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

Jul 2025

Bill baby bill: Trump’s landmark legislation

As Donald Trump’s landmark legislation narrowly passes the Senate, our correspondent analyses the long-term political and economic consequences. Why foreign fighters are heading to the front line in Ukraine. And how congestion charging transformed the streets of New York. Listen ... Show More

23m 37s

Oct 15

Aid pro quo: Trump weaponises foreign help

After cancelling much of America’s international development funding, President Donald Trump is now using that money to boost friends, allies against China and buy goods and influence. Ukraine is striking Russia’s fuel infrastructure deep inside the country. And why JD Wetherspoo ... Show More

23m 32s

Aug 2025

Duty regime: America’s consumers will foot the tariff bill

As yet another tranche of Donald Trump’s tariffs takes effect, we look at why the duties might outlast him—and how American consumers will ultimately shoulder the trade war’s costs. Our correspondent visits US Space Command, which is preparing for a new age of combat in the heave ... Show More

22m 37s

Nov 2024

The long game: how will US missiles help Ukraine?

America feared that letting Ukraine use US weapons to attack far-off targets in Russia would escalate the conflict. Why has President Joe Biden finally changed his mind? Markets soared when Donald Trump was elected, but the longer-term impact of Trumponomics may be less positive ... Show More

24m 45s

Oct 2024

Coming up Trump: our election model puts Harris behind

The two American presidential candidates have been neck and neck. But this week, the Economist’s forecast model noted a shift towards Donald Trump. Why you might have a long wait for Elon Musk’s robotaxis (9:31). And the joy of Excel (16:35). Listen to what matters most, from g ... Show More

23m 23s

Oct 1

Shut happens: US federal funding stops

After Republicans and Democrats failed to compromise on the budget bill, money to US federal agencies has officially been cut off. Donald Trump threatens “irreversible cuts”. The gaping security flaws in generative AI. And don’t call your colleague a moron, and other tips on how ... Show More

22m 54s

Oct 7

Man of steel, and aluminium: Carney talks trade with Trump

The swiftest way for Prime Minister Mark Carney to ease pressure on Canada’s economy is to convince President Donald Trump today to pare back tariffs. But he has far broader plans afoot, too. A heady online mix of e-commerce and entertainment is creating a new generation of shopp ... Show More

21m 58s

Aug 2025

Peace by piece? Zelensky and Trump meet again

After an inconclusive summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, the stakes are high for Volodymyr Zelensky’s meeting with the US president in Washington today. Enter the “solopreneur”: why AI is allowing entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses on thei ... Show More

21m 6s

Jan 2025

Putty people: can Trump get his picks?

As some of Donald Trump’s most controversial choices for top jobs are questioned this week, our correspondent analyses how supine Republicans may be in his second term. Has the luxury business passed its peak (09:57)? And why scientists are finding new ways to deal with an invasi ... Show More

23m 20s

Sep 2025

Under different thumbs: a scant TikTok deal

President Donald Trump’s executive order ostensibly puts a years-long debate to bed. But questions persist about who will own—and influence—TikTok’s American operations. We examine the evidence on how climate change will aid the spread of dengue fever, a brutal and potentially de ... Show More

23m 10s

Bill baby bill: Trump’s landmark legisla...