Editor's Picks from The Economist

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Donald Trump will almost certainly be trounced in America’s midterms. He probably cannot steal the vote, but he could further damage democracy. Topics covered:Donald TrumpAmerica’s midterm electionsDemocracyListen 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. Many of China’s rural elderly must continue to work the soil to make ends meet. The government should boost pensions for its farmers to address one of China’s cruellest inequalities.Topics covered:China’s pension systemExtreme poverty in ChinaChina’s agricultural taxListen 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. Both Republicans and Democrats are waging war on taxes. We argue that exempting ordinary Americans from paying tax would be economically unrealistic and politically corrosive.Topics covered:Taxes in AmericaDonald Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill”AffordabilityListen 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. 100 days have passed since America seized Venezuela’s dictator, Nicolás Maduro. The country has changed for the better—but a lasting transformation will require the return of democracy. Topics covered:Government of VenezuelaAmerica’s capture of Nicolás MaduroRegime changeListen 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 world’s most powerful new technology is in the hands of just a few men. While the Trump administration previously maintained a hands-off approach to AI, it appears America is finally waking up to the dangers.Topics covered:Artificial intelligenceAnthropic’s MythosAI safetyListen 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. Modern technology has cured Britons of boredom. Psychologists are urging people to put down their phones and embrace the necessity of doing nothing. Topics covered:BoredomTechnologyBritish cultureListen 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. Africa’s protests span countries, classes and causes. But these movements often struggle to achieve lasting political reform.Topics covered:Africa’s protestsCorruption State violenceListen 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. Anthropic is delaying the public release of a powerful new artificial intelligence model. Both hackers and America’s government may be losing out. Topics covered:Anthropic’s Mythos modelProject GlasswingArtificial intelligenceListen 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. Global businesses can no longer ignore the geopolitical chaos in the Middle East. The constant threat of war has imposed a creeping tax on the world economy. Topics covered:Iran warEnergy marketsEconomic 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.