The Economist

Why are American warplanes appearing in the middle of the Indian Ocean? As tensions grow between Israel and Iran, The Economist analyses how America is boosting its military might in the region

Donald Trump is now aiming his trade war (https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2025/04/10/can-china-fight-america-alone?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) squarely at China. As the tit-for-tat tariff battle keeps escalating, investors are fleeing to safe assets. What will happen next? Germany’s Friedrich Merz finally signs a deal for a coalition government (https://www.economist.com/europe/2025/04/09/germanys-new-centrist-government-is-reassuring-but-bland?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) (10:12). And remembering Betty Webb (https://www.economist.com/obituary/2025/04/10/betty-webb-never-spoke-about-her-work-until-she-had-to?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners), who worked at Britain’s wartime codebreaking centre Bletchley Park (19:36). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ (https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus) For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page (https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts) or watch our video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY) explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Will Elon Musk make it to Mars by 2028? Oliver Morton, our senior editor, explains why he thinks this is unlikely on Babbage, our science and technology podcast

Just 12 hours after Donald Trump launched his searing regime of tariffs, he paused (https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2025/04/09/trumps-tariff-pause-brings-investors-relief-but-worries-remain?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) many of them for 90 days. What's next for global trade? An outlandish proposal to build data centres (https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2025/04/09/could-data-centres-ever-be-built-in-orbit?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) in space (8:14). And why “The Great Gatsby (https://www.economist.com/culture/2025/03/14/at-100-the-great-gatsby-is-as-urgent-as-ever-old-sport?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners)” is just as relevant, 100 years on (15:58). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ (https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus) For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page (https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts) or watch our video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY) explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

As Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs take effect, our correspondent explains how one of America’s most profitable companies (https://www.economist.com/business/2025/04/04/apple-gets-caught-in-a-trade-war-nightmare?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) may navigate the trade war. Are class divides (https://www.economist.com/britain/2025/03/24/new-data-show-that-the-class-divide-in-britain-may-not-be-so-wide?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) in Britain softening (9:28)? And Republican influencers (https://www.economist.com/united-states/2025/03/06/the-women-vying-to-make-conservatism-fashionable-online?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) define what it is to be a conservative woman (16:08). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ (https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus) For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page (https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts) or watch our video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY) explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Henry Curr, our economics editor, explains why even if Trump were to u-turn now, he’s already caused lasting damage to the world economy.

Donald Trump’s tariffs have caused wild swings in the stockmarkets, but could the chaos get worse? Josh Roberts, our capital markets correspondent, gives his take

More than 36,000 migrants (https://www.economist.com/britain/2025/04/01/britains-plan-to-smash-people-smuggling-gangs-has-a-big-problem?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) crossed the English Channel in small boats last year. Our correspondent investigates the increasingly sophisticated business strategies of the criminals who smuggle them. As the planet heats, wildfires in East Asia are becoming fiercer and more frequent (10:36). And why ordinary Americans are falling out of love (https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2025/03/31/schooled-by-trump-americans-are-learning-to-dislike-their-allies?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) with their former international allies (18:31). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ (https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus) For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page (https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts) or watch our video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY) explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Since Donald Trump announced punishing tariffs on “Liberation Day” last week, stock markets have fallen and governments and businesses scrambled to respond. Our correspondent discusses the impact on the global economy (https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2025/04/06/trumps-trade-war-threatens-a-global-recession?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners). Do personalised diets really improve gut health (https://www.economist.com/britain/2025/03/20/zoe-a-british-personal-nutrition-app-is-growing-fast?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) (9:16)? And gasp at the science of how seals (https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2025/03/20/why-dont-seals-drown?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) spend so long underwater without breathing (16:13). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ (https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus) For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page (https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts) or watch our video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY) explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

President Trump’s tariff plan is the biggest break in American trade policy in over a century. It’s also one of the most profound and harmful mistakes of the modern era. Our economics editor, Henry Curr, explains why it’s so utterly deluded.

South Korea has been paralysed since its president declared martial law in December. Even after his impeachment (https://www.economist.com/asia/2025/04/04/yoon-suk-yeol-south-koreas-disgraced-president-is-ousted?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners), politicians face a divided polity and battered economy. Why governments should pay attention to the “Henry (https://www.economist.com/britain/2025/03/26/who-will-speak-for-henry?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners)” – High Earner, Not Rich Yet (9:49). And what tiffs over tofu (https://www.economist.com/culture/2025/01/27/tofu-never-judge-a-food-by-its-political-reputation?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) teach us (15:38). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ (https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus) For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page (https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts) or watch our video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY) explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs have sent shockwaves across the global trading system, causing chaos and consternation. The Economist’s business affairs editor, Rachana Shanbhogue, gives her insight

After months of bluster, he’s finally done it. At a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden, Donald Trump overturned decades of American trade policy with a simple signature. The new wave of trade restrictions (https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2025/04/03/trump-takes-americas-trade-policies-back-to-the-19th-century?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=moneytalks&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners), if implemented in full, will raise tariffs (https://www.economist.com/leaders/2025/04/03/president-trumps-mindless-tariffs-will-cause-economic-havoc?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=moneytalks&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) to the highest level in more than a century. So how bad could it get? Hosts: Mike Bird and Ethan Wu. Guests: The Economist’s Simon Rabinovitch; and Douglas Irwin, a professor of economics at Dartmouth College. Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts (http://economist.com/podcasts). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ (https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus). For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page (https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts) or watch our video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY)explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

SHOW-NOTES TEXT (with links and timestamps; 60 wds max) Even in the run-up to Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day (https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2025/04/03/trump-takes-americas-trade-policies-back-to-the-19th-century?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners)” tariff hikes, few had expected such colossal levies. Our correspondent explains how they will shake America’s economy and global trade. After Sudanese government forces retake Khartoum (https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2025/03/30/khartoum-changes-hands-heralding-a-new-phase-in-sudans-civil-war?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners), will this alter the course of the civil war (10:32)? And Shonda Rhimes (https://www.economist.com/culture/2025/03/27/how-shonda-rhimes-became-a-billion-dollar-asset-for-streamers?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) is shaping watching habits (18:12). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ (https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus) For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page (https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts) or watch our video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY) explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Months ago, holding an election (https://www.economist.com/europe/2025/03/30/zelensky-trump-and-putin-may-all-have-done-u-turns-on-elections-in-ukraine?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) in wartorn Ukraine seemed impossible. Now plans are being made. Our correspondent explains the prospects for the campaign – and the chance of a ceasefire, which must precede it. How did “The Economist” cover American tariff hikes (https://www.economist.com/interactive/finance-and-economics/2025/03/06/donald-trumps-tariffs-are-a-throwback-to-the-1930s?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) in the 1930s (8:29)? And why daylight savings time may not be so brilliant for your health (16:14). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ (https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus) For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page (https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts) or watch our video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY) explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

What do “bonkers”, “dicey” and “shambolic” have in common? Our language correspondent, Lane Greene, delves into the Britishisms that Americans love

Marine Le Pen (https://www.economist.com/europe/2025/03/31/barring-marine-le-pen-is-a-political-thunderbolt-for-france?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) is one of France’s most popular politicians, who has brought the National Rally party to the heart of the political landscape. Our correspondent explains the implications of a court ruling that stops her running for president in 2027. Why rents keep rising (https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2025/03/16/why-rents-are-rising-too-fast?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) in the rich world (8:29). And remembering Oleg Gordievsky (https://www.economist.com/obituary/2025/03/26/oleg-gordievsky-worked-for-both-sides-in-the-cold-war?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners), the Russian spy turned British agent (13:03). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ (https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus) For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page (https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts) or watch our video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY) explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Civil war in Myanmar is hampering relief efforts (https://www.economist.com/asia/2025/03/30/the-juntas-spite-worsens-myanmars-catastrophic-quake?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) after the devastating earthquake on Friday, as the ruling military regime intensifies attacks on resistance fighters. The impact of Donald Trump’s attempt to silence “Voice of America (https://www.economist.com/international/2025/03/19/donald-trump-shoots-his-own-global-mouthpiece?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners)” and other federally-funded broadcasters (8:45). And, “The Economist” reveals the best places to be a working woman in 2025 in its annual glass-ceiling index (https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/glass-ceiling-index?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners) (17:37). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ (https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus) For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page (https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts) or watch our video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY) explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

While the world's richest man has been distracted shrinking the US government, Tesla's share price has plummeted and rival EV firm, BYD, has overtaken it in revenue. Are Musk's businesses in trouble? Our US technology editor, Henry Tricks, explains.

Myanmar has been struck by a series of devastating earthquakes, and its deadly civil war will make it one of the most difficult places for aid to reach. Our Asia correspondent, Sue-Lin Wong, explains why