Editor's Picks from The Economist

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Tech companies are racing to teach artificial intelligence to understand the physical world. The effort could lead to better robots and self-driving cars.Topics covered:World modelsArtificial IntelligenceRoboticsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. In The War Room, our defence newsletter, our defence editor weighs what could come next as the war in Iran expands.Topics covered:US-Israel attack on IranDonald Trump’s foreign policyIranian regimeListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Essential for modern military and green technology, critical metals have become the West's most serious strategic weakness. But as America races to build alternative supply chains, it risks doing more harm than good.Topics covered:Critical mineralsRare-earth metalsCommodity marketsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. In an era of endless optimisation, how can one stand out in the workplace? Our Bartleby column makes the case for workplace inefficiency.Topics covered:AI in the workplaceWorkplace efficiencyOffice politicsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. As Donald Trump shakes up global politics, American allies are diversifying their diplomatic ties. While visits to Beijing may yield few concrete deals, they offer China a symbolic victory and valuable time.Topics covered:Chinese diplomacyDonald Trump’s trade policyXi JinpingListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Vladimir Putin faces a disastrous dilemma in Ukraine. Pushing forward hollows out Russia’s economy and military, while ending the conflict risks a humiliating domestic backlash.Topics covered:Ukraine warVladimir PutinRussian military 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 Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Taxes on the wealthy are gaining popularity across the developed world. But to raise revenue without harming the economy, governments should embrace broad-based taxes instead.Topics covered:TaxationEconomic policyWealth inequalityListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Traffic-clogged cities may soon find relief on their rivers and coastlines. Silent, flying boats are poised to make waterborne travel cleaner, faster, and cheaper than ever.Topics covered:TechnologyElectric hydrofoilsClean energyListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Investors in cryptocurrencies are facing a slump while tech stocks remain at near-record highs. The asset class is losing both its novelty and its value. Topics covered:Digital assetsCryptocurrenciesBitcoinListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.