Today

Islamism in Britain: what is the threat?

Though a growing share of the British population is anxious about Islam, they have no reason to be. Islamism, a fringe ideology that believes government and society should be guided by Islamic principles, is the real concern. America cracks down on multinationals’ efforts to shif ... Show More

23m 41s

Yesterday

Strait and narrowing: the Houthis’ striking advance

After years of stalemate, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis are taking territory, including on a Red Sea strait. We ask what has changed, and how the shift fits into the wider regional conflict. As America’s midterm elections approach, we examine the fragmentation of the coalition that ... Show More

22m 46s

Sep 12

The Weekend Intelligence: Shire folk

For 15 years, the British media dismissed Tommy Robinson as a far-right extremist. We kept him off our televisions, and out of our newspapers. Today his rallies attract tens of thousands of followers and he has the ear of the world’s richest man.Shire Folk is the story of how som ... Show More

49m 13s

Aug 2025

A farewell to arms? Hamas considers its options

Opinions of Hamas are shifting—among its international backers, in Gaza, even within its affiliates’ ranks. If it opts to disarm, what would happen next? A new analysis suggests using a sense of risk to explain markets’ movements might be focusing on the wrong emotion. And our fi ... Show More

24m 28s

Sep 2025

Your peace or mine? Prospects for Gaza deal

After pressure from US President Donald Trump, Israel’s Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has been strong-armed into agreeing a deal for Gaza. Will Hamas sign up too? Our correspondent analyses the path to peace. Lululemon needs a legging-up. And why leopards, crows and monkeys popul ... Show More

25m 6s

Dec 2023

The Intelligence: Red (Sea) alert

<p>In response to the war in Gaza, Iran-backed Houthi militants are attacking vessels along the <a href="https://www.economist.com/international/2023/12/16/a-new-suez-crisis-threatens-the-world-economy?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_c ... Show More

19m 51s

Jan 2024

The Intelligence: the killing of a Hamas leader

<p>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 <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-world-ahead/2023/11/13/south-africa-faces ... Show More

22m 18s

Oct 2023

181. Israel, invasion, and the trap laid by Hamas

Does Hamas actually want Israel to invade Gaza? Is there a danger that this tragic situation will strengthen the hand of the ultra-nationalist Israeli right? How should the international community respond to the war between Israel and Hamas? On today’s episode, Alastair and Ror ... Show More

46m 27s

Oct 2025

Voices of Gaza: life amid a fragile peace

Ten days into the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the truce remains tenuous. Today our correspondent speaks to people on the ground in Gaza about what they expect from the future. Why global cities are coming round to bikes again. And being left-handed may give you an advanta ... Show More

26m 56s

Feb 2025

Phase transition? Gaza’s shaky peace

<p>The first phase of Gaza’s ceasefire is <a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2025/02/12/instead-of-luxury-condos-gaza-faces-a-resumption-of-war?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous. ... Show More

25m 48s

May 2021

#483 An Existential Crisis In An Existential Crisis

The hosts have a deeper discussion about the tensions in Israel and Palestine as violence escalates between the Israeli military and Hamas. They discuss why the violence can be difficult to discuss, and the bad political actors who take advantage of justified emotions. Then, they ... Show More

45m 16s

A farewell to arms? Hamas considers its ...