The Intelligence from The Economist

Marine Le Pen’s far-right party made great gains in the first round of France’s parliamentary election . The left did too. We ask what this means for France and President Emmanuel Macron. Thailand will soon legalise same-sex marriage , but in other areas, democratic freedoms are being threatened (10:20). And penalty shoot-outs are agony for players, coaches and spectators. Can technology help (16:...

On July 4th Britain will have a general election, one in which is widely expected to result in dramatic losses for the ruling Conservative party. If so, it would bring to an end 14 years of Tory rule. It’s been a turbulent period; the twin catastrophes of Brexit and Covid, set to the grinding and gloomy mood music of the 2008 financial crash. The Economist’s Andy Miller travels up and down the cou...

America’s president had one primary task at last night’s debate: to close down speculation about his mental faculties. It went so poorly his whole campaign is now in doubt. Tentative results from a newish instrument give tantalising hints that the leading theory on the universe’s makeup might need reworking entirely (10:20). And bullfighting moves from literal arenas to the political arena (18:40)...

After 14 years in opposition, Britain’s Labour Party is on track for a comprehensive win in next week’s general election. We profile Keir Starmer , its leader, asking whether his modus operandi can turn the country around, too. Despite the obvious distractions phones represent, Americans want their children to have them in schools (10:50). And auction houses get into the business of “ art-based le...

Our correspondents were the first media to see the American-built JLOTS pier, intended for aid deliveries into Gaza. Things have not at all gone to plan. After years of slipping, house prices are on the rise again; we ask why (16:51). And a trip to see the Savannah Bananas, a goofy exhibition-baseball team that has serious lessons for the major leagues (22:57). Additional audio courtesy of the Sav...

As Julian Assange is released from prison our correspondent reflects on how the work of Wikileaks changed whistleblowing in the internet era, for good and for ill. Meanwhile Peter Navarro, Donald Trump’s trade hawk, remains behind bars—but is plotting for a second Trump term (09:25). And the social-media trend changing tinned fish from frumpy to foodie fare (18:33). Get a world of insights by subs...

After decades as a scientific also-ran, China is becoming a superpower particularly in the physical sciences. We examine the risks and opportunities that poses for the West. Our correspondent looks into why denizens of the Mediterranean live so long (10.32). And this year’s confluence of two broods makes for a rare preponderance of cicadas (17.53). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economi...

Since his election last year, President Javier Milei has enjoyed some economic and political wins in Argentina. But his toughest fight is yet to come. On Britain’s general election trail, our correspondent found voters less keen on the prospect of a Labour victory than on punishing the Conservative party at the polls (10:00). And remembering Birubala Rabha , who campaigned against witch-hunting in...

No energy source has ever increased as fast as solar photovoltaics. The technology will transform humanity’s energy consumption–even when the sun doesn’t shine. Many people associate champagne with success but wine collectors often shun it. Now global sales are fizzing (10:51). And many chief executives are early birds , not night owls. Does it really pay to be up with the larks (18:32)? Listen to...

Both the left and right are likely to do well in France’s upcoming parliamentary poll, with President Emmanuel Macron’s party squeezed in the middle. The snap election could leave the country in chaos . In America, recreational use of weed is now commonplace, but what impact does it have on users’ wellbeing (10:06)? And the joy of short books : the intense pleasure of a quickie (17:40). Listen to...

The post-war generation reaped the benefits of peace and prosperity. Yet rather than spend that bounty, retired boomers are hoarding their riches –and upending economists’ expectations. The science of menstruation is baffling, partly because most animals don’t do it. Now clever innovations may help improve women’s health (9:13). And how old-fashioned wind-power is blowing new life into the shippin...

Much of Sudan has already collapsed into chaos . Now a crucial city may fall, the United Nations is belatedly scrambling to avert a bloodbath. Gary Lineker is a former footballer, broadcaster and podcast mogul. He also embodies Britain’s social aspirations (10:52). And the women in Japan who pay men to praise them (18:49).  Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to sci...

Britain’s pint-sipping rabble-rouser of the right has joined the campaigning ahead of a general election. Win or lose, he will make an impact. America’s stadiums and arenas are often built using taxpayer dollars; they are also often terrible value for money (10:08). And a tribute to William Anders , an astronaut who snapped one of history’s most famed photographs (17:15). Get a world of insights b...

America’s upbeat assessment of a ceasefire deal masks deep divides that may not, in fact, be bridgeable. There are nevertheless reasons for optimism. Our data team digs into the accusation that the New York Times ’s bestseller list is biased against conservatives (10:58). And why a quirk of British regulation is holding back its non-alcoholic-drinks industry (19:08).  Get a world of insights...

We have dusted off and tuned up our forecast model for America’s presidential race. So far it gives Donald Trump a marginally higher chance of a second term. There is at last progress on not one but two vaccines to beat malaria (9:02). And a look at the “ tradwives ” of TikTok: passionate homemakers who prefer the gender roles of the past (15:10). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economis...

Across the rich world millions spend more than a third of their disposable income on rent. We ask why policymakers have such terrible ideas on easing the pressure. America’s bid to crimp TikTok has raised a flurry of issues far graver than social-media scrolling (9:53). And why pop stars are (again) embracing the album over the single (15:46). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Po...

Hard-right parties did well in Europe's parliamentary elections—so well in France that President Emmanuel Macron called a risky snap election. Elsewhere, though, the political centre held. We examine the policies that are getting America’s many chronically truant students back in school (9:13). And the delicate business of naming a new car (16:42). Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economi...

Narendra Modi has been chosen to lead India for the third time in a row. But after 10 years in power, he was humbled at the national election. What kind of leader will he be? Stories from his youth in the Hindu nationalist movement offer clues. This episode draws on audio from the following publishers: Narendra Modi YouTube, ANI, Legend Global Studios, Lalit Vachani, Prasar Bharti Archives, Desh G...

When Russia attacked the Kakhovka dam in Ukraine a year ago, lives were lost, families stranded and towns submerged. But from that devastation emerged discussion on post-war reconstruction . Our correspondent spent months investigating Narendra Modi , the strongman who was humbled at this week’s Indian election (10:02). And remembering Barry Kemp , the Egyptologist who dug up Akhenaten’s abandoned...

As Britain’s general-election campaign heats up, party leaders are vague on their economic plans . With growth so slow, how could the victor energise the economy? We visit the D-day beaches 80 years on, as war rages in Europe once again (10:19). And Venice’s new daytripper fee is designed to curb crowds. But putting a price on protecting beauty is proving controversial (17:42).   Listen...

Narendra Modi, the strongman of India, will have to compromise now his party has lost its majority . What does the surprise result mean for the country? As some foreign investors shy away from Africa, the continent’s private sector is serving domestic customers to fill that hole (10:02). And how mastering circus stunts could help future moon-dwellers exercise (16:42). Listen to what matters most,...

There has been a slow strangling of freedom in the territory where pro-democracy activists have been convicted; an annual vigil for the victims of the Tiananmen Square crackdown in Beijing in 1989 has been replaced by a food fair. A boom in startups suggests America is recovering its pioneering spirit (8:06). And remembering June Mendoza , portrait painter to the royals, and the less well-known (1...

Claudia Sheinbaum has been elected Mexico’s first female president . Now the real fight begins: crime is rocketing, corruption is rampant and the country is divided. Hurricane season has arrived in the Atlantic, and America’s coastal states are braced for a stormy one —thanks to forces both natural and man-linked (11:02). And introducing the new co-host of “The Intelligence” (20:11). Until June 5t...

The former president was found guilty on all 34 charges of falsifying business records. But his convictions leave lots of room for appeals, and for supporters to cry foul. South Africa’s ruling party is set to lose its majority in its worst electoral performance since Nelson Mandela’s victory. What might a coalition look like (09:28)? And, we say goodbye to Ore (17:08). Until June 5th, get a world...

Ahead of a general election in July, we reflect on 14 years of Conservative rule. It’s not a great record, but will the prime minister be able to spin it on the campaign trail? Latin America is still being torn apart by some of the world’s worst gang violence . Why aren’t countermeasures working (10:26)? And how climate change is making our days ever so slightly longer (20:03). Until June 5th, get...