The Intelligence from The Economist

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 chief
John McDermott, chief Africa correspondent
Andrew Palmer, “Bartleby” columnist
Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Topics covered:
France riots, French politics
Zimbabwe, agriculture, white farmers
AI, extinction-level events, legalese, parody
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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 writer
Don Weinland, China business and finance editor
Bella King, news editor
Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Topics covered:
Canada, Alberta, separatists, referendum
China, brain-computer interfaces
Britain, insects, conservation
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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 writer
Alok Jha, science editor
Avantika Chilkoti, global business writer
Ann Wroe, obituaries editor
Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Topics covered:
Scientific research, mathpocalypse, AI
Crisps, snacks, texture, crunchtok
Annie Dillard, nature, obituary
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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 writer
Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent
Bella King, digital news editor
Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Topics covered:
Millennials, home ownership, unemployment
Israel, election, Netanyahu
Tongue-scrapers, dental hygiene
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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 Economist
Kira Huju, Asia correspondent
Joel Budd, Britain social affairs editor
Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”
Topics covered:
Ukraine, diesel, energy ceasefire, Starlink
Cockroach party, Modi, Abhijeet Dipke
Singing, Sacha Langton-Gilks, choir
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

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