The Intelligence from The Economist

Everyone knows Ibiza for its all-night parties, packed dance floors and thumping music. The island’s iconic nightlife brings in millions of tourists each summer. But what happens when those parties end? When the hoards go home…The Economist’s Carla Subirana has grown up spending summers in her family’s house in Ibiza. This time she travels to the island in November to speak to those who live there in the shadow of the parties. 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.Music by Blue dot and Epidemic

Should people have the right to choose how they die? Though many Britons support the principle, a vote on assisted dying in the House of Commons may fail. Donald Trump reshaped the Supreme Court in his first term. His second act could be just as dramatic (09:30). And remembering figurative painter Frank Auerbach (18:10).  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. 

What will the world’s richest man do in the White House? Our correspondent analyses the political and ideological role Elon Musk could play in Donald Trump’s second term. “Small things like these” may be fiction but it is based on grim historical truths in Ireland (9:30). And Chile is suffering a spate of salmon heists (15:22).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. 

Donald Trump tore up America’s nuclear deal with Iran in his first term. What will he do when he becomes president again? The pushy tactics China’s government uses to press women to have more children (10:24). And the sneaker wars get more competitive (18:06).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.

Trade ties between the two countries have been increasing for over a decade. The election of Donald Trump for a second term means the relationship could now become even closer. Going to space could harm human health (7:57). And why Britain has such miserable mobile-phone service (14:43). 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. 

America feared that letting Ukraine use US weapons to attack far-off targets in Russia would escalate the conflict. Why has President Joe Biden finally changed his mind? Markets soared when Donald Trump was elected, but the longer-term impact of Trumponomics may be less positive (9:42). And why airships are back in our skies (18:12).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.

For years The Economist’s US Policy Correspondent, Tamara Gilkes Borr, has thought about applying for a British passport. She has the right to one but something holds her back.In this episode of The Weekend Intelligence, Tamara crosses the Atlantic to explore her British roots. Between America and Britain, she questions her sense of belonging - and considers the true meaning of citizenship.

Donald Trump admires Vladimir Putin’s strongman style and has failed to condemn his invasion of Ukraine. So why do some people in Kyiv think Trump’s election is good news? African churches are springing up across the world (10:20). Our critic reviews “Gladiator II”. She is not entertained (17:38). 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.

China is enacting a rapid project of military modernisation. Though in some areas its forces are already stronger than America, that does not mean China is ready for war. Why luxury shoppers are no longer buying so much online (10:16). And remembering Balthazar Uscha, Ecuador’s last ice-miner (16:45). 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.