Bear hug? China’s take on Ukraine

For all the promise of transformation that artificial intelligence offers, a close look at macroeconomic data shows little change. Sit tight. A brutal attack in Nigeria reveals how the security crisis is spreading ominously. And a tribute to Virginia Oliver, who cut an unusual figure on the lobster boat she skippered for decades. Guests and host: Alex Domash, economics correspondentỌrẹ Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondentJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered:  Artificial intelligence, macroeconomicsNigeria, security, jihadismVirginia Oliver, Maine, lobsters Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a military build-up continues in the Middle East, President Donald Trump’s messaging remains ambiguous. What could, at this stage, head off conflict? Our series on America’s 250th birthday continues with a dive into our archive on the era leading up to civil war. And a couple of recommendations for the silver and the small screen. Guests and host: Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondentAnnie Crabill, senior digital editorAlexandra Suich Bass, Culture editorJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered:  Iran, nuclear deal, military build-upAmerican historyentertainment, “Dreams”, “Bridgerton” Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The targeting of “El Mencho”, the leader of one of the country’s two biggest gangs, has resulted in a predictable spate of violence—more of which is virtually assured. We take a rare look inside Russia to see how four years of war has changed the country. And some surprising advice on how to get your best marathon time. Guests and host: Sarah Birke, Mexico City bureau chiefArkady Ostrovsky, Russia editorTim Cross, senior science writerAinslie Johnstone, data journalistJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered:  Mexico, cartels, gang violenceRussia, economy, Ukraine warRunning, training, marathons Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the fourth anniversary of a war that many predicted would last mere days, much has changed—even beyond the unthinkable misery in Ukraine itself. Alliances have weakened, Europe is rearming like never before and the very nature of modern war has been redefined. Our correspondents take stock and consider what kind of peace is even possible.  Guests and host: Edward Carr, deputy editorOliver Carroll, Ukraine correspondentShashank Joshi, defence editorJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered:  war in Ukraine, Russia, defence, diplomacy Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The smackdown by America’s Supreme Court was resounding: the bulk of Donald Trump’s tariffs were instituted illegally. He will try to rebuild his tariff wall, brick by brick—creating a new crop of winners and losers. Australia’s surging One Nation party threatens a conservative coalition that was already looking slightly shaky. And why Agatha Christie’s prolific output is so enduringly popular. Guests and host: Rachana Shanbhogue, business-affairs editorAaron Connelly, Asia diplomatic editorJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered:  America’s Supreme Court, Donald Trump, tariffsAustralian politics, Pauline HansonAgatha Christie Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.