Economist Podcasts

Demonstrations are growing once again—but this time the message is notably different, and the regime has little means available to calm tensions. Where will it end? Our World Ahead series lays out what to expect this year in China’s dealings with Taiwan, Japan and beyond. And a tribute to Nino Loureiro , a pioneering fusion physicist slain by a former classmate.   Get a world of insights...

It had real dramatic elements: a (slow) chase scene, faked locations, a literal false flag, a daring helicopter descent. But what is the broader picture of America’s bid to disrupt the Venezuelan-oil network? And how will the expanding oil saga affect an already weakened regime in Cuba ? Also, we ask whether Hispanic football fans might avoid the World Cup in America. Get a world of insights by su...

We return to the Los Angeles suburbs that were consumed by wildfires a year ago. The varying rebuilding efforts reveal divides in wealth, but also strains in California’s insurance industry. Never mind the AI job apocalypse, if it comes: the technology will create plenty of new roles , too. And why “ peak wine ” may be a good thing for sippers of the fine kind. Get a world of insights by subscribi...

The countries have a decades-long relationship—debt freely given in one direction and plenty of oil sold in the other. Yet America’s intervention has served as a reality check on China’s power in Venezuela and elsewhere. Our World Ahead series examines the risks to the American dollar as global reserve currency. And pricey handbags ain’t built like they used to be. Get a world of insights by subsc...

America’s National Security Strategy, released a month ago, suggested the administration’s focus was on dominance of the western hemisphere. But no one expected its first move would be a special-forces raid to depose President Nicolás Maduro. What is next comes with grave risks . And the video-games business wants to escape its rut by finding whole new markets —geographically and demographically....

Property wealth in China turbo-charged investment in art . Now house prices have crashed, art sales may follow. Are Britons really leaving the country in droves? And our obituaries editor on the death of the American cent coin. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economis...

The editor of our annual “ World Ahead ” publication predicts the themes and events that will dominate the headlines in 2026, from geopolitics to tech. He also admits what we got wrong last year. And The Economist launched its first podcast 20 years ago. We chart the evolution of audio, from a basement broom cupboard to today’s bountiful offerings. Listen to what matters most, from global politics...

Today’s show is a tribute to those whose lives we remembered this year. From Pope Francis , the most open-minded pontiff for decades, and controversial vice-president Dick Cheney , to champ of the chimpanzees Jane Goodall , bubblegum pop star Brian Wilson and Alice Tan Ridley , a New York subway busker who became a superstar.   Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to...

Announcing the return of The Economist’s annual ranking for best performing economy . Are you ready for the big reveal? Dalit cuisine is barely visible, in India or beyond. And why London’s river boats are making a comeback.  Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our vid...

Five years after seizing power in a coup, the military junta in Myanmar is holding an election. Yet all credible opposition has been banned. And war has inspired so many films over the past century. Our correspondents battle it out to pick the best one.  Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more informat...

So many books are published each year; few stand the test of time. Today we devote our whole show to asking which works have shaped the way we behave and how we think. Picks include “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley, “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen, “A Suitable Boy” by Vikram Seth and “Lord of the Rings” by JRR Tolkien. Full list of books mentioned in the show: The Bible The Koran “Pride and Pre...

Join our editors and correspondents in a gripping test of recall and reflexes. There are questions on business and politics of course—but also news noises to identify, one saucy limerick and quotes from “The Real Housewives” franchise that frankly no one expected. Which team will take the trophy? Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how to acce...

Recessions are, in their way, bad news. But so, paradoxically, is a lasting dearth of them. We explain the dangers that lie beneath the current run of continuous growth. Our correspondent looks into the hidden economics of online reviews , and whether to trust them. And a turkey-industry exposé that you’ll just gobble up.  Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For mo...

In a world of infinite content, who wins and who loses? Our correspondent explains what the proliferation of AI-generated art means for human artists. What the prevalence of male-female friendships tell us about a society. And why you should propose with a yellow-gold ring.   Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist...

Each year, The Economist tries to identify which country has improved the most, whether economically, politically or in other ways. In a turbulent year, the choice was tricky. We unveil the result. And The Economist Educational Foundation helps kids worldwide be more news-savvy. We invite you to donate and support its work: https://economistfoundation.org/donate/ . Listen to what matters most, fro...

Since Novo Nordisk launched Wegovy in 2021, it has dominated the fast-growing market for slimming drugs. Now a new jab is eating into the Danish firm’s success. Why a slang expert thinks the first word humans ever uttered may have been a profane one. And why British sheep have got happier.  Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to...

The European Union had promised to ban the sale of new diesel and petrol vehicles by 2035, as part of its environmental ambitions. Yesterday it watered down that commitment. Our correspondent explains the implications. Will Donald Trump’s choice of Federal Reserve chair politicise the institution? And The Economist announces its word of the year . Listen to what matters most, from global politics...

As the Australian authorities continue their investigation into Sunday’s deadly attack on a Hannukah party in Sydney, investigators have uncovered a possible link with Islamic State . Our journalists recommend their favourite books of 2025. And why there is now an Advent calendar for everything. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to...

Today Hong Kong’s most prominent media mogul was convicted of flouting national security legislation. Our correspondent explains the consequences for the territory. Why the policies of Britain’s Labour government are damaging London . And our correspondent offers sober advice on how (not) to cure a hangover .   Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and...

In Britain, Germany and France, populist-right leaders and parties are making hay . What unites their movements, and how do their respective political environments shape their future prospects? And our obituaries editor reflects on the life of Frank Gehry , perhaps the world’s most innovative architect. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+ . For more information about how...

America’s seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker fits with the stated goals in its new national-security strategy : untrammelled hemispheric dominance. How much of the document is polemic and how much will become policy? The long-run costs of the work-from-home revolution are becoming apparent in many American cities. And the one region where Pepsi is the cola of choice . Get a world of insights by su...

At every technological revolution, the industry of indecency is close at hand. We look at how sex workers and porn-peddlers are making use of AI. The sites of Syria’s most brutal civil-war deeds are just the latest destination for “ dark tourists ”; we explore the draw of atrocities. And to the many divisions in America, add one about a lawn-care implement . Get a world of insights by subscribing...

Of all the sackings at federal level President Donald Trump has carried out—and that the Supreme Court has upheld—the one now under consideration has the greatest implications for presidential power. Now that satellites are going up by the thousands, earthly astronomers are struggling for clear views. And how one firm is bucking the downward trend in the pen industry.  Get a world of insights...

A year after ousting its despot, things are not as bad as many had feared. But old sectarian divides threaten the peace . Forced labour, sex tourism and human-trafficking: ever more sophisticated drug gangs are behind a wave of exploitation across Latin America. And the rocketing price of gold drives a new generation of prospectors to California. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist...

Ukraine has been hit by a corruption scandal. One that strikes at the core of the political establishment in a way never before seen—and this in a country with a long and turbulent history of corruption. It has toppled President Zelensky’s right-hand man. It could mean the President himself won’t survive re-election when the war is over. And the timing couldn’t be worse—right in the middle of a pe...