Trailer: Tocqueville Road Trip

Continental rift: NATO’s tense summit

Jul 7, 202620 minSummary

This episode explores the complex geopolitical climate surrounding the annual NATO summit in Ankara, where leaders attempt to project unity while navigating internal tensions and the looming shadow of American political uncertainty. The hosts examine how the alliance is grappling with defense spending targets and the ongoing Russian war effort, while simultaneously addressing fears regarding the potential for a diminished United States commitment. Experts highlight the strategic nervousness among Baltic nations and discuss the implications of Europe needing to potentially bolster its own defense capabilities without the integrated support of American intelligence and command structures. In addition to international security, the episode shifts focus to the growing, yet risky, trend of "vibe lawyering," where individuals and legal professionals rely on artificial intelligence in courtroom settings. The discussion warns of the perils of using chatbots for legal arguments, noting that AI frequently fabricates case law and provides unreliable counsel. Finally, the program takes a cultural turn, documenting a journey along the historic Route 66. The segment delves into the enduring international fascination with the American West, exploring how the highway serves as a lasting symbol of freedom, romance, and the storied American dream.

The mourning show: the politics of Khamenei’s funeral

Jul 6, 202620 minSummary

In this episode of The Intelligence, the focus shifts to the intricate political theater surrounding the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran. Following his death in February, the regime has orchestrated a massive, multi-day procession that serves as both a religious observance and a calculated display of strength. Correspondents analyze how the government is utilizing the event to project unity and defiance against foreign adversaries, particularly amidst recent military tensions. A notable aspect of the discussion is the conspicuous absence of Khamenei’s son and designated successor, which has sparked speculation regarding the internal stability of the Islamic Republic and questions about who currently holds power. Beyond the developments in Tehran, the podcast explores two additional cultural and social narratives. The hosts discuss a landmark shift in Japanese family law, where the government has finally introduced joint custody, moving away from a historically rigid clean-break model that often left divorced parents estranged from their children. Finally, the show embarks on a nostalgic journey along Route 66, celebrating the centennial of the iconic American highway and reflecting on how its legacy continues to shape the romanticized image of the American road trip.

The 250-year experiment: America’s birthday

Jul 3, 202636 minSummary

In this special anniversary episode of The Intelligence, the hosts and correspondents mark America’s 250th birthday by examining the current state of the nation. Moving beyond the milestone, the discussion frames the U.S. as a country at a crossroads, grappling with deep-seated anxieties about the health of its democratic institutions, the polarization of its citizenry, and the future of its global influence. The panel offers contrasting perspectives on American democracy; while some see a system successfully battle-tested by history, others highlight alarming trends such as partisan redistricting and the consolidation of executive power. The conversation also shifts to the nation's perennial, complex relationship with immigration, tracing the historical oscillation between openness and exclusion. Finally, the episode explores America's enduring status as a cultural powerhouse. The participants discuss whether the country’s role as an "assimilation machine" and a prolific exporter of media—from music and literature to film—remains as potent as ever in an increasingly globalized world. Ultimately, the discussion reflects on whether the American experiment remains resilient enough to endure its current period of intense internal division.

Roaring trades: oil majors’ secret success story

Jul 2, 202623 minSummary

This episode of The Intelligence examines three distinct but influential trends shaping the global economy and culture. The show opens with an investigation into the secretive and highly lucrative world of oil trading. Commodity experts explain that energy majors, particularly European firms like BP, Shell, and TotalEnergies, have shifted their focus from simply producing oil to mastering the art of the trade. By leveraging their global network of refineries and shipping fleets to capitalize on price volatility, these companies have generated massive, opaque profits that set them apart from their American counterparts. The conversation then shifts to the complex intersection of artificial intelligence and government regulation. The host discusses how the American administration has moved toward a de facto, albeit informal, licensing regime for advanced AI models. While aimed at national security, this opaque regulatory process has created uncertainty for developers and sparked concerns about the economic stakes of stifling innovation. Finally, the episode explores a shift in the music industry: the rise of the concert residency. As touring becomes increasingly expensive and exhausting, major stars are opting for longer stays in fewer cities, transforming modern gigs into high-stakes, destination-based events that draw fans from across the globe.

Fault lines: Venezuela’s paltry earthquake response

Jul 1, 202621 minSummary

Este episodio del podcast de The Economist analiza la precaria situación en Venezuela tras los devastadores terremotos que azotaron al país. El informe destaca cómo el desastre ha dejado al descubierto las profundas fallas de una infraestructura estatal debilitada por décadas de corrupción y mala gestión. A pesar de las esperanzas iniciales de estabilización bajo el gobierno interino de Delsy Rodríguez, la respuesta ante la emergencia ha sido lenta y deficiente, generando una creciente indignación pública. Los ciudadanos denuncian una falta crítica de maquinaria y suministros, además de una gestión centralizada que ha dificultado las labores de rescate. El programa también explora la compleja relación con Estados Unidos, donde la administración Trump, aunque ha enviado cierta asistencia técnica, mantiene una postura cautelosa que parece priorizar la estabilidad política sobre la ayuda humanitaria a gran escala. A medida que el saldo de víctimas aumenta, el descontento popular contra el régimen se intensifica, planteando interrogantes sobre cómo este desastre podría retrasar aún más las esperanzas de una transición democrática. En definitiva, el episodio subraya cómo el sismo no solo ha causado daños materiales masivos, sino que también ha puesto a prueba la frágil narrativa de recuperación del país.

Gulf-co-operation counsel: what next for the region

Jun 30, 202624 minSummary

In this episode, the podcast explores the current state of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as they navigate a period of heightened geopolitical risk. The discussion highlights how, despite the region’s significant economic transformation into a global hub for finance and logistics, its long-term stability is currently being tested by ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran. The host and correspondent analyze how these regional states are managing a "new normal" characterized by elevated security concerns and the erosion of perceived stability. While some nations, like the UAE, remain resilient due to strong fiscal reserves and successful diversification, others, such as Bahrain, face greater economic vulnerability. The episode examines how Gulf leaders are now prioritizing investments in defense, logistics, and food security to mitigate threats to their supply chains and infrastructure. A key theme is the need for greater regional unity; however, the discussion notes that deep-seated mistrust and conflicting strategic approaches toward Iran may continue to divide the member states. The episode concludes by questioning whether the Gulf can reconcile these differences to secure its future in a volatile political landscape.

Latin lessons: the Donroe-doctrine boost

Jun 29, 202617 minSummary

This episode of The Intelligence examines a diverse range of global issues, beginning with a deep dive into the unexpected economic resilience of Latin America. Despite concerns over political instability and trade disruption, the region has seen a significant influx of foreign direct investment. Correspondents explain how a combination of stabilized currencies, inflation targeting, and a strategic push by the United States to secure critical minerals—particularly in the mining sector—has turned the region into a burgeoning geopolitical battleground between American interests and Chinese investment. The discussion then shifts to Nigeria, where food price inflation is threatening a cultural staple. Through the lens of the Jollof index, the hosts explore how rising transportation costs, exacerbated by regional conflict and infrastructure challenges, have made basic ingredients unaffordable for many families, effectively turning a popular everyday meal into a luxury. Finally, the episode reflects on the end of an era for British media as the BBC discontinues its long-wave radio broadcasts. The hosts analyze why this aging, yet reliable, technology is being retired in favor of digital alternatives, highlighting the broader ongoing transition toward an internet-only media landscape.

Far Crimea: war comes to Russia’s door

Jun 26, 202627 minSummary

In this episode of The Intelligence, the hosts explore the shifting dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, specifically focusing on the recent strategic shift to bring the war to Russian soil. By targeting infrastructure in the Crimean Peninsula and oil refineries deep within Russia, Ukraine aims to disrupt supply lines and puncture the narrative of stability maintained by the Kremlin. The discussion highlights that while these attacks carry economic consequences, their primary goal is psychological: to force the Russian public to confront the reality of an ongoing war that state media often obscures. Beyond the battlefield, the program examines the volatile market debut of SpaceX. Financial analysts discuss how the company’s massive valuation reflects a current mania for artificial intelligence and high-risk investments, noting that ordinary retail investors are increasingly exposed to these fluctuations through index funds. Finally, the episode pays tribute to Alan Greenspan, the long-serving chairman of the Federal Reserve. The segment reflects on his transformation from a data-obsessed economist to a powerful figure who shaped American monetary policy, ultimately questioning his legacy in the wake of the housing boom and the global financial crisis.

Fear-jerker: America’s AI backlash

Jun 25, 202621 minSummary

In this episode of The Intelligence, the hosts explore the growing political friction surrounding artificial intelligence in the United States. While voters across the political spectrum share deep anxieties regarding potential job displacement, the influence of tech elites, and the broader risks of rapid technological change, these concerns are manifesting in increasingly contentious congressional races. The discussion highlights how AI has transitioned into a volatile political issue, with both Democrats and Republicans seeking ways to address public fear through potential regulation or the redistribution of industry gains. The program also transitions to two distinct international issues. Sarah Wu reports on the changing landscape of marriage and divorce in China, where rising divorce rates among better-educated women reflect a shifting societal demand for equality and personal happiness despite legal obstacles. Finally, Lane Green examines the cultural divide regarding air conditioning in Europe. He argues that while many Europeans view cooling their homes as a moral compromise against climate change, the rapid expansion of renewable energy and efficient power grids makes widespread air conditioning both environmentally viable and a necessary measure for public health during increasingly frequent heatwaves.

Trailer: Tocqueville Road Trip

Jun 24, 20263 minSummary

In this introductory episode, host John Prideaux, the U.S. editor for The Economist, explores the enduring legacy of Alexis de Tocqueville, the French aristocrat who famously chronicled American democracy in the 1830s. Reflecting on Tocqueville’s transformative nine-month road trip across a young nation, Prideaux argues that Tocqueville’s observations remain the most insightful analysis of the United States ever written. However, as the country approaches its 250th anniversary, Prideaux notes that global faith in the American experiment is increasingly being questioned. To understand these contemporary shifts, the host embarks on his own journey, retracing Tocqueville’s original route. By speaking with a diverse range of Americans—from New York’s social elite and prison inmates to political figures and victims of government overreach—the series seeks to determine whether Tocqueville’s vision of democracy still holds true today. Through these varied encounters, the podcast probes whether the guidebook that once defined the American idea has reached its expiration date or if the core principles of the nation remain resilient in the face of modern uncertainty.