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The Intelligence: Iran’s dangerous game in Gaza
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American airstrikes on Syrian bases linked to Iran are a reminder that Iran’s proxies lie behind many Middle East conflicts. But the ayatollahs’ angling for wider war in Gaza is a deeply dangerous game. We introduce you to our latest subscriber-only show, “The Weekend Intelligence”—our new home for storytelling (10:35). And why Britain is outlawing laughing gas (16:07).
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Tocqueville Road Trip: 6. Capital of an empire
43:07|Washington DC is changing fast. But while buildings are knocked down and rebuilt, power is shifting away from the institutions of the city. As the roadtrip concludes, where does this leave “Democracy in America”?Guests and HostsJohn Prideaux, The Economist’s US editor and host of “Tocqueville Road Trip”Steven Cash, Executive Director of The Steady State and former CIA employee Alex Bruesewitz, political consultant TopicsTocqueville’s views on Andrew Jackson and the presidencyHow close could America come to dictatorship?Social media in the Trump eraLet us know what you think. Email podcasts@economist.com You can share this episode with non-subscribers by gifting it from The Economist appTo listen to the full series, subscribe to Economist Podcasts+If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
Tocqueville Road Trip: 5. Hour of strife
45:12|Tocqueville predicted that the question of who gets to call themselves an American would have a long and troubled future. Donna Hughes-Brown never thought that question would apply to her. Until ICE showed up.Guests and HostsJohn Prideaux, The Economist’s US editor and host of “Tocqueville Road Trip”Donna Hughes-Brown, immigrant and Green-card holderJim Brown, Donna’s husband Richard K. Jones, Sheriff of Butler County, Ohio TopicsTocqueville’s “Democracy in America” and his views on slaveryVictims of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) The federal government’s powerLet us know what you think. Email podcasts@economist.comYou can share this episode with non-subscribers by gifting it from The Economist app.To listen to the full series, subscribe to Economist Podcasts+If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
Far Crimea: war comes to Russia’s door
27:35|Ukraine is intensifying cross-border attacks in a strategic and psychological effort to make ordinary Russians take notice of the war. We have been collecting reports from the ground on shifting attitudes as occupied Crimea comes under fire. Why the valuation of Elon Musk’s SpaceX affects us all. And celebrating the life of former Fed chair Alan Greenspan.Guests and host:Matt Steinglass, Europe editorJosh Roberts, capital markets correspondentAnn Wroe, obituaries editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Ukraine, Crimea, Zelensky, PutinSpaceX, Elon Musk, trillionaire, valuationAlan Greenspan, Federal Reserve, monetary 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.
Fear-jerker: America’s AI backlash
21:11|Americans are becoming more anxious about how artificial intelligence will affect jobs, society and even human existence. Republican and Democrat voters are unusually united in their concerns. Divorce rates are rising in China and the Communist party cannot stop them. And the politics of air-conditioning in a scorching Europe.Guests and host:Robert Guest, Economist deputy editorSarah Wu, China correspondentLane Greene, senior digital editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The intelligence”Topics covered: Artificial intelligence, midterms, Alex BoresDivorce, China, fertilityHeatwaves, Europe, air-conditioning 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.
Missing peace: will Israel imperil Iran deal?
22:22|Our correspondent joins an embed in Lebanon, where Israel claims that Hizbullah’s continued strength justifies its campaign. If Israel’s goals diverge from America’s, how does this affect peace talks over the Iran conflict? The impact of the oncoming “Godzilla" El Niño. And why Japan’s popular princess will never take the throne.Guests and host:Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondentCatherine Brahic, environment editorMoeka Iida, East Asia correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Lebanon, Hizbullah, IDF, Majdal ZounEl Niño, climate change, famineJapan, Naruhito, Aiko, Princess ToshiListen 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.
Keep qualms and carry on: a decade after Brexit
28:45|On June 23rd 2016, Britain voted to leave the European Union, triggering years of argument, lost economic opportunities and political malaise. Our correspondents look back on the seismic moment and its aftershocks. And, as Britain prepares to get its seventh prime minister in a decade, we ask how the government can look forward to new opportunities.Guests and host:Daniel Franklin, senior editorJohn Peet, associate editorTom Carter, Britain economics correspondentGeorgia Banjo, Britain correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The intelligence”Topics covered: Brexit, European Union, EUDavid Cameron, Boris Johnson, Andy BurnhamAI, defenceListen 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.
Starmergeddon: British PM resigns
20:48|After winning a resounding victory for Britain’s Labour party two years ago, Sir Keir Starmer has announced his departure. As the country gets ready for its 7th prime minister in ten years, our correspondent asks if it has become ungovernable. A Trump-loving right winger wins Colombia’s presidency. And “Toy Story 5” sets the toys against technology. Guests and host:Hugo Gye, Britain political editorHal Hodson, Americas editorAlexandra Suich Bass, culture editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The intelligence”Topics covered: Keir Starmer, Andy Burnham, Britain, LabourColombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, cocaineToy Story 5, tech, screen timeListen 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.
Tocqueville Road Trip: 4. Independence of mind
36:13|Harvard University is supposed to be a place of intellectual freedom. But its students and staff face two kinds of tyranny, both of which feature prominently in Alexis de Tocqueville’s work.Guests and HostsJohn Prideaux, The Economist’s US editor and host of “Tocqueville Road Trip”Harvey Mansfield, retired Harvard ProfessorAlan Garber, 31st president of Harvard Topics Tocqueville’s “Democracy in America”The battle over freedom of expression Harvard and the Trump Administration Let us know what you think. Email podcasts@economist.com To listen to the full series, subscribe to Economist Podcasts+If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
Tocqueville Road Trip: 3. Boundless continent
47:19|In a township in rural Michigan, the residents choose to square up against some of the most powerful forces in the country. What can the campaign against a giant AI data centre teach us about democracy in America?Guests and HostsJohn Prideaux, The Economist’s US Editor and host of “Tocqueville Road Trip”Kathryn Haushalter, Saline township resident Colin Sullivan, senior vice-president of Related CompaniesTopics Tocqueville’s “Democracy in America”Data centers in rural America How the American township functionsLet us know what you think. Email podcasts@economist.com To listen to the full series, subscribe to Economist Podcasts+If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.