Editor's Picks from The Economist

Italy’s remarkably low rate of fentanyl overdoses could be the result of an informal veto by organised crime groups.Topics covered:Italy’s MafiaFentanylControlled substances Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

Financial markets are starting to price in milder AI threats. But they are ill-equipped to insure against catastrophic risks. Topics covered:Artificial intelligence Financial marketsExistential threatsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

As American power retreats, the region is left exposed to instability and competing rivals.Topics covered:Middle EastIran warAmerican hegemonyListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

Record numbers of graduates are entering a sluggish economy. As millions of young adults are left without job prospects, some have turned to pretending to work.Topics covered:Youth unemployment in ChinaThe Pretend to Work CompanyChinese economyListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

The bond market was once a safe haven. That status is now under threat, thanks to soaring public debts and persistent deficits.Topics covered:Bond marketGovernment debtInterest ratesListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

Russia has intensified its war on Ukraine. Europe has already done plenty to help the country, but for selfish reasons, it should do more.Topics covered:Ukraine warEuropean UnionDefence technologyListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

As fears grow about the rapid progress of AI, America faces a dilemma. A slowdown may conflict with the impetus to stay ahead of China. Topics covered:AI safetyUS-China relationsUkraine warListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. As public hostility toward AI and data centres grows, Silicon Valley is increasingly embracing aesthetic nostalgia.Topics covered:Retrofuturism Silicon ValleyAI backlash Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.