The Intelligence from The Economist

This week, Muhammad bin Salman, crown prince of Saudi Arabia, was forced to postpone his annual investment summit. His other big bets on the kingdom’s future are also floundering. Sam Bankman-Fried, a crypto-billionaire supporter of effective altruism, calls our correspondent from prison. And things look hazy in Singapore and other Asian countries. Guests and host:Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondentShera Avi-Yonah, US business correspondentVishnu Padmanabhan, Asia correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: MBS, Saudi, Davos in the desert, Future Investment InitiativeSam Bankman-Fried, FTX, effective altruismIndonesia, Singapore, wildfires, El NiñoListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

Donald Trump’s administration is turning against Ukraine. But as European powers confront trouble at home, they are struggling to replace American support. Are US private science institutions entering a golden age? And the climb in art crime.Guests and host:Anton La Guardia, diplomatic editorShera Avi-Yonah, US business correspondentVendeline von Bredow, senior Germany correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Ukraine, Witkoff, ZelenksyScientific research, National Science FoundationArt theft, Louvre, Museum for Applied ArtListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

What started as student protests ballooned into national lawlessness. The disorder plays into the hands of France’s political extremes; expect more of it. In Zimbabwe white farmers are returning to work land taken by Robert Mugabe a quarter-century ago. And our columnist considers the delicate wording that might indemnify AI firms if the bots happen to wipe out humanity. Guests and host:Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chiefJohn McDermott, chief Africa correspondentAndrew Palmer, “Bartleby” columnistJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: France riots, French politicsZimbabwe, agriculture, white farmersAI, extinction-level events, legalese, parodyListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

The province of Alberta will vote on secession today. It is unlikely to go ahead, but the separatist vibe is just one of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s many headaches. Our correspondent examines China’s efforts toward brain-computer interfaces, finding the country is closing the gap with America. And Britain’s “bug superhighways” link up the shrinking number of lush insect habitats.Guests and host:Robert Russo, Canada writerDon Weinland, China business and finance editorBella King, news editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Canada, Alberta, separatists, referendumChina, brain-computer interfacesBritain, insects, conservationListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

Can a nostalgic throwback also be a bold urban planning experiment? The Disney Corporation thought so. In 1996 they built the town of Celebration, Florida as a model neighborhood blending the traditional charm of old-town life with radical urban design. On its 30th anniversary, Leo Mirani visits “the town that Disney built” to ask whether the experiment worked.Topics covered:DisneyCelebration, FloridaNew urbanismSuburbiaLinks to articles:Celebration in 2016EpcotListen 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.

In recent weeks, AI has solved hundreds of previously unanswered maths problems. Our correspondents ask if machines can do the same in other areas of science and what role human researchers may play. Why crisps are getting chunkier and chocolate chewier. And celebrating the life and work of author Annie Dillard. Watch extended clips from Insider here.Guests and host:Alex Hern, AI writerAlok Jha, science editorAvantika Chilkoti, global business writerAnn Wroe, obituaries editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Scientific research, mathpocalypse, AI Crisps, snacks, texture, crunchtokAnnie Dillard, nature, obituaryListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

Under Alice Weidel’s leadership the Alternative for Germany (AfD), a right-wing populist party, has been riding high. A series of successes in state elections have brought it closer than ever to power at national level. Ms Weidel is perhaps best known for her calls for “remigration” and criticism of Germany’s support for Ukraine. She spoke to The Economist’s editor-in-chief, Zanny Minton Beddoes, for The Insider, our video show for premium subscribers. Hear their conversation in full.Watch the show—and sign up to the Insider newsletter.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

Their struggles to get jobs or buy homes once propelled political movements. Now many millennials are out-earning their parents and in positions of power. Our correspondent explains the transformation. Sophisticated tech tools are being used to sway voters in Israel. And why you should hold your tongue to high standards.Guests and host:Callum Williams, senior economics writerAnshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondentBella King, digital news editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Millennials, home ownership, unemployment Israel, election, NetanyahuTongue-scrapers, dental hygieneListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

Donald Trump claims to have brokered a deal to import Russian diesel and an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. As attacks on Kyiv continue, our deputy editor says Trump is risking Ukraine’s future for a mid-term bounce. India’s government is failing to quell Gen Z protests. And how song binds us together and brings joy. Guests and host:Edward Carr, deputy editor of The EconomistKira Huju, Asia correspondentJoel Budd, Britain social affairs editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Ukraine, diesel, energy ceasefire, StarlinkCockroach party, Modi, Abhijeet DipkeSinging, Sacha Langton-Gilks, choirListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.