Mohamed Guhaad's podcast

People are spurning marriage and any other kind of romantic relationship in record numbers. Our correspondents explore the non-dating market. The rise of AI companions could also have profound implications for society. And why tobacco companies are thriving.  Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more informat...

The BBC’s director-general and head of news have resigned amid accusations of institutional bias. Can the broadcaster recover its reputation? Ukrainian prisoners-of-war speak of torture and beatings in Russian detention. And celebrating the life of Kanchha Sherpa , the last surviving member of the first Everest ascent. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and t...

Jordan Bardella, the leader of the National Rally party, has a stonking lead in voting-intention polls. His plans , our correspondent says, would put France on a collision course with the rest of Europe. We examine a new conservation-finance mechanism being trialled in the Democratic Republic of Congo. And reflecting on the life of Dick Cheney , a remarkably consequential American vice-president....

Just as soon as President Donald Trump started applying sweeping tariffs on trading partners, legal challenges to them started piling up. We listen in on the Supreme Court proceedings that might end them . America’s gender gap in labour-force participation is growing for the first time; we ask why. And the “ dark patterns ” that nudge—or trick, or bully—online buyers. Get a world of insights by su...

In the first electoral test of Donald Trump’s second term, Democrat supporters voted in a socialist mayor of New York and governors to New York and Virginia. What does this mean for next year’s midterms? Democracy in Turkey is being eviscerated . And the world may be becoming less grumpy . Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Econom...

As America sends its biggest naval hardware to the Caribbean, we ask whether the intent is more than mere sabre-rattling —and why the Trump administration has appetite for another foreign entanglement. Our correspondent sits down with Salman Rushdie to discuss his new book and the value of humour. And as AI-generated spreads, more of the lyrics get filthy .  Get a world of insights by subscribing...

The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have at last taken El Fasher, the capital of Darfur. Reported atrocities are sharply rising , in a chilling echo of what happened in the region two decades ago. Artificial intelligence is narrowing the information asymmetry between sellers and buyers, spelling an end to the “ rip-off economy ”. And why the literary genre of questionnaires is fading . Get a wor...

Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to holster their trade weapons for now. But even if the deal holds, it does not address the deeper problems in the relationship. We examine why mercenaries—and slick international firms that employ them—are doing a roaring trade these days. And a Halloween look at what our correspondent calls a golden age of horror . Get a world of insights by subscrib...

Taxes upon taxes are just one of the reasons that both financial-industry hotshots and businesses are moving out of the Big Apple. We look at what that might cost the city. A snapshot of the drinks business reveals a subtle picture of who is drinking what, and where. And the Chinese rapper that is fast becoming a global household name.  Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+...

Europe is edging closer to using seized Russian assets to finance Ukraine. The country badly needs that 140bn-euro windfall—and much, much more. A much-fretted-about AI jobs apocalypse is not here yet, but AI-adopting firms are hiring less for junior-level positions. And our ranking of the passports that permit the most freedom of movement. Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podca...

Ships of unknown origin or intent are flummoxing NATO forces on the high seas. Our correspondent visits the Latvian navy on the Virsaitis as it intercepts a mystery vessel. We examine China’s enormous gig economy and how 200m workers are turning precarious conditions to their advantage. And a new book explores what people talk about when they talk about antisemitism. Get a world of insights by sub...

Voters overwhelmingly backed the party of President Javier Milei, handing him a lifeline he was not expected to get. We ask how he can finish his vast project of economic change. Meanwhile Germany’s promised package of sweeping reforms is turning out to be lacklustre . And why many video games appear to be getting harder after years of popular-appeal ease. Get a world of insights by subscribing to...

This weekend American and Chinese officials are meeting to try and ease tensions over trade after China’s recent decision to restrict rare-earth exports. How has China gained the upper hand? Anxiety about screen time is focused on young people, but the elderly are addicted to devices too. And the wonder of waltzes , from Strauss to “Strictly Come Dancing”. Listen to what matters most, from global...

The government shutdown in America is now the second-longest on record. Yet there is no apparent urgency to end it, either from Republicans or Democrats. Why Ghana has escaped the jihadist violence of its neighbours in the Sahel. And bottled water is going upmarket.  Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more...

America has been blowing up ships in foreign waters suspected of carrying drugs. That will do little to dent today’s narco-business , which is more inventive and adaptable than ever. Why business executives in China keep disappearing . And the jewels stolen in the brazen Louvre heist may never be found.  Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subs...

Takaichi Sanae , Japan’s new prime minister, rode motorbikes and plays heavy-metal drums. Will her political ambitions be as bold? America, a nation of immigrants, is turning against new arrivals . Our correspondent explains the consequences. And a fast-growing chain of coffee shops creates a stir in Germany. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—...

Ten days into the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the truce remains tenuous. Today our correspondent speaks to people on the ground in Gaza about what they expect from the future. Why global cities are coming round to bikes again. And being left-handed may give you an advantage in certain sports. Photo courtesy of Omar Mahmood. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to...

John Bolton, a former Trump ally-turned-critic has been charged with mishandling classified information. That raises further fears that the justice department is being politicised. Why dropping a case against two people accused of spying for China has engulfed the British government. And celebrating Saul Zabar , whose deli delighted New Yorkers. Listen to what matters most, from global politics an...

When Giorgia Meloni was elected Italy’s prime minister, many people feared she would prove divisive and volatile. Instead, at a time when many other European governments have been in turmoil, her three years in office have been remarkably tranquil. Why German trains no longer run on time. And a very British battle: conker competitions .  Listen to what matters most, from global politics and busine...

After cancelling much of America’s international development funding , President Donald Trump is now using that money to boost friends, allies against China and buy goods and influence. Ukraine is striking Russia’s fuel infrastructure deep inside the country. And why JD Wetherspoon is not just a British bargain boozer. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and t...

Cyberattacks have brought firms like Jaguar Land Rover and Asahi to a standstill. Our correspondent asks what companies and governments should do about a rising problem. Why it is getting harder to count deaths in Africa. And is eating dark chocolate actually good for you?  Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ Fo...

Donald Trump arrived in the Middle East for a victory tour as Israeli captives were finally freed. But the path to peace does not run smooth: Gaza is devastated, Hamas remains armed and tricky negotiations continue. Why luxury travel is thriving, with a little help from social media. And celebrating Claudia Cardinale , the accidental film star. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and...

In May 2024, Yevgenia Berkovich and Svetlana Petrichuk, the director and writer of an experimental play, became the first Russian artists since Soviet times to be put on trial for the content of their work. It was a show trial. Like all show trials its outcome was preordained. But when professional actors took the stand, it turned it into a different kind of show—one that put the spotlight on a ra...

Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, is a huge video-game fan . Now his hobby is becoming a multi-billion-dollar industry for the kingdom, which is acquiring some of the world’s biggest gaming firms. How Finnish icebreakers became a focus for polar power politics. And the NBA plays its first basketball game on Chinese soil in six years. Listen to what matters most, from global politic...

Donald Trump has brokered an agreement between Israel’s government and Hamas. It’s a momentous breakthrough. Our correspondent analyses what comes next. We launch “ The Economist Insider ”, our new TV show for subscribers, where senior editors debate the news. And, do red-light masks actually work? Jason tries one… Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and techn...