The Intelligence from The Economist

John Prideaux, The Economist’s US Editor, embarks on a roadtrip to see how America’s democracy is faring in the era of Trump. His companion is a long-dead French aristocrat called Alexis De Tocqueville, author of arguably the best book ever written about America. When Tocqueville arrived in New York in 1831, it was a small, low-slung city where pigs roamed the streets. But he was able to see past that—to a vision of the future.Arriving in Manhattan today, John finds cause for concern, even among the island’s wealthiest residents. Guests and HostsJohn Prideaux, The Economist’s US EditorBabara Tober, Philanthropist and former Editor of Brides magazineJohn Catsimatidis, CEO of Red Apple GroupTopics Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America‘Equality of conditions’ at 250The election of Zohran MamdaniDeclining faith in American democracyTo 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.

An interview with Lee Jae Myung, South Korea’s president, a year into his role. Though he has stabilised a turbulent polity and overseen a stock market rally, the path ahead may be bumpy. Can India’s cockroach party become a powerful political movement? And celebrating the creator of “Persepolis”, Marjane Satrapi. Watch extended clips from Insider hereGuests and host:Noah Sneider, East Asia bureau chiefTom Sasse, South Asia bureau chiefAnn Wroe, obituaries editorRosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: South Korea, Lee Jae Myung, North KoreaCockroach party, Narendra Modi, Gen-Z protestsMarjane Satrapi, Iran, PersepolisListen 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. 

Millions of people will tune in when the World Cup starts today. But demonstrators in Mexico, which hosts the first match, are using the international spectacle to draw attention to their causes. Commercial enterprises are on the cusp of making money in space: who will tax the heavens? And Narendra Modi is unsettling India’s middle class.Guests and host:Hal Hodson, Americas editorShera Avi-Yonah, business correspondentLeo Mirani, Ashoka columnistRosie Blau, co-host of “The intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The intelligence”Topics covered: World Cup, Mexico, protestsSpace, taxation, global commonsIndia, Modi 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 British government tightened immigration in response to public demand. Yet that policy damaged both the country and the Labour party. Our correspondent embeds on a US nuclear submarine to find out how China and Russia are vying for dominance in the Pacific. And what anti-ageing products actually work? Guests and host:Joel Budd, Britain social affairs editorAnton La Guardia, diplomatic editorAinslie Johnstone, science correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The intelligence”Topics covered: Immigration, Britain, asylumSubmarines, Pacific, geopoliticsAgeing, wrinkles, retinoids, peptidesListen 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.

Xi Jinping’s first visit to North Korea in seven years has been marked by pomp and shows of friendship. But what does the Chinese leader really want from the trip? Our correspondent visits Goma in Congo to see what life is like under Rwanda-backed rebel group M23. And why curry may soon be off the menu in Japan. Guests and host:Jeremy Page, chief China correspondentJohn McDermott, chief Africa correspondentMoeka Iida, Japan correspondentRosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un, Russia, nuclear proliferationCongo, Goma, M23, RwandaJapan, India, immigration, curry  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 fragile ceasefire between America and Iran is threatened by an exchange of ballistic missiles overnight between Iran and Israel. Our correspondent examines the consequences. China’s BYD cars are losing ground to other electric vehicles. And why hit TV shows inspire “companion podcasts”.  Guests and host:Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondentDon Weinland, China business editorElizabeth Peet, researcherRosie Blau, co-host of “The intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The intelligence”Topics covered: Iran, Israel, Lebanon, ceasefire, TrumpBYD, EVs, Tesla, Xpeng, Li AutoPodcasts, Beef, The Pitt, HBOListen 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.

Do you worry about a future where your job is replaced by AI? Are you a high earner but never seem to have any money? Would you like to work less and spend more time pursuing joy? Then FIRE might be right for you! Tamara Gilkes Borr delves into the “Financial Independence, Retire Early” movement to find out how to step back from work and what you have to sacrifice to do so.Topics covered:FIREEarly retirementFinancial independenceenvironmentalismLinks to articles:https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/05/14/prepare-for-an-ai-jobs-apocalypsehttps://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2026/05/14/the-jobs-apocalypse-a-very-short-historyhttps://www.economist.com/business/2024/01/25/why-you-should-never-retireListen 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 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.

After decades of overpopulation worries, the country now has the opposite concern. We examine India’s unusual demographic turn, and why it is a wider warning to the world. Vegan substitutes have broadly improved in recent years—so why is there no good vegan cheese? And remembering Sonny Rollins, an absolute colossus of the saxophone. Watch extended clips from Insider here.Guests and host:Tom Sasse, South Asia bureau chiefSam Colbert, senior series producer, Economist PodcastsJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: India, fertility rates, global populationvegan cheeseSonny Rollins, jazzGet 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.