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The Intelligence from The Economist

The Intelligence: Out-of-this-world war

This is not science fiction. Space is already a part of modern warfare and as technology advances, it will be an even more crucial sphere. What will extraterrestrial conflict look like? A look at the latest Democracy Index as conflict continues to dent freedoms across the globe (11:47). And, a tribute to Jack Jennings (23:35)   


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  • Keir eye for the FDI: an interview with Britain’s PM

    23:50|
    Our correspondent sits down with Keir Starmer on the sidelines of a conference dedicated to drawing much-needed investment. We examine the prime minister’s pitch to investors. All the connections within the fruit fly’s brain have now been mapped out; we ask what that means for the human kind (11:44). And the chatbots that are surprisingly successful at dissuading conspiracy theorists (17:46).Get a world of insights by subscribing 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.
  • One giant, cheap for mankind: SpaceX’s Starship

    25:03|
    The fifth test flight of the absolutely enormous Starship went entirely to plan, returning everything to Earth for reuse and heralding a new era of big space missions with small price tags. Two years after Brazilians ejected Jair Bolsonaro, their inept and dangerous former president, he still shapes right-wing politics (11:30). And the anxiety-lined past and present of self-help books (19:22). Get a world of insights by subscribing 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.
  • The Weekend Intelligence: A Farewell to Arms

    56:52|
    Ilya Andreyev has had three lives since the war in Ukraine broke out. First, as a journalist within Russia’s propaganda machine; then, as cannon fodder on the frontlines; and now, as a deserter, living in exile.Our Russia editor, Arkady Ostrovsky, has spent many hours talking to him. In the midst of a grimly attritional conflict, it’s a story that can help us to understand the forces drawing people into Russia’s army - and the limits of Vladimir Putin’s power over them. 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.
  • Labour’s love lost: Keir Starmer’s first 100 days

    25:25|
    Britain’s Labour Party came to power promising to restore order and stability. Our correspondent explains whether its rocky start exposes a bigger political problem. Why the issue of abortion could swing voters in Nevada (9:44). And remembering the life of Pearl Harbour veteran Yoshioka Masamitsu (18.34). 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. 
  • Paradise lost: Hurricane Milton bashes Florida

    21:29|
    Global warming is increasing the intensity of storms like the one that just hit Florida. Our correspondent explains the science. In a week of reflection on the anniversary of the October 7th attacks, we consider the Palestinian experience (10:58). And why nuclear clocks could help unlock the secrets of the universe (16:26).  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. 
  • Google’s lurch: how to fix its monopoly

    21:51|
    This summer, an American judge ruled that Google’s search dominance was illegal. Now the Department of Justice has revealed possible solutions. How robots could help mend leaking water pipes (9:46). And the best books on the beautiful game (16:38). 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.
  • General rule: how to reinvent America’s army

    24:37|
    Twenty years ago America was fighting insurgents in Afghanistan and Iran. As state-on-state clashes become more likely, Randy George is the person in charge of preparing US forces for a new age (9:45). Private tutoring has long been common in East Asia, now it is spreading throughout the continent. And celebrating Lebanese novelist Elias Khoury (17:12). 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.
  • Year of destruction: how October 7th shattered the Middle East

    27:29|
    After Hamas militants attacked Israel a year ago, few people predicted how deep and devastating the ensuing conflict in the Middle East would be. The Economist’s Middle East experts discuss whether the fissures may ever be fixed, including dispatches from Israel, Gaza and Lebanon.  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.
  • The Weekend Intelligence: Gaza, after the dust settles (republished)

    01:04:25|
    *This episode was first published 20/07/24After a year of war in Gaza, people are beginning to discuss the aftermath. Schools, hospitals, the sanitation system are in ruins. Just clearing the rubble will take years. Focusing on the long term, many neglect what needs to happen on day one. Gazans say the territory is becoming lawless. Who will control security, and with what legitimacy? Does anyone have a coherent plan?In this special episode of The Weekend Intelligence The Economist’s editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes considers the dangerously rosy thinking about Gaza’s future and asks what happens when the dust settles.Music credit: Epidemic Sound and Blue Dot SessionsListen 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.