look</a></u> at Israel’s hit show “Fauda” as it tackles the atrocities of October 7th. </p><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Callum Williams, senior economics writer</li><li>Josh Spencer, Asia news editor</li><li>Andrew Miller, special correspondent</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>housing markets, bond yields, interest rates</li><li>Australia, social media bans</li><li>“Fauda”, October 7th</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>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 <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/09/14/frances-centre-has-one-question-who-can-beat-marine-le-pen?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">flagging</a></u>. A buffer zone against so-called infiltrators in India’s West Bengal state is making life <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/asia/2026/09/17/to-keep-out-infiltrators-india-is-trapping-its-own-citizens?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">miserable</a></u> also for Indian citizens. And how Argentina’s supply of horses and cowboys led to world <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2026/08/19/polos-lessons-for-argentina?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">dominance</a></u> in polo. </p><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief </li><li>Kira Huju, Asia correspondent</li><li>Hamish Clayton, culture writer</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>French politics, Marine Le Pen</li><li>India, West Bengal, Bangladesh, Hindu nationalism</li><li>Argentina, polo</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>An illicit shadow economy, rampant extortion and the capture of the criminal justice system: mafia members and tactics are <a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/09/14/south-africa-is-at-risk-of-becoming-a-mafia-state?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">eating away</a> at the state. Oura seems to have <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/09/04/how-ouras-rings-found-their-way-onto-millions-of-fingers?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">captured the market</a> for smart rings; we ask whether it can keep its lead finger-tight. And our correspondent finds convention upended, <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/09/21/making-sense-of-george-lucass-new-billion-dollar-galaxy?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">for good and bad</a>, at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>John McDermott, chief Africa correspondent</li><li>Shera Avi-Yonah, business correspondent</li><li>Alexandra Suich Bass, culture editor</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>South Africa, organised crime, criminal justice</li><li>wearable tech, Oura rings</li><li>Lucas Museum</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribe to The Economist</em></a><em>.</em></p><br><p><br></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 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 href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/09/20/friedrich-merz-rues-disaster-as-populists-win-state-elections?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">a disaster</a>; what will it mean for him? Our correspondent looks into why there is <a href="https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2026/09/15/what-africas-biggest-ipo-can-do-for-its-stock-markets?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">so much enthusiasm</a> for African stocks. And what the science says about <a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2026/09/04/should-you-avoid-blue-light-before-bed?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">blue-light exposure and sleep</a>.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chief</li><li>Ọrẹ Ogunbiyi, Africa 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><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>German politics, Friedrich Merz, AfD, Die Linke</li><li>African stockmarkets, Aliko Dangote</li><li>sleep science, blue light</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribe to The Economist</em></a><em>.</em></p><p><br></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>After a visit to <a href="https://www.economist.com/briefing/2026/09/17/russia-has-entered-a-new-phase-of-total-war?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> 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 <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/09/09/as-booze-sales-fall-competition-among-drinks-makers-intensifies?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">alcohol companies</a> are scrambling to innovate. And remembering the life of feminist pioneer <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/09/03/gloria-steinem-gave-the-feminist-movement-mass-market-appeal?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">Gloria Steinem</a>. Watch extended clips from <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">Insider</a>&nbsp;</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Alex Turner, defence editor</li><li>Avantika Chilkoti, global business writer</li><li>Ann Wroe, obituaries editor</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Ukraine, drones, Shahed, Kyiv</li><li>Alcohol, beer, aperol</li><li>Gloria Steinem, feminism</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribe to The Economist</em></a><em>.</em></p><br><p><br></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 <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/09/10/kevin-warsh-should-raise-interest-rates?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">Federal Reserve</a> 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 <a href="https://www.economist.com/asia/2026/09/16/an-electoral-result-that-helps-japans-defence-buildup?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">Okinawa</a> is a boon to Japan’s military ambitions. And why <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/09/10/say-goodbye-to-summer-not-just-this-years?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">summer</a> is a casualty of climate change.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Archie Hall, acting economics editor</li><li>Moeka Iida, East Asia reporter</li><li>Andrew Miller, special correspondent</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh, interest rates, inflation</li><li>Okinawa, Japan</li><li>Summer, climate change, heatwave</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribe to The Economist</em></a><em>.</em></p><br><p><br></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>Is <a href="https://www.economist.com/international/2026/09/15/making-ai-safer-is-not-impossible-but-agreeing-to-do-so-may-be?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">artificial intelligence</a> becoming uncontrollably powerful? Our correspondent analyses whether a pause to breakneck development is possible or feasible. We have entered the new age of the <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/09/10/the-new-age-of-the-orator?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">orator</a>. And why <a href="https://www.economist.com/asia/2026/09/10/india-at-last-acquires-a-taste-for-cheese?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">cheese</a> is getting more popular in India.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Alex Hern, AI writer</li><li>Tom Wainwright, culture correspondent</li><li>Tom Sasse, South Asia bureau chief</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Human extinction, AI, Sam Altman, Dario Amodei</li><li>Oral culture, literacy, James Marriott, Walter Ong</li><li>Cheese, India, kalimpong</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribe to The Economist</em></a><em>.</em></p><br><p><br></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>Though a growing share of the British population is anxious about Islam, they have no reason to be. <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/09/10/islamism-is-a-threat-to-britain-islam-is-not?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">Islamism</a>, 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 <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/09/03/the-irs-is-going-after-america-incs-overseas-profits?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">shift profits</a> overseas. And why corporate <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/09/03/the-glory-of-the-corporate-training-video?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">training videos</a> are virtually useless.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Sonny Loughran, Britain correspondent</li><li>Shera Avi-Yonah, US business correspondent</li><li>Andrew Palmer, “Boss Class” host and Bartleby columnist</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Islamism, Britain, Islamophobia</li><li>IRS, corporate tax, Coca-Cola</li><li>Corporate training videos</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribe to The Economist</em></a><em>.</em></p><p><br></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>After years of stalemate, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis are <a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/09/13/the-houthis-shock-advance-in-yemen-gives-iran-new-leverage?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">taking territory</a>, 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 <a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/united-states/2026/09/10/donald-trumps-disintegrating-coalition?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">fragmentation</a> of the coalition that put Donald Trump back in office. And we ask how much <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/09/08/how-much-does-nepotism-really-matter-in-hollywood?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">nepotism matters</a> in Hollywood today.</p><br><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribe to The Economist</em></a><em>.</em></p><p><br></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>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.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Today his rallies attract tens of thousands of followers and he has the ear of the world’s richest man.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p><strong>Topics covered:</strong></p><p><br></p><ul><li><strong>Radical Islam</strong></li><li><strong>Gangs</strong></li><li><strong>English Defence League</strong></li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+</em></p><br><p><em>For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account</em></p><br><p><em>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 </em><a href="mailto:podcasts@economist.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>podcasts@economist.com</em></a><em>.</em></p><br><p><em>Read more about how we are using AI.</em></p><p><br></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>OpenAI’s claim to have solved one of the great problems in mathematics has itself created problems. We ask why the breakthrough has <a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2026/09/09/openais-apparent-maths-breakthrough-raises-profound-questions?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">shaken the field</a>. On the 25th anniversary of 9/11 we examine the vast counterterrorism machinery that followed in America, and nascent efforts to <a href="https://www.economist.com/united-states/2026/09/10/how-counterterrorism-has-empowered-donald-trumps-imperial-presidency?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">pare those powers back</a>. And remembering <a href="https://www.economist.com/obituary/2026/09/03/guo-lanying-was-the-singer-everyone-loved?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">Guo Lanying</a>, a Chinese singer who championed traditional opera.</p><br><p>Watch extended clips from Insider <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>.</p><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Sam Wikeley, science correspondent</li><li>Sam Beal, Washington correspondent</li><li>Ann Wroe, obituaries editor</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>mathematics, AI, Millennium Prize Problems</li><li>9/11 anniversary, counterterrorism law</li><li>Guo Lanying, Chinese opera</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribe to The Economist</em></a><em>.</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 labour data are in from America and a trend is <a href="https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2026/09/04/the-jobs-apocalypse-is-postponed-an-ai-jobs-boom-is-here?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">becoming clearer</a>: 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 <a href="https://www.economist.com/china/2026/09/03/why-cant-a-tech-savvy-china-make-its-food-safe?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">food-safety problems</a>. We ask why not. And why Kenya’s ants have become the target of <a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/08/26/why-smugglers-are-stealing-kenyas-ants?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">smugglers</a>.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Alex Domash, economics correspondent</li><li>Gabriel Crossley, China correspondent</li><li>Carla Subirana, news editor</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>AI, labour statistics, labour market</li><li>China, regulation, food safety</li><li>ants, smuggling, Kenya</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribe to The Economist</em></a><em>.</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>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 <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2026/09/07/javier-mileis-liberal-experiment-is-struggling?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">not materialising</a>. As LIV Golf files for bankruptcy, we ask where it <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/09/03/liv-golfs-failure-shows-how-not-to-invest-in-sport?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">went wrong</a> in trying to disrupt the sport. And the growth that is good for India’s people is <a href="https://www.economist.com/asia/2026/08/20/indian-elephants-are-being-squeezed-out-of-their-habitats?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">bad for its elephants</a>.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Kinley Salmon, Latin America correspondent</li><li>Henry Tricks, US technology editor</li><li>Abhishek Kumar, India writer</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Argentina, Javier Milei</li><li>golf, LIV Golf, Saudi Arabia</li><li>India, elephants</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribe to The Economist</em></a><em>.</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><a href="https://www.economist.com/international/2026/09/08/are-teenagers-growing-dimmer?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">International tests</a> 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 <a href="https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2026/08/31/the-extraordinary-rise-of-miamis-economy?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">Miami</a>’s thriving economic growth sustainable? And why <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/08/05/if-you-want-to-understand-modern-britain-listen-to-bbc-radio-2?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">Jeremy Vine</a>’s BBC Radio 2 show is a microcosm of Britain.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Mark Johnson, senior editor</li><li>Cerian Richmond Jones, international economics correspondent</li><li>Sonny Loughran, Britain correspondent&nbsp;</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><ul><li>PISA, education, test scores, exams, aptitude</li><li>Miami, Trump, Florida, hurricane</li><li>Jeremy Vine, Radio 2, BBC</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribe to The Economist</em></a><em>.</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><a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/09/06/the-alternative-for-germany-has-won-its-best-ever-election-result?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">Alternative for Germany</a> 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 <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/08/20/fewer-contrails-would-be-good-for-the-climate?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">vapour trails</a> from aeroplanes. And why South Korean youths are turning to <a href="https://www.economist.com/asia/2026/07/09/how-south-korean-buddhists-are-trying-to-stay-relevant?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">Buddhism</a>.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chief</li><li>Oliver Morton, planetary affairs editor</li><li>Soobin Kim, Korea writer</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>AfD, Alternative for Germany, Alternative für Deutschland</li><li>contrails, aviation, climate science</li><li>South Korea, Buddhism</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribe to The Economist</em></a><em>.</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><a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/09/03/nvidia-is-driving-the-ai-boom-good?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">Nvidia</a>, the world’s most valuable company, has shifted strategy to boost demand for its chips. Our correspondent assesses the opportunities and risks. <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/09/03/the-changing-geography-of-violent-crime-in-britain?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">Knife crime</a> in Britain moves to rural pastures. And our obituaries editor recounts the life of <a href="https://www.economist.com/obituary/2026/08/27/frank-smith-never-managed-to-prove-he-was-innocent?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">Frank Smith</a>, who died in prison aged 101.&nbsp;</p><p>Watch extended clips from Insider <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>, plus the full Elon Musk interview</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Shailesh Chitnis, global business writer</li><li>Sonny Loughran, Britain correspondent</li><li>Ann Wroe, obituaries editor</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Nvidia, AI, Jensen Huang</li><li>Knife crime, county lines, drug market</li><li>Frank Smith, electric chair, death row</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribe to The Economist</em></a><em>.</em></p><br><p><br></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 stance on <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/08/27/the-unwelcoming-states-of-america?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">immigration</a> helped him win the presidency. Our correspondent asks if a backlash against the campaign could damage Republican midterm prospects. <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/08/20/can-reddit-survive-in-the-ai-era?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">Reddit</a> is struggling in an age of AI. And the enduring beauty of the <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/09/01/france-is-love-bombing-britain?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">Bayeux tapestry</a>.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Aryn Braun, West Coast correspondent</li><li>Shera Avi-Yonah, business correspondent</li><li>Alexandra Suich Bass, culture editor</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Deportation, ICE, immigration, Minneapolis</li><li>Reddit, Google, AI</li><li>Bayeux tapestry, 1066, British Museum</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribe to The Economist</em></a><em>.</em></p><br><p><br></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>On Sunday, <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/08/31/how-the-alternative-for-germany-would-govern?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">Alternative for Germany</a> 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 <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/08/20/why-everybody-hates-palantir?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">Palantir</a> handling government contracts? And could the Chinese learn to love <a href="https://www.economist.com/china/2026/08/20/will-china-ever-learn-to-love-chocolate?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">chocolate</a>?&nbsp;</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Tom Nuttall, chief Germany correspondent</li><li>Georgia Banjo, Britain correspondent</li><li>Don Weinland, China business and finance editor</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Germany, AfD, Alternative for Germany, Saxony-Anhalt</li><li>Palantir, NHS</li><li>China, chocolate&nbsp;</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribe to The Economist</em></a><em>.</em></p><br><p><br></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>After the devastating <a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2026/08/27/the-terrifying-mechanics-of-the-nepali-flash-flood?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">flash flood</a> last week, our correspondent explains why the country is so ill-equipped to deal with the crisis. Does <a href="https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2026/08/18/does-ai-stop-children-from-learning?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">AI stop children</a> from learning? And why Japanese <em>ongaku kissa</em>, or <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/08/20/japans-music-cafes-are-striking-a-chord-abroad?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">listening bars</a>, are so popular abroad.</p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Kira Hiju, Asia correspondent</li><li>Michelle Hennessy, graphic detail editor</li><li>Aaron Coultate, newsletter editor</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Nepal, flood, climate change, glacier, hydropower</li><li>AI, education, exams</li><li>Japan, listening bars, <em>ongaku kissa</em>&nbsp;</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribe to The Economist</em></a><em>.</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>