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Editor's Picks from The Economist
Editor’s Picks: October 23rd 2023
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A selection of three essential articles read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. This week, why only America can save Israel and Gaza from a greater catastrophe. Also, the recent election in Poland offers a lesson in how to push back on populism (10:30) and the resurgence of bedbugs, beyond the hype (16:00).
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08:40|A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Some researchers have started to treat their AI models like minds. This sets a worrying trap for the human species. Topics covered:Artificial intelligenceConsciousnessPhilosophy Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.How AI is changing tourism
08:55|A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Chatbots are just the latest technology to advise on trips. AI could save tourists from the TikTok herd. Topics covered:Artificial intelligenceSocial mediaTourismListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.Will democracy be restored in Venezuela?
05:18|A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Restoring democracy did not sound like Donald Trump’s priority in Venezuela. But Marco Rubio’s efforts offer new hope. Topics covered:Venezuela Marco RubioMaría Corina MachadoListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.Why index funds demand active choices
07:02|A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Despite their reputation for being passive, index funds still require active choices and manager discretion.Topics covered:Index fundsInvestingStocksListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.Democracies must engage with the Taliban
09:17|A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Five years after America’s exit, the vile Afghan regime is not going anywhere. Judicious engagement will do more good than harm.Topics covered:AfghanistanTalibanInternational relations Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.Hollywood enters its cougar era
09:17|A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Older women are increasingly dating younger men on screen, mirroring a real-world trend.Topics covered:Relationships DemographicsFilmsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.Why science still needs animal testing
05:22|A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. In America, Democrats and Republicans are increasingly uniting against animal testing. Their efforts are misguided. Topics covered:Animal testingAmerican politicsBiotechnologyListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.How to end Sudan’s forgotten war
09:18|A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Diplomats face a rare opportunity to push for peace in Sudan. They should seize the moment. Topics covered:Sudan’s civil warIran warDiplomacy Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.Why AI could threaten China’s regime
09:43|A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. China is not as well-placed to take advantage of artificial intelligence as many people assume. Topics covered:Artificial intelligenceRoboticsChinaListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.