Jan 16

Clutching at shahs: Iran’s would-be revolutionary

Reza Pahlavi, son of the shah deposed in the 1979 revolution, tells us he sees himself as the people’s choice to lead. We ask how that might work. Our correspondent reckons that, in a full accounting of buying versus renting a home, the smart choice has become clear. And our obit ... Show More

26m 36s

Jan 15

Maria-view mirror: asking Venezuelans what they want now

As Maria Corina Machado, Venezuela’s opposition leader, meets with President Donald Trump, we talk through our exclusive polling on what the country wants for its future. Childhood in the age of AI promises to be bespoke and personalised—and perhaps also lonely and atomised. And ... Show More

20m 44s

Jan 14

Independence Jay? Inflation and attacks on the Fed

More inflation numbers, more jabs by President Donald Trump at Jay Powell, the Federal Reserve chairman. We ask what the Fed is doing, should be doing and is being pressured to do. Six years after the official Brexit divorce, we count the costs and ask what making-up is now possi ... Show More

23m 54s

May 2024

The Intelligence: Strikes on Rafah

Horrific images of charred bodies being pulled from the rubble in Gaza drew outcry, and more countries are recognising the Palestinian state. Israel is becoming more isolated as a result, and Binyamin Netanyahu’s lack of a postwar plan is threatening his government. The growing e ... Show More

26m 12s

Apr 2024

The Intelligence: A region holds its breath

For the first time Iran launched a huge attack on Israel from its own territory, though the effort largely failed. Israel’s response could easily lead to regional war; what is it likely to be? The first of the four criminal trials that Donald Trump faces will get under way today. ... Show More

26m 35s

Dec 2023

The Intelligence: Israel pushes south in Gaza

As its ground offensive appears to be expanding, Israel is acutely aware that time and international support will run out; we examine its impossible set of aims to achieve before then. Europe has not yet faced the kind of fentanyl crisis that has plagued America—but there are ris ... Show More

23m 32s

May 2024

The Intelligence: Truce talk

The ceasefire deal, which Hamas has agreed to, prompted celebrations in Gaza. But Binyamin Netanyahu isn’t satisfied and the fighting continues. Video game adaptations are getting better, and becoming a more popular choice with Hollywood’s directors (10:01). And the best-selling ... Show More

20m 45s

Jan 2024

The Intelligence: the killing of a Hamas leader

Saleh al-Arouri has long been a high-priority target for Israel and his death could weaken the Palestinian militant group. However, it could also draw neighbouring Lebanon into the war in Gaza. As South Africa heads to the polls, the lack of alternatives to the ruling party are j ... Show More

22m 18s

Nov 2023

The Intelligence: putting a Dave face on it

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 missil ... Show More

21m 56s

Nov 2023

The Intelligence: embedded in Gaza

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 ... Show More

23m 12s

Oct 2023

Blown speaker: Kevin McCarthy is out

Another shutdown standoff, funding worries for Ukraine, more leadership chaos: the booting of America’s speaker of the House of Representatives bodes ill for governance. “Jawan”, a new Indian film, is non-stop action with Bollywood flourishes—and reveals how divisions in the coun ... Show More

22m 51s

Sep 2023

Support systems: allies debate Ukraine’s tactics

<p>As progress on the front line slows, Western countries are divided over how <a href="https://www.economist.com/international/2023/09/12/are-ukraines-tactics-working?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous ... Show More

24m 32s