The bog of war: week five begins

New world of warcraft: how conflict has forever changed

May 29, 202625 minSummary

In this episode of The Intelligence, the show marks a transition as the outgoing defense editor, Shashank Joshi, reflects on eight years of covering global conflict. Joshi discusses the profound evolution of modern warfare, highlighting how the battlefield has become increasingly transparent and lethal due to the proliferation of drones, precision munitions, and sensor technology. He notes a shift in how society and leadership perceive war, observing that despite advanced medicine and armor, conflict is becoming more palpable and frequent, with record numbers of state-based tensions rising globally. The discussion also touches upon the erosion of the laws of war and the emergence of hybrid forces that combine legacy military hardware with autonomous systems. In addition to the analysis of global security, the episode features a tribute to the late congressman Barney Frank. The hosts examine his legacy as a trailblazing political figure, highlighting his influential career in government, his courageous public coming-out, and his significant legislative achievements, most notably the Dodd-Frank Act. By juxtaposing the harsh realities of modern geopolitical instability with the story of a dedicated American public servant, the episode provides a broad look at the challenges and figures that shape the contemporary world.

Deal or ordeal: Trump’s bad options in Cuba

May 28, 202622 minSummary

In this episode of The Intelligence, the hosts explore the increasingly tense situation in Cuba, where the Trump administration’s strategy of aggressive economic pressure and threats of military intervention has failed to yield the desired political transition. Despite choking off the island’s oil supply and isolating the regime, the local population continues to face severe economic hardship, electricity shortages, and deepening inequality, while the ruling elite remains insulated. The discussion highlights that while the U.S. government views the ousting of leadership in Venezuela as a template, Cuba presents a far more complex challenge, lacking a unified opposition and clear avenues for recovery. The episode also shifts focus to the highly polarized political landscape in Colombia ahead of upcoming elections, examining the contrasting visions of a hard-right populist, a staunchly left-wing candidate, and an establishment center-right contender. Finally, the show looks ahead to the World Cup in Mexico, detailing the country’s preparations as a host nation against a backdrop of strained international relations, domestic security concerns, and the immense psychological pressure facing the national football team.

Pulp fiction v the classics: summer reading

May 25, 202629 minSummary

In this episode of The Intelligence, the hosts and correspondents from The Economist step away from the news cycle to explore the nuanced world of summer reading. The discussion centers on the perennial debate between high-brow classics and accessible pulp fiction, questioning what truly constitutes a good book. The panel reflects on the purpose of reading, exploring whether books should be chosen for their literary merit, their capacity for escapism, or their ability to challenge the reader. The conversation covers a wide range of genres, from the romantic sagas of Jilly Cooper and the political soaps of Curtis Sittenfeld to the technically driven world of sci-fi, including the rise of LitRPG and techno-thrillers like Tom Clancy’s The Hunt for Red October. The guests also examine how certain books age—some becoming dated, while others remain surprisingly relevant—and touch upon the influence of bestseller lists and the human tendency to use reading choices as a form of social signaling. Ultimately, the episode suggests that whether a reader seeks comfort, thrill, or intellectual growth, the best reading experience is one that feels authentic to the individual.

Big boosts to fill: SpaceX’s giant IPO

May 22, 202624 minSummary

This episode of The Intelligence examines three distinct developments shaping the modern world. First, the program dives into SpaceX’s ambitious plans for its Starship rocket and its impending initial public offering. The discussion highlights the company’s push for total reusability to slash launch costs, alongside its expansion into Starlink internet services and artificial intelligence. While the valuation is staggering, the segment explores whether the company’s extreme technological bets can truly revolutionize space travel and computing. Next, the podcast analyzes the shifting political landscape regarding young male voters and their disenchantment with both the Republican and Democratic parties. While Donald Trump previously galvanized this demographic with a projection of masculine identity, many young men are now souring on his leadership due to economic pressures like housing affordability and inflation. Finally, the episode marks the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris, the historic 1975 wine tasting that upended the industry by elevating California wines over French labels. Fifty years later, both Napa Valley and Bordeaux face a new, shared crisis as global wine consumption declines, forcing traditional producers to adapt to rapidly changing markets and health trends.

The Peking order: Xi meets Putin after Trump

May 21, 202620 minSummary

In this episode of The Intelligence from The Economist, the hosts examine China’s recent diplomatic maneuvers, the global dominance of the English Premier League, and the rise of adrenaline-fueled tourism. The discussion begins with a focus on President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to Beijing. Analysts explain that while the meeting reaffirmed the "no-limits" partnership between China and Russia, it also highlighted a shifting power dynamic. With Russia increasingly dependent on Chinese economic and military support, Beijing is successfully positioning itself as the central fulcrum of global geopolitics, balancing its ties with both Moscow and Washington while pursuing a distinctly Sinocentric global order. The show then shifts to the sports world, analyzing how the Premier League transformed from a struggling entity in the 1980s into a global cultural superpower. Key factors include its early adoption of international broadcasting, the equitable distribution of revenue among clubs, and a high volume of foreign talent. Finally, the episode explores the growing trend of "dearcations," where travelers increasingly seek out terrifying or physically demanding experiences. Experts attribute this shift to a desire for unique, social-media-worthy challenges that offer a stark departure from traditional, sedentary holidays.

Bibi, one more time? Israel’s election launches

May 20, 202620 minSummary

In this episode of The Intelligence from The Economist, the hosts examine the unfolding political crisis in Israel, where Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu faces a pivotal moment in his long career. With the Knesset moving toward a dissolution bill, the country enters a tense election season. The discussion explores how the fallout from the October 7 Hamas attacks, ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, and previous domestic controversies like judicial reform will shape the vote. Despite corruption allegations and widespread public scrutiny, the episode highlights Netanyahu’s history as a formidable political survivor, noting that his opponents face an uphill battle to form a governing coalition. The program also shifts its focus to international security, reporting on Operation Flintlock, a long-running American-led military training exercise in West Africa. Correspondents discuss how these efforts to combat jihadist influence reflect a legacy of multilateralism that seems increasingly at odds with the current geopolitical climate. Finally, the episode highlights the inspiring journey of the Cape Verde national football team as they prepare for their first-ever World Cup appearance, underscoring the significance of this milestone for the small island nation and its diaspora.

Spread too thin: Africa’s next Ebola outbreak

May 19, 202621 minSummary

In this episode, The Intelligence explores the mounting crisis surrounding a new Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Correspondents discuss how, despite past improvements in vaccine deployment and community-led health responses, this particular outbreak presents a unique threat due to the specific virus strain and a lack of readily available vaccines. The discussion highlights a "perfect storm" of challenges, including limited state presence, regional instability, and a concerning decline in international public health funding, which has weakened the continent’s established institutional response. The episode also profiles Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, who is currently being touted as a leading contender to potentially succeed Sir Keir Starmer as Britain's next Prime Minister. The hosts examine his transition from a traditional politician to a charismatic, regional leader known for his confrontational approach with central government during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, the program takes a lighter turn by analyzing the rise of celebrity book clubs. While these platforms serve as powerful marketing tools for the publishing industry, the discussion questions whether these clubs prioritize genuine literary critique or merely function as extensions of a celebrity’s personal brand.

Refine and dandy: Iran’s war bounty

Mar 31, 202622 minSummary

In this episode of The Intelligence, the hosts explore three distinct stories ranging from global energy geopolitics to internal security and the hidden world of theatre. First, the program examines how Iran is successfully circumventing international sanctions to increase its oil revenue despite geopolitical tensions. Through an elaborate network of front companies, illicit ship-to-ship transfers, and opaque banking practices in China, the Iranian regime is currently earning significantly more from oil exports than it did before the current conflict, funding its military operations while challenging Western pressure. Next, the focus shifts to India, where the government has launched a massive campaign to eradicate Maoist insurgents. Correspondent Kira Huyu visits a former rebel stronghold to report on the state’s militarized push to secure these regions. While the government frames this as a significant success, the report highlights the human cost and the concerns of local tribal communities, who fear that the removal of insurgents will lead to unchecked land exploitation by mining corporations. Finally, the episode sheds light on the high-pressure, essential role of theatre understudies and swings, whose preparation and versatility keep Broadway and West End productions running.

Hasta la victoria, quizás: Cuba’s broken economy

Mar 27, 202623 minSummary

In this episode of The Intelligence, the hosts explore three distinct topics shaping the contemporary landscape. The program opens with an analysis of the dire economic situation in Cuba. Sarah Burke, the bureau chief for the region, explains how the loss of oil supplies from Venezuela—coupled with American pressure—has pushed the Cuban economy to the brink of collapse. While the government blames the U.S. embargo, the discussion highlights the fundamental failures of Cuba’s centralized, state-run model and the ongoing, opaque negotiations between Washington and the regime. The episode then pivots to the rising trend of self-administered peptides. Journalists examine the unregulated cottage industry where individuals purchase untested biological molecules online, often spurred by social media influencers. Experts warn that despite the hype surrounding performance enhancement, these substances carry significant risks due to a total lack of clinical oversight. Finally, the show concludes with a retrospective on the life of Chuck Norris. The obituary editor traces his journey from a shy, impoverished boy in Oklahoma to a global action icon and symbol of American cultural myth-making, examining how he evolved into an enduring, albeit accidental, folk hero.