The Economist

It would be the first public listing from a frontier-AI firm—and perhaps the largest IPO of all time. We comb through the filing to understand how the company is thinking about itself and its industry. Our American-midterms series continues in the battleground state of Alaska. And scientists consider how to redefine the second. Guests and host:Miles Kruppa, technology correspondentAryn Braun, West Coast correspondent David Adam, science writerJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Anthropic IPO, AIAmerica’s midterm elections, Alaskathe second, metrology, atomic clocks Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brazil’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, staged a historic comeback to win a fourth term. We ask how he did it, and what he must do next. Each day this week our correspondents in America are focusing on crucial midterm-election races; today we start in Texas. And tote-bag economics: why so many businesses are getting in on selling merchandise.Guests and host:Ana Lankes, Brazil bureau chiefRebecca Jackson, southern correspondentLizzy Peet, researcherRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Brazil election, Lula, Flávio BolsonaroAmerica’s midterm elections, Texas, Ken Paxton, James Talaricoeconomics of “merch” Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigeria is suffering a worsening security crisis, compounded by a lean harvest, global aid cuts and rising energy prices. So why is President Bola Tinubu likely to win January’s election? Europe is struggling to develop a rival to Starlink and reduce reliance on American satellites. And our obituaries editor recalls the improbable career of author and conman Jeffrey Archer.Watch extended clips from Insider here. Guests and host:Ore Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondentJonathan Rosenthal, international correspondentAnn Wroe, obituaries editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Nigeria, Bola TinubuStarlink, Ukraine, Musk, OneWeb, EutelsatJeffrey Archer, Kane and Abel, perjuryListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A year ago Donald Trump created the Board of Peace to rebuild Gaza. Yet for many Palestinians, life is even harder, as the ceasefire is repeatedly violated, crime is rising and poverty rife. Why record labels are in a spin over AI music. And Japan is struggling to benefit from the global matcha boom.Guests and host:Nicolas Pelham, Middle East correspondentHenry Tricks, US technology and media editorMoeka Iida, East Asia reporterRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Gaza, Board of Peace, HamasAI music, slop, Warner Music Group Matcha, Japan, KagoshimaListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This weekend, Yemeni rebels struck Saudi Arabia’s international airport in the deadliest attack on a Gulf Arab country since the Iran war began in February. Our correspondent reports from Riyadh. How European manufacturers are adjusting to high energy prices and war. And the revival of writing by hand.Guests and host:Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondentGuy Scriven, global business writerCaitlin Talbot, culture correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Saudi Arabia, Houthis, Yemen, Riyadh airportEuropean carmakers, energy prices, tariffsCursive, handwritingListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Decades of messaging have not worked, so governments are trying new ways to get citizens to eat well, from scary labelling to taxing the junkiest foods. Will it work? The death of a plague researcher in Russia is made more mysterious by the government’s resolute lack of transparency. And a tribute to Cyril Hilsum, the inventor behind ubiquitous flat-screen displays. Watch extended clips from Insider here.Guests and host:Slavea Chankova, health-care correspondentAlex Turner, defence editorAnn Wroe, obituaries editorJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: diet, public health, health policyRussia, plague, bioweaponsCyril Hilsum, liquid crystals, flat-screen displaysListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bond yields across the rich world keep ticking up. We take a global look at where the risks are mounting most, and just how much worry is warranted. What might have once seemed fanciful is becoming real: delivering daylight to dark parts of the world using mirrors in space. And the fatal earnestness of “The Social Reckoning”. Guests and host:Alex Domash, economics correspondentTim Cross, senior science writerTom Wainwright, culture correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: bond yields, monetary policy, animal spiritssatellite technology, darkness and light“The Social Reckoning”, Aaron SorkinListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What started as a small protest about conditions of a school and of schooling has mushroomed, and tapped into national anxieties that may prove hard to tame. In the context of the “Cornell 7” case we examine Title IX, the statute that should protect students—but that is failing. And how peddling superstitions to financiers is big business in India. Guests and host:Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chiefStevie Hertz, US policy correspondentAbhishek Kumar, India writerJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: France protests, French politicsCornell 7, Title IX, sexual assaultIndia, finance, astrology, superstitionListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is gambling that anger about housing might solidify his mandate in a snap poll. Most probably it will instead add to the rightward shift in European politics. America’s beef prices have never been higher, so why is it that the meatpackers have it so tough? And the battery technology to improve medical diagnostics you can swallow. Listen to our episode of “Babbage” on edible electronics here.Guests and host:Michael Reid, Spain correspondent and writer at largeBella King, news editorDavid Adam, science writerRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Spanish politics, housing crisis, Pedro SánchezAmerica’s meat industry, meatpackersmedical diagnostics, edible electronics, battery technologyListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flávio Bolsonaro, populist-right son of the imprisoned coup architect Jair, received the most votes in the presidential first round. We ask why Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the incumbent, fell behind—and what is at stake when they go head-to-head. We examine Americans’ growing anger at automatic number-plate-reading cameras. And the demanding but lucrative business of nannying the children of the super-rich.Guests and host:Ana Lankes, Brazil bureau chiefHollie Berman, news editorAlice Fulwood, US business editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Brazilian election, Lula, Bolsonaro, populist-right politicsFlock cameras, American law enforcement, privacy, surveillancechildcare, plutocratsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If Artificial Intelligence results in job losses or lower salaries, government revenues will fall. Our correspondent explains how best to tax the windfalls from AI. Paint is a surprisingly cheap way to cool buildings. And remembering the life of Stanislas Hutin, who revealed France’s barbarity in Algeria.Watch extended clips from Insider hereGuests and host:Callum Williams, senior economics writerNikita Ostrovsky, science writerAnn Wroe, obituaries editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: AI, tax, wealth tax, consumption taxClimate change, paint, adaptationStanislas Hutin, Algeria, France, war crimesListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russia has embarked on a new campaign to quell Ukraine, focused on supermarkets, playgrounds and other civilian targets. Our correspondent reports on the toll on daily life in Kyiv. Despite the backlash against “pervert glasses”, companies continue to develop AI-enabled smart specs. And how the pen changed history.Guests and host:Oliver Carroll, Ukraine correspondentHenry Tricks, US technology editorCatherine Nixey, Britain correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Ukraine, Kyiv, civilian targetsSmart glasses, Meta, pervert glasses Fountain pen, Simon Garfield Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.