Author: The Economist

Were America’s presidential election to be held today, Donald Trump would probably win. We examine the winds shifting in his favour, and how the Biden campaign might tack against them. The town of Basildon best matches Britain’s national-average statistics—a mean reason to pay a visit (13:13). And remembering Vivian Silver, a Canadian-Israeli peace activist who died at the hands of Hamas (20:51).

Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll 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.

There is little left, in terms of people or infrastructure, in the north of the strip. Our correspondent, embedded with the Israel Defence Forces, considers the humanitarian crisis growing in the south. Our film on American school shootings discovers the growing phenomenon of hoaxes known as “swatting” (11:49). And how, despite its ahistorical nature, “The Crown” will influence perceived history (19:28).

Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll 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.

Podcast transcripts are available upon request at podcasts@economist.com. We are committed to improving accessibility even further and are exploring new ways to expand our podcast-transcript offering.

In the European country with both the largest Jewish and largest Muslim populations, a rise in antisemitic acts brings particular perils; we examine them. Winemaking was always going to be hit hard by climate change. Our oenophile correspondent looks at how things are already changing—and it is not all bad news (08:52). And why India’s explosives industry is blowing up (16:04). 

Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll 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.

Former prime minister David Cameron is back from the political wilderness—and his appointment as foreign secretary reveals much about the state of the ruling Conservative party. We ask how Israel has kept its airspace open during the conflict in Gaza, even as the threat of missiles has grown (10:11). And China’s long-suffering delivery drivers fight more quietly to improve their lot (17:04).

Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll 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.

After a grinding and lethal eight-month battle, Ukraine’s forces retook the port city a year ago. Our correspondent visits, finding a populace both anxious and defiant. As with technological transformations that came before, the benefits of artificial intelligence will accrue disproportionately to the very stars who rail against it (10:22). And why New York is now safer—if you’re a bird (19:46).

Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+.

If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll 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.

Miscalculating the prowess of the People’s Liberation Army is dangerous. Overestimating it could cause unnecessary confrontation, but underestimating it is risky for Taiwan. We bring you some balance. Can descendants of slave traders be absolved of the sins of their ancestors (09:00)? And a tribute to a man who believed life is best lived dangerously (16:50). 

Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+

If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll 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.

Economists have stopped waiting for interest rates to drop because it doesn’t seem to be coming. The upward pressure on long-term bond yields suggests that this situation could last for a while. How should the world adjust? Israel’s economy might be in good enough shape to withstand the next few months, but a longer war won’t come cheap (12:00). And, Jilly Cooper’s sexy new book (18:55).

Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+

If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll 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.

A high-profile money-laundering case in Singapore with links to Chinese gamblers has shed light on a broader web of organised crime across the region. As governments wake up to the problem, what are the odds of them getting it under control? Muhammad Dahlan, often tipped to be next leader of the Palestinians, sets out his post-war vision (09:32). And how to stop turmeric from killing people (18:00).

Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+

If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll 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.

One month on from Hamas’ attack on Israel, we meet Najib Mikati. He is hoping to prevent Hizbullah from joining the conflict, and broader spillover into the rest of the Middle East. Can he? The American state of Ohio is voting on abortion rights today and opposition campaigners are hoping that their new tactics will work this time (11:30). And, how lying is compromising hiring (20:20).

Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+

If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll 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.

Israeli troops are gearing up to enter Gaza city, bracing for the next round of urban warfare. Our correspondent spends some time with a brigade on the front-lines. How prepared are they for the task ahead? The pandemic is over, so why are consumers still staying home, alone, and withdrawing from social activities (09:16)? And, why Gen-Z isn’t the only group “quiet quitting” (17:40). Audio clip courtesy of Zaid Khan (@zaidleppelin).

Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+

If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll 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.