Every weekday our global network of correspondents makes sense of the stories beneath the headlines. We bring you surprising trends and tales from around the world, current affairs, business and finance — as well as science and technology.

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Economist Podcasts

The <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/05/07/the-trump-xi-summit-will-expose-a-dysfunctional-duo?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">meeting</a> between President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping will set the tone for three more this year. We examine what and what not to expect. Pepsi has been losing ground to Coca Cola recently; to catch up, it may have to become <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/04/28/coca-cola-is-trouncing-pepsi-can-the-underdog-turn-things-around?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">more like its rival</a>. And this year’s Venice Biennale is <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/05/08/welcome-to-a-spectacularly-fraught-edition-of-the-venice-biennale?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">uncomfortably besieged</a> by geopolitics.&nbsp;Guests and host:<ul><li>Simon Rabinovitch, Beijing bureau chief</li><li>Shera Avi-Yonah, business correspondent</li><li>Alexandra Suich Bass, culture editor</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul>Topics covered:&nbsp;<ul><li>Trump/Xi summit, geopolitics</li><li>Coca Cola, Pepsi, business</li><li>Venice Biennale, culture</li></ul>Get a world of insights by <a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</a>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our <a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FAQs page</a> or watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our video</a> explaining how to link your account.<hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Duo’s lingo: what to watch for in Trump-Xi summit

Artificial intelligence could help terrorists develop new <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/05/07/the-world-must-stop-ai-from-empowering-bioterrorists?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dangerous pathogens</a>. Our correspondent asks how humanity can protect itself from machine-assisted biological weapons. Stock markets are soaring, despite the oil shock. What does this tell us about investor confidence in traditionally <a href="https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2026/04/14/how-to-build-a-portfolio-when-bonds-fail-to-buffer-stocks?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">safe assets</a>? And the doughs and don’ts of <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/05/02/germany-claims-it-has-the-worlds-best-bread?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">German bread</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Guests and host:<ul><li>Arthur Holland Michel, emerging tech writer</li><li>Josh Roberts, capital markets correspondent</li><li>Lily Meckel, audience fellow</li><li>Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul>Topics covered:&nbsp;<ul><li>Bioweapons, AI, virus</li><li>Stockmarkets, oil shock, dollar, government bonds</li><li>German bread, Bernd das Brot</li></ul>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+</a>For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our <a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FAQs page</a> or watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our video</a> explaining how to link your account.<hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Apocalypse soon? AI could hasten bioweapons

After catastrophic local-election results, Britain’s prime minister <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/05/08/nigel-farages-triumph-is-not-quite-what-it-seems?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sir Keir Starmer</a> is fighting for his political life. One airline has folded and others may follow: <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/05/07/airlines-are-grappling-with-dwindling-supplies-of-jet-fuel?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">jet-fuel prices</a> are crimping carriers the world over, but the pain is not spread evenly. And could <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2026/04/30/the-caribbean-island-that-calls-colombia-a-coloniser?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">San Andrés</a>, a popular Colombian tourist island, ever declare independence?&nbsp;Guests and host:<ul><li>Owen Winter, Britain political correspondent</li><li>Simon Wright, industries editor</li><li>Claire McQue, Americas writer</li><li>Rosie Blau co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul>Topics covered:&nbsp;<ul><li>Britain elections, Keir Starmer, Reform UK, Labour&nbsp;</li><li>Airlines, jet fuel, oil price, Strait of Hormuz</li><li>San Andrés, Colombia, Caribbean</li></ul>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+</a>For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our <a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FAQs page</a> or watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our video</a> explaining how to link your account.&nbsp;<hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Keir hunters: will Britain’s PM go?

The Kremlin <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/05/07/how-russia-planned-to-help-iran-kill-americans?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">planned to provide</a> Iran with unjammable drones, plus training in how to use them, according to leaked documents seen exclusively by The Economist. Meanwhile there are nearly 20,000 merchant seamen <a href="https://www.economist.com/asia/2026/05/05/asias-stranded-seafarers-suffer-as-the-iran-war-drags-on?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">stranded in the Gulf</a>. And a tribute to <a href="https://www.economist.com/obituary/2026/05/01/craig-venter-raced-to-decode-the-human-genome?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Craig Venter</a>, dark horse of the Human Genome Project.Watch extended clips from Economist Insider <a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/insider/previews?utm_campaign=a.brand_fy2627_q1_awareness-imp-tr_prospecting_global-global_direct_na&utm_medium=audio.podcast.pd&utm_source=economist&utm_content=discovery.awareness.anonymous.tr_nativeread_np-tiinsider-apr_na-na_web_na_na_na_na&utm_term=sa.arc-isi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.Guests and host:<ul><li>Shashank Joshi, defence editor</li><li>Joshua Spencer, Asia news editor</li><li>Geoffrey Carr, senior editor, science and technology</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul>Topics covered:&nbsp;<ul><li>Iran war, Russia, drones</li><li>Commercial shipping</li><li>Craig Venter</li></ul>Get a world of insights by <a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</a>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our <a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FAQs page</a> or watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our video</a> explaining how to link your account.<hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Drone team: Russia’s plan to arm Iran

An egregious attack in a Jewish neighbourhood in London is just the latest example of a <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/05/03/what-to-do-about-britains-rising-antisemitism?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">troubling trend</a>. We investigate the claim that antisemitism is becoming normalised in Britain. While many of the world’s luxury brands are struggling, American ones seem to be <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/04/13/from-ralph-lauren-to-the-row-american-luxury-is-booming?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">flourishing</a>. And our series of profiles of teams contesting the World Cup continues with Argentina.Guests and host:<ul><li>Shera Avi-Yonah, business writer</li><li>Avantika Chilkoti, global business writer</li><li>Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul>Topics covered:&nbsp;<ul><li>antisemitism, Britain</li><li>American brands, luxury goods</li><li>World Cup, Argentina</li></ul>Get a world of insights by <a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</a>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our <a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FAQs page</a> or watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our video</a> explaining how to link your account.<hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

A hatred normalised: antisemitism in Britain

Unlock American politics with The Economist’s John Prideaux, Charlotte Howard and James Bennet. Taking one big theme every week, they dig into the data, the ideas and the history behind it. Politicians, pollsters and political scientists join them to discuss where the great experiment of American democracy is headed. Published every Friday.<hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Trailer: Checks and Balance

Germany’s chancellor came to office making big promises. A year later they are unfulfilled, his government is squabbling and he <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/05/03/friedrich-merzs-ill-timed-tussle-with-donald-trump?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">has drawn</a> President Donald Trump’s ire. The advertising industry is, inevitably, starting to <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/04/19/why-your-ai-assistant-is-suddenly-selling-to-you?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">peddle its wares</a> quietly in AI chatbots. And a historical look at the oratory around war and how it has taken a sharp turn <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/04/23/the-rhetoric-of-war-has-changed-not-for-the-better?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">for the worse</a>.Guests and host:<ul><li>Tom Nuttall, chief Germany correspondent</li><li>Tom Wainwright, media editor</li><li>Catherine Nixey, culture correspondent</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul>Topics covered:&nbsp;<ul><li>Germany, Friedrich Merz, Donald Trump</li><li>AI, chatbots, advertising</li><li>rhetoric of war&nbsp;</li></ul>Get a world of insights by <a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</a>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our <a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FAQs page</a> or watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our video</a> explaining how to link your account.<hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

On the off chancellor: Friedrich Merz, one year in

The Trump administration’s “<a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/05/04/can-donald-trump-reopen-the-strait-of-hormuz?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Project Freedom</a>” has done and will do little to boost traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. We examine an unsustainable standoff. A fashion influencer’s post addressed to President Vladimir Putin has brought Russians’ <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/04/26/the-fashion-influencer-speaking-truth-to-putin?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wider grumbling</a> into the open. And how India’s notorious street noise comes with <a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/asia/2026/04/23/honking-is-harming-indias-health-and-its-economy?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">costs to human health</a>.&nbsp;Guests and host:<ul><li>Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent</li><li>Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor</li><li>Vishnu Padmanabhan, Asia correspondent</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul>Topics covered:&nbsp;<ul><li>Iran war, Strait of Hormuz</li><li>Russia, Vladimir Putin, influencers</li><li>India, noise pollution, health</li></ul>Get a world of insights by <a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</a>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our <a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FAQs page</a> or watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our video</a> explaining how to link your account.<hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Naval piercing: strait shooting in Iran war

In Iran, America is using expensive weaponry against cheap local drones. Can upstart <a href="https://www.economist.com/international/2026/04/20/anduril-palantir-and-spacex-are-changing-how-america-wages-war?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tech companies</a> change the economics – and nature — of conflict? As part of our ongoing series on the <a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/america-at-250#chapter-3?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">US at 250</a>, we examine the impact of the two world wars. And should you ever use an <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/03/26/welcome-to-emoji-school?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">emoji</a> at work?Listen to “<a href="https://www.economist.com/podcasts/2026/04/23/the-upstarts-shaking-up-the-defence-industry" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Money Talks</a>” on defence tech upstarts.&nbsp;Guests and host:<ul><li>Henry Tricks, US technology editor</li><li>Annie Crabill, a senior digital editor</li><li>Andrew Palmer, host of “Boss Class” podcast</li><li>Rosie Blau, host of “The intelligence”</li></ul>Topics covered:&nbsp;<ul><li>Pentagon, Palantir, SpaceX, Anduril</li><li>America 250, Woodrow Wilson, FDR</li><li>Emojis, aubergines</li></ul>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+</a>For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our <a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FAQs page</a> or watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our video</a> explaining how to link your account. <hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Spoils of war: money flows into defence tech

Can peace hold in <a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/04/30/hizbullahs-air-of-invincibility-is-gone?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lebanon</a> while Hizbullah remains? Our correspondent weighs the balance of power between government forces and the Iran-backed militia. The resale value of <a href="https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/04/24/the-staggering-strangeness-of-the-labubu-bubble?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Labubus</a> is falling – who cares? And remembering Swedish death-clearer, <a href="https://www.economist.com/obituary/2026/04/30/margareta-magnusson-believed-in-leaving-the-world-tidy?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Margareta Magnusson</a>.&nbsp;Watch extended clips from “<a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/insider/previews?utm_campaign=a.brand_fy2627_q1_awareness-imp-tr_prospecting_global-global_direct_na&utm_medium=audio.podcast.pd&utm_source=economist&utm_content=discovery.awareness.anonymous.tr_nativeread_np-tiinsider-apr_na-na_web_na_na_na_na&utm_term=sa.arc-isi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Insider</a>”. And listen to our “<a href="https://www.economist.com/podcasts/2026/03/14/kidulting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Weekend Intelligence</a>” episode on “Kidulting: why adults are turning to toys”.Guests and host:<ul><li>Gareth Browne, Middle East correspondent</li><li>Josh Roberts, capital markets correspondent</li><li>Ann Wroe, obituaries editor</li><li>Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul>Topics covered:&nbsp;<ul><li>Lebanon, Hizbullah, Israel, ceasefire</li><li>Labubus, PopMart, Funko, financial bubbles</li><li>Margareta Magnusson, death-clearing, decluttering&nbsp;</li></ul>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+</a>For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our <a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FAQs page</a> or watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our video</a> explaining how to link your account. <hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Beirut watch: can Lebanon subdue Hizbullah?

<a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/04/30/oil-markets-are-still-in-la-la-land?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Oil prices</a> are at their highest since 2022, as a swift end to the Iran conflict proves elusive. Yet, our commodities editor says, markets do not yet yet recognise how deep the supply shock is. Who will contest next year’s <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/04/16/a-scramble-ahead-of-frances-presidential-election?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pivotal election</a> in France? And great expectations in Brazil ahead of the World Cup.Watch “<a href="https://www.economist.com/insider?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Insider</a>”: How high will the oil price go&nbsp;Guests and host:<ul><li>Matthieu Favas, commodities editor</li><li>Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief</li><li>Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent</li><li>Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul>Topics covered:&nbsp;<ul><li>Oil, Brent crude, OPEC, Iran, UAE</li><li>France, Macron, Marine Le Pen, National Rally</li><li>World Cup, Brazil, Pele&nbsp;</li></ul>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+</a>For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our <a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FAQs page</a> or watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our video</a> explaining how to link your account. <hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Drill pickle: oil prices still misjudge shock

Artificial Intelligence is becoming ubiquitous, but the industry that powers it is <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/04/27/ai-is-confronting-a-supply-chain-crunch?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">struggling</a> to keep up with demand. The host of our award-winning podcast series “<a href="https://www.economist.com/audio/podcasts/scam-inc?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Scam Inc</a>” says <a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/asia/2026/04/10/scam-inc-has-a-new-weapon?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">fraudsters in Asia</a> are becoming more sophisticated. And after <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/04/21/from-allbirds-to-glossier-millennial-brands-have-lost-their-mojo?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Allbirds</a> stops selling shoes, what comes next?Guests and host:<ul><li>Shailesh Chitnis, global business writer</li><li>Sue-Lin Wong, host of Scam Inc&nbsp;</li><li>Shera Avi-Yonah, business writer</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-hosts of “The intelligence”</li></ul>Topics covered:&nbsp;<ul><li>AI, Anthropic, GPUs, Nvidia, TSMC</li><li>Scam Inc, malware, cybercrime, fraud</li><li>Allbirds, Casper, Warby Parker, Dollar Shave Club</li></ul>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+</a>For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our <a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FAQs page</a> or watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our video</a> explaining how to link your account. <hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Power ranges: AI faces supply crunch

The “special relationship” between Britain and America is at its weakest since the Suez crisis of 1956. Will a state visit by <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/04/23/britain-rethinks-its-special-relationship-with-america?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">King Charles III</a> to America salvage the tie? Why <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/04/09/japans-mighty-carmakers-are-in-serious-trouble?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Japanese automakers</a> may be running out of road. And <a href="https://www.economist.com/united-states/2026/04/16/the-hudson-is-now-so-clean-that-everyone-can-eat-from-it?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">fish</a> from New York’s Hudson river are now safe to eat.Guests and host:<ul><li>Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Daniel Franklin, senior editor, Britain</li><li>Ethan Wu, Asia business and finance editor</li><li>Stevie Hertz, US policy correspondent</li></ul>Topics covered:&nbsp;<ul><li>King Charles III, state visit, special relationship</li><li>Japanese carmakers, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, EVs</li><li>Hudson river, fishing</li></ul>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+</a>For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our <a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FAQs page</a> or watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our video</a> explaining how to link your account.<hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

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#1993

Duo’s lingo: what to watch for in Trump-Xi summit

#1992

Apocalypse soon? AI could hasten bioweapons

#1991

Keir hunters: will Britain’s PM go?

#1990

Drone team: Russia’s plan to arm Iran

#1989

A hatred normalised: antisemitism in Britain

#1988

Trailer: Checks and Balance

#1987

On the off chancellor: Friedrich Merz, one year in

#1986

Naval piercing: strait shooting in Iran war

#1985

Spoils of war: money flows into defence tech

#1984

Beirut watch: can Lebanon subdue Hizbullah?

#1983

Drill pickle: oil prices still misjudge shock

#1982

Power ranges: AI faces supply crunch

#1981

The regal has landed: can Charles boost US bond?