The Intelligence from The Economist
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Episodes
Ire and ICE: the toll of America’s deportations
This episode examines Trump’s mass deportation strategy, noting its shift from visible raids to quieter, tech-driven interior arrests and the resulting political backlash among Hispanic voters.
Right in front: AfD could win German state
This episode examines the AfD’s potential victory in Saxony-Anhalt, Palantir’s controversial UK contracts, and China’s emerging artisanal chocolate market.
After the flood: Nepal’s ongoing rescue
The episode covers Nepal’s devastating floods, analyzing the disaster’s causes and the nation’s unpreparedness amid climate change and political instability.
Stars in their AIs: tech is changing Hollywood
The episode explores AI’s disruptive impact on Hollywood, detailing its use in filmmaking and the resulting industry controversy.
Bots on the ground: China leads humanoid race
The episode covers China’s rapid expansion in humanoid robotics, highlighting the challenges of training data and high costs despite impressive demonstrations.
Big shot: does a cancer vaccine work?
The episode covers a breakthrough Moderna mRNA cancer vaccine, Canada’s booming oil industry amid trade tensions, and the death of Dolly Parton.
Slip the surly bonds? Scott Bessent goes on a yield trip
The episode examines US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s controversial attempt to lower bond yields, which experts view as a symbolic gesture…
Even-more-maximum pressure: sanctions on Iran
The episode examines the US Treasury’s new economic sanctions against Iran, analyzing their likely limited impact due to Iran’s sanction-evasion experience and China’s continued trade.
Elbows up, again: a US-Canada trade flare-up
The episode examines the collapse of US-Canada trade talks, leaving Canada to navigate Trump’s tariffs while balancing internal political pressures.
I, robot? AI and consciousness
This episode explores whether AI can achieve consciousness, debating biological versus computational theories with science editor Alok Jha.
An interview with Yuval Noah Harari
Historian Yuval Noah Harari discusses AI’s potential to surpass human intelligence and assume control over finance and politics.
Bombs and bombshells: Zelensky under pressure
This episode examines Ukraine’s political turmoil as former defense minister Mykhailo Fyodorov calls for elections amid corruption probes and intensified Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure.
Wake-up haul: an Ozempic moment for the brain
This episode explores the pharmaceutical potential of orexin agonists, which may rival GLP-1 drugs in treating sleep disorders and beyond.
Settler bet: a West Bank flashpoint
This episode examines escalating settler violence in the West Bank, where Israeli government complicity risks sparking a new conflict ahead of elections.
It’s not easy being Green: Zack Polanski
Andrew Miller examines Zach Polanski’s transformation of the UK Green Party into a populist force, analyzing his unconventional background and political rise.
Afghanistan, five years on: our correspondent visits
This episode examines Afghanistan five years after the Taliban takeover, highlighting consolidated hardliner power, widespread poverty, and restricted freedoms.
Caracas under pressure: democracy in Venezuela
The Intelligence covers U.
Pump and circumstance: is China the new OPEC?
This episode examines how China’s strategic oil stockpiles and export bans mitigated global price spikes during an Iran conflict.
Spring, then fall: a weakened Muslim Brotherhood
This episode examines the Muslim Brotherhood’s decline amid autocratic backlash and US pressure, debunks Elon Musk’s claims about European crime…
Under strAIn: breaking the British state
This episode explores how citizens use AI to navigate complex government bureaucracy, creating an "arms race" that strains public institutions.
Outsider chance: ending Sudan’s proxy war
This episode examines Sudan’s ongoing civil war, highlighting the humanitarian crisis and foreign interference by the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Socialist mobility: a telling Michigan vote
The Intelligence examines Abdul El-Said’s progressive primary victory in Michigan, analyzing its implications for the Democratic Party and the upcoming Senate race against Mike Rogers.
Taking the shine off: albedo and global temperatures
This episode examines record ocean heat driven by reduced atmospheric reflectivity and sulfur emissions, the surge of cocaine trafficking through…
In arms’ way: Gaza-deal sticking points
The episode examines the stalled Gaza ceasefire, noting deep skepticism between Israel and Hamas regarding disarmament and troop withdrawal despite Trump’s claims.
Taken littorally: Spain’s sudden crisis in Ceuta
This episode examines the migrant surge in Ceuta, driven by geopolitical tensions between Spain, Morocco, and Algeria.
Omission accomplished: why the Iran-war cycle spins on
The episode analyzes the stalled US-Iran negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the failure of Trump’s vague diplomatic approach.
Working memory: the surprising decline of dementia
The Intelligence explores the surprising decline in dementia rates, discussing modifiable risk factors like lifestyle changes and the shingles vaccine.
Brave New whirl: Turkey’s opposition overhaul
This episode examines the political fallout in Germany after Jens Spahn resigned over a surrogacy scandal, highlighting Chancellor Merz's handling of the crisis and its impact on upcoming elections.
Burning questions: a more fire-prone world
This episode examines unprecedented wildfires in Europe, the stalling of women’s career advancement as they “lean out” of the workforce, and the rise of “nightlife mayors” in US cities.
Cockroaches 1, Modi 0: India’s remarkable protests
This episode explores the seismic resignation of India’s education minister following youth-led "cockroach" protests against exam corruption and political dissent.
The Elon game: Musk’s vision of the future
The episode features an extensive interview with Elon Musk on AI’s future and his controversial political views, alongside a report on Sweden’s shift toward criminalizing children.
An interview with Elon Musk
Elon Musk discusses his vision for an AI-driven future where superintelligent robots create immense abundance, rendering money and traditional work obsolete.
For bucks’ sake: the rise of self-made billionaires
This episode explores the shifting legitimacy of billionaires, arguing that self-made wealth from competitive sectors is rising despite anti-oligarchy sentiment.
Kyiv brawl: Ukraine’s top general fired
This episode examines Ukraine’s internal political crisis following the dismissal of Defense Minister Fedorov and General Sersky, highlighting…
Hard cedar: Lebanon seeks Trump’s help
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visits the White House to seek US support for rebuilding his war-torn nation and curbing Hezbollah’s influence amid a severe financial crisis.
A firm Andy: what are new British PM’s plans?
Rosie Bloor discusses Andy Burnham’s ascension to UK Prime Minister, analyzing his cabinet choices and devolution plans amid economic challenges.
You’ve come a long way, Bibi: Israel’s crucial election
The episode covers Israel’s upcoming election, analyzing the political stakes and key opposition figures challenging Benjamin Netanyahu.
In it to bin it: Nigel Farage v Count Binface
The Intelligence explores a UK by-election where Nigel Farage faces comedian Count Binface, highlighting the quirks of British politics.
Strait and narrowing: the Iran deal crumbles
The Intelligence examines the collapse of a US-Iran ceasefire, leaving the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed and oil prices rising as diplomatic options dwindle.
The case of the missing totem: Aung San Suu Kyi
This episode examines the uncertain fate of Aung San Suu Kyi, Turkey’s economic gains from the Iran conflict, and optimal sleep duration.
A hawk who flew on political winds: Lindsey Graham
The episode examines the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham, analyzing his political evolution and hawkish foreign policy legacy.