The Intelligence from The Economist

Myanmar’s jailed leader has not been seen since 2022. We ask if she is in fact alive, and what might happen if the military junta acceded to demands for her release. We examine Turkey’s plan to turn the war in Iran to its advantage. And delving into the research on just how much sleep is enough—and too much.Guests and host:Aaron Connelly, Asia diplomatic editorCerian Richmond-Jones, international economics correspondentSam Wikeley, science correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Aung San Suu Kyi, MyanmarTurkey, economics, Iran warsleep, scienceListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

The longtime South Carolina senator died suddenly at the weekend. His political arc mirrored that of his Republican party in the Trump era. We ask what his death leaves behind. Frontier AI models opaquely embody a worldview and set of values; we poke the big ones, asking what they believe. And why Old Master paintings are again so popular. Guests and host:Adam Roberts, foreign editorSondre Solstad, senior data journalistAlexandra Suich Bass, culture editorJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Lindsey Graham, Republican party, American foreign policyAI frontier models, valuesart market, Old MastersListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

Homeschooling is surging far beyond its roots in conservative Christian America. Across the US and around the world, more families are opting out of traditional classrooms. Emma Irving investigates why parents are making the leap and its impact on children and society.Topics covered:homeschoolingeducationChristian educationCulture warsLinks to articles:https://www.economist.com/international/2026/05/21/home-schooling-is-taking-off?utm_campaign=shared_articleListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.Music by Blue dot and EpidemicThis podcast transcript is generated by third-party AI. It has not been reviewed prior to publication. We make no representations or warranties in relation to the transcript, its accuracy or its completeness, and we disclaim all liability regarding its receipt, content and use. If you have any concerns about the transcript, please email us at podcasts@economist.com.Read more about how we are using AI.

This week Andrey Melnichenko, Russia’s biggest industrialist, warns in The Economist that disaster is looming for his country as the war in Ukraine continues. What does it mean when members of the elite risk broadcasting their discontent? Our correspondent describes life in Kyiv as attacks intensify. And our week-long journey down Route 66 reaches the end of the road.Watch extended clips from Insider here.Guests and host:Edward Carr, Economist deputy editorArkady Ostrovsky, Russia editorOliver Carroll, Ukraine correspondentJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Russia, Putin, Andrey MelnichenkoUkraine, Kyiv, drone, interceptorRoute 66, car cultureListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

As America hit 90 targets in a second day of attacks on Iran, the fragile truce is in jeopardy. Our correspondent explains how power shifts within Iran may affect the war. Asian governments are trying to force children to care for ageing parents. And day four of our journey down Route 66 traverses a darker side of the road.   Guests and host:Nicolas Pelham, Middle East correspondentFarah Cheah, Asia reporterJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Iran, ceasefire, Strait of Hormuz, AyatollahFilial piety, ageing, elderly careRoute 66, Oklahoma, race relationsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

Last night, the populist-right leader announced that she will run in the French presidential election next year. Our correspondent analyses the Le Pen dynasty and explains how this decision will shape the campaign. The world’s first refuge for whales once held in captivity. And our journey down America’s Route 66 takes us into its commercial history.Guests and host:Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chiefSam Colbert, senior podcast producerJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Marine Le Pen, National RallyWhales, beluga, animal rightsRoute 66, AmericaListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. 

As NATO leaders gather for the annual summit in Turkey today, the thorniest issue is off the agenda: fractures within the alliance. Our correspondent travels to the Baltics, where a strategic shift is already evident. First there was vibe coding, now vibe lawyering is coming to courtrooms. And day two of our great American roadtrip down Route 66.  Guests and host:Anton La Guardia, diplomatic editorAnna Kerr, senior audience editorJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: NATO, Ukraine, AnkaraVibe lawyering, vibe coding, courtroomRoute 66, CaliforniaListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. 

The Iranian regime hopes the massive crowds gathered for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral will demonstrate its strength. Our correspondent says they could also reveal its weakness. Why Japan wants to change its divorce laws and custody arrangements. And the first part of our week-long road trip down America’s iconic Route 66. Guests and host:Nicolas Pelham, Middle East correspondentMoeka Iida, East Asia correspondentJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Ayatollah, Khamenei, Iran, Supreme LeaderJapan, divorce, custodyRoute 66, Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

It’s a simple idea on the surface; host a rival to the olympics in which people can take performance enhancing drugs. But as The Economist’s Natasha Loder has found out over the past year, the games are just a shop window for a much bigger and more controversial idea – that we can all live better, happier lives by taking performance enhancing drugs. And Enhanced is here to sell them to you. Topics covered:DopingOlympics OptimisationBiohacking Links to articles:https://www.economist.com/interactive/1843/2026/05/21/dope-and-glory-inside-the-enhanced-games 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 bluedot Sessions and Epidemic Sound.This podcast transcript is generated by third-party AI. It has not been reviewed prior to publication. We make no representations or warranties in relation to the transcript, its accuracy or its completeness, and we disclaim all liability regarding its receipt, content and use. If you have any concerns about the transcript, please email us at podcasts@economist.com.Read more about how we are using AI.