Editor's Picks from The Economist

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. China now has more active AI researchers than America, Britain and Europe combined. Our analysis shows that China’s lead over the West is set to expand.Topics covered:AI talent raceChinese AIConference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS)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 2025 Mexico experienced its worst growth rate since the pandemic. While America’s trade policy has contributed, it is not the main cause of the slump.Topics covered:Mexican economyClaudia SheinbaumMorenaListen 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. Employee surveys are a fixture of modern office life. But the workplaces that need them the most are often the ones that take the least action.Topics covered:Workplace feedbackOffice cultureManagementListen 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. Electric vehicle batteries that charge ultra-fast are on the way. Drivers may soon be able to recharge their cars as quickly as they pump petrol. Topics covered:BYDElectric vehiclesLithium-ion batteriesListen 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 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.