Editor's Picks from The Economist

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. China's government strictly enforced its one-child policy for decades. Now it is encouraging women to have more children. But despite a wide array of new incentives, this cultural shift is proving difficult. 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. In the shadow of failed investments and looming American tariffs, European carmakers are worried. They are right to be. 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. Javier Milei’s disdain for the state has made him a favourite among the MAGA crowd. A closer look at his policy positions, though, reveals some key differences with Donald Trump.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. While there are many things that humans find funny, there are only two types of laughter: one derived from something humourous and the other from tickling. Scientists are exploring what it means.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. Advanced qualifications don’t always improve students’ career prospects. Under new rules in America, universities may have to offer warnings about the high debt and low wages graduates face. 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. Despite facing tight sanctions over the war in Ukraine, Russia’s economy has been expanding at its fastest rate in more than a decade. But rising interest rates could be a sign of trouble to come.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. Elon Musk has a mandate to slash bureaucracy in America’s federal government. But his goal of cutting $2 trillion from the budget is not realistic. Will his efforts help or harm the government?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. Hot on the heels of snagging the Palme d'Or, we consider why “Anora” so successfully reimagines archetypes and storylines. 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. After a rocky few years, bitcoin prices seem to be rising. We explain why many crypto bros are now rejoicingListen 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.