Editor's Picks from The Economist

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. How much time gets wasted by people mindlessly scrolling on their phones? Economists are increasingly treating attention as a resource, but figuring out how to measure it is tricky.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 Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, a Hindu-nationalist group, has greatly influenced public life in India since its founding 100 years ago. But will its political power survive after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s term ends?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 British public is becoming increasingly dissatisfied with its government and embracing extreme parties on both ends of the political spectrum. 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. Investors are pouring huge sums of money into AI projects, but not all of them will succeed. What will happen at payback time?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. Streamlined workflows can break down over time. To keep them flowing, they need constant monitoring and improvement, according to a new book, “There’s Got To Be A Better Way.”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. Most visions of an AI-fueled future skew toward bold claims of utopia or apocalypse. But a new paper argues that the technology might not differ so much from the revolutions that have come before 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. The European hard right is gaining ground in the polls across much of the continent. This should worry not just liberals but anyone concerned with Europe’s economic prosperity.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. America’s political system is supposed to prevent one man ruling by diktat from the White House. But that is exactly what President Trump is doing.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. Demographic data has long suggested that middle age is the most miserable period of life. A new survey, however, suggests that younger generations are increasingly unhappy.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.