Economist Podcasts

After Republicans and Democrats failed to compromise on the budget bill, money to US federal agencies has officially been cut off . Donald Trump threatens “irreversible cuts”. The gaping security flaws in generative AI. And don’t call your colleague a moron, and other tips on how to prevent office feuds . Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Sub...

After pressure from US President Donald Trump, Israel’s Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has been strong-armed into agreeing a deal for Gaza . Will Hamas sign up too? Our correspondent analyses the path to peace. Lululemon needs a legging-up. And why leopards, crows and monkeys populate India’s cities. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe...

The collapse of Russia’s wartime economy has long been foretold, yet massive fiscal stimulus has compensated for the effect of sanctions. Though the pinch is now being felt, the labour market is surprisingly resilient. Protesters in China are getting more creative. And why car touchscreens are a hazard. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subsc...

President Donald Trump’s executive order ostensibly puts a years-long debate to bed. But questions persist about who will own— and influence —TikTok’s American operations. We examine the evidence on how climate change will aid the spread of dengue fever, a brutal and potentially deadly disease. And a tribute to Patrick McGovern, who obsessively recreated boozy beverages of yore. Get a world of ins...

A snapshot of the country reveals deepening military and economic problems—and, perhaps above all, political ones . America’s efforts to clamp down on skilled-worker visas will have far-reaching unintended consequences . And globally, more children today are obese than underweight. We look at which countries are worst affected. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For mo...

A long-suspected defence partnership between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan has burst into the open . We ask what Pakistan’s extension of its nuclear umbrella will mean. As Chinese brands sweep the world, some (such as Biemlfdlkk) are wisely changing their names . And a look through history at how authoritarians deal, or do not, with the comedians who mock them . Get a world of insights by subscribing...

Coffers running low and an increasingly absent principal member: the United Nations has never looked so precarious. We discuss its future amid uncertain geopolitics. The generative-AI explosion has mostly been driven by so-called large language models—but small ones look ever more attractive . And we meet the determined students who, against the odds, still want to drive London’s famed black cabs....

Part commemoration, part megachurch meeting , largely political rally—the memorial service for Charlie Kirk revealed much about how the Trump administration intends to respond to his killing. Sunlight may have got a worse rap than it deserves; we examine the evidence of its benefits . And why today’s pop songstresses sing less about men’s evil deeds and more about their mediocrity . Get a world of...

India is becoming one of the largest markets for Artificial Intelligence and shaping how the technology develops. Our correspondent assesses what type of AI superpower the country could be. Tracking the meltdown at Swiss chocolatier Nestlé . And celebrating the life of Robert Redford . Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist...

Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has paused a £200m investment in Britain and could move its primary listing to America. Can the UK maintain its status as a “life-science superpower”? Why autonomous air wings are the future of war in the sky. And how scientists in the Caribbean are restoring the barrier reef through “coral IVF”.  Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business...

A new United Nations report says Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute “genocide”. That has not deterred Binyamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, from mounting a ground offensive on Gaza City. The stakes – and steaks – of Donald Trump’s state visit to Britain. And life-hacks , Chinese style. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Ec...

Falling fertility makes a global decline in population inevitable. That will change the shape and make up of societies. But it may not make us poorer. Are large language models really woke ? And reading is on the wane – and why that matters.  Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about ho...

After Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison for trying to organise a coup in 2023, Donald Trump accused Brazil of staging a “witch hunt”. How will America respond? Niche sports like padel and tag are now attracting sponsorship and broadcast deals. And meet the real Lord Downton: Julian Fellowes .  Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and techn...

A high-stakes tussle about who will take over Fox and News Corp from Rupert Murdoch has concluded ; Lachlan, his eldest son, came out on top. Will the new boss be the same as the old boss? Our correspondent looks at kush , a synthetic opioid tearing through west Africa. And a look back on the life and style of Giorgio Armani . Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For mor...

America’s most prominent young conservative was assassinated while conducting one of his signature campus events. His death might only widen political divides. In Asia a broad trend of deflation points to lower prices but unhealthy economies . And what happens when spiritual leaders are given hallucinogens . Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about...

Qatar had positioned itself as a regional mediator, a safe space for negotiations. Israel’s previously unthinkable airstrikes have put an end to that reputation, and to near-term peace talks for Gaza. As demand for chocolate grows just as climate change affects supply, science is weighing in on alternatives. And a data deep-dive on whether America’s tourist numbers are slumping. Get a world of ins...

There is a growing awareness of how high temperatures affect expectant mothers and their babies. We look at the evidence for a climate-change effect that is already manifest . Marks and Spencer, a beloved retail chain, is emerging from sales slumps and recovering handily from a cyber-attack. And the policy moves to address India’s notoriously gridlocked roads . Get a world of insights by subscribi...

An unpopular budget will probably spark the ousting of another prime minister , Francois Bayrou—and with him goes another government. Parliamentary impasse is now business as usual, and voters are fed up. Getting Chinese spenders spending is tricky, so policy wonks are at last considering reforming the stingy pension system. And why so many people listen to podcasts at warp speed . Get a world of...

When the incoming chief of Britain’s secret services takes the helm on October 1st, she must balance competing priorities and navigate a world in which technology has made spycraft both tougher and riskier. Could nuclear power finally start to fulfil its potential? And remembering refugee and entrepreneur Stephanie Shirley . Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science...

Our correspondent meets Iraq’s prime minister Muhammad al-Sudani to discuss the country’s construction boom, its future aspirations and the obstacles that must still be overcome. Visit America’s YIMBY iest neighbourhood: the place where Americans actually want to increase the local population. And how superstition in Hong Kong can haunt the economy.   Listen to what matters most, from gl...

World leaders flocked to China this week for an international summit followed by a giant military parade commemorating the end of the second world war. Xi Jinping is capitalising on the chaos of Donald Trump’s second term. AI is helping fraudsters and hackers become more productive. And why Britain’s crackdown on strip clubs may be misguided.  Listen to what matters most, from global politics...

America’s health secretary, RFK Jr, is known for his opposition to vaccines, particularly mRNA jabs , that have the potential to treat a large swathe of diseases. Slashing funding will have long term implications beyond America. Our correspondent visits Britain’s biggest and newest supercomputer . And why Mexicans love Japanese and Korean culture.  Listen to what matters most, from global pol...

For the past week in Indonesia, protesters have taken to the streets and cities have burned. President Prabowo is still popular – now he faces a big test. Climate change threatens the collapse of an Atlantic current that helps make Europe habitable. And facekinis become a fashion item in China.  Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscrib...

Prime minister Bibi Netanyahu is focused on his own political survival. Our correspondent explains how strategic differences within Israel have shaped the war in Gaza. As the new college sports season kicks off in America, players will be paid for the first time, upending the industry’s economics. And remembering Sen Genshitsu , 15th master of the Urasenke tea ceremony. Listen to what matters most...

Yesterday Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian imports to America, among the highest in the world. How will Narendra Modi respond? Why Palantir could be the most overvalued firm of all time. And film, vinyl and print media make a comeback. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how...