Mar 27

Hasta la victoria, quizás: Cuba’s broken economy

Even before America crimped Cuba’s oil, the country was teetering. We ask what is to blame for the Cuban people’s plight, and whether anything better is in prospect. The craze of injecting peptides is not only scientifically unsupported—it is potentially dangerous. Chuck Norris o ... Show More

23m 56s

Mar 26

Algorithm and blues: a watershed social-media verdict

A jury in California agreed with a plaintiff who argued that Meta and Google, two social-media giants, designed their platforms to be addictive. That opens the floodgates to more litigation and perhaps to regulatory change. We examine the world’s maritime chokepoints and how they ... Show More

22m 4s

Mar 25

On goal difference: are America and Israel diverging on Iran?

In the daily tea leaves one might read that President Donald Trump would prefer a deal with Iran to a continuing military campaign. Where would that leave Israel and its goals? Cryptocurrencies have gained a particular foothold in Asian economies; will they become real financial ... Show More

23m 49s

Aug 2025

Fed alert: can Trump fire a governor?

What does Donald Trump’s attempt to sack Lisa Cook, a Federal Reserve governor, mean for the institution’s independence? Uruguay may soon legalise assisted dying. And why shooting clubs – and other community associations – are thriving in Germany. Listen to what matters most, fro ... Show More

23m 28s

Oct 2025

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

Oct 2025

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

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

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

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

Nov 2024

Kyiv calm and carry on: Trump’s win may benefit Ukraine

Donald Trump admires Vladimir Putin’s strongman style and has failed to condemn his invasion of Ukraine. So why do some people in Kyiv think Trump’s election is good news? African churches are springing up across the world (10:20). Our critic reviews “Gladiator II”. She is not en ... Show More

24m 41s

Aug 2025

Stake and chips: will America take 10% of Intel?

Intel was once synonymous with chip-making, but in recent years it has fallen behind. Now the Trump administration may become its biggest shareholder. A political assassination in Colombia raises fears about a return to violence. And what an annual snail race tells us about rural ... Show More

21m 2s

Nov 2025

Opening punch: Shutdown ends, now more Epstein emails

Last night Donald Trump finally managed to end the longest federal government shutdown in history. But, amid a new release of emails relating to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, the political storm continues. Why Airbnb is searching for new beds in new markets. And the amazi ... Show More

23m 14s

Nov 2024

Needs Musk: Donald Trump’s new appointments

A week after Donald Trump won a decisive victory in the presidential election, he is making appointments to his new White House. What do they tell us about his second term? Many European governments are turning against immigration but they still need agricultural migrants (10:29) ... Show More

25m 4s