Editor's Picks from The Economist

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Britain is abandoning its failed post-Brexit orthodoxies. Rachel Reeves, Britain’s chancellor, explains how the ruling Labour Party plans to work with the European Union.Topics covered:BrexitRachel ReevesEuropean UnionListen 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 cuts to foreign aid and global economic shocks, Africa's economic growth is projected to outpace Asia's. But to sustain this momentum, governments must overcome deep-rooted challenges.Topics covered:Africa’s economiesForeign aidCapital marketsListen 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. Britain has become a country where citizens expect the government to compensate them for every setback. This culture of endless bail-outs is taking its toll on politics. Topics covered:Cost of livingBritain’s politicsGovernment spendingListen 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. Lured by promises of lower prices, a record number of Hispanic voters backed Donald Trump in 2024. But deportations and tariff-driven inflation have since alienated the very same voters.Topics covered:America’s midterm electionsHispanic AmericansDeportation policyListen 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 race for artificial intelligence supremacy requires vast amounts of money. As initial public offerings loom, the bosses of rival firms are fighting dirty.Topics covered:Elon MuskSam AltmanDario AmodeiListen 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 Iran war has, in effect, closed the Strait of Hormuz and sparked an economic crisis. Energy markets have been changed for ever.Topics covered:Iran warOil and LNG marketsWorld economyListen 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. Interactions with artificial intelligence are not only changing the way humans view technology. As a new book explores, they also have the potential to transform how people relate to one another.Topics covered:AI sycophancyAI chatbotsAI companion appsListen 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. China's government has set a growth target of 4.5-5% in 2026. We argue that the country should be more ambitious.Topics covered:China’s growth targetNational People’s CongressChina’s persistent deflationListen 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. Europe has long lagged behind in the tech race. But, thanks to Donald Trump, the continent's technology sector is finally gaining momentum.Topics covered:Europe’s climate-technology sectorDefence technology“Deep-tech” firmsListen 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.