Editor's Picks from The Economist

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. The Bookseller/Diagram Prize is awarded to the oddest book title of the year. Although the winning titles are sometimes unintentionally funny, the authors may not be amused. 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. President-elect Donald Trump claims he’ll have vast leverage to influence global allies and despots alike. But his aggressive posturing might not be as effective as he expects.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. Today, Bitcoin has been rallying to new heights—up by 138% this year. But unlike earlier booms, this one is being driven by the increased institutionalisation of the asset class.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. Today, rebel fighters overthrew Bashar al-Assad after decades of despotic rule. Syria could yet collapse into civil war once again, but for now, it is a moment to celebrate.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. Struggling to find inspiration? It’s probably time to abandon those motivational speeches…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. Asteroid mining, orbital manufacturing, private space stations—once merely the subject of si-fi novels, an array of new companies are aiming to bring these industries into reality. 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. The collapse of the most recent French government has left the country mired in political turmoil. It seems that the country’s fiscal troubles are catching up with it.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. Building a robot that can cook is not a new idea. Building a robot that can teach itself how to cook, however, is. An innovative new approach to AI might just make it possible. 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.