The Economist: The week ahead

After American troops snatched Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro in a dawn raid in January, democracy did not seem like a priority. Yet this week, talks between the regime and opposition ended with small, positive steps. Why US consumers’ love of fast food may be slowing. And how many hours of Wagner opera would you sit through?  Guests and host:Kinley Salmon, Latin America correspondentShera Avi-Yonah, business correspondentBrook Unger, senior digital editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Venezuela, Maduro, Delcy Rodríguez, MachadoFast food, McDonalds, burgersWagner, “Ring” cycle, classical musicListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Iran war triggered the largest supply shock in the history of petroleum, yet prices never rose as high as feared. Our correspondent explains how action taken by China steadied global oil flows. Why Brazil has such strict laws on racist language. And the legendary lager of Laos. Guests and host:Matthieu Favas, commodities editorAna Lankes, Brazil bureau chiefVishnu Padmanabhan, Asia correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: China, Iran, oil supplies, OPEC, crudeBrazil, hate speech, racismLaos, Beerlao, beer, lagerListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Muslim Brotherhood won power and influence in the Arab Spring of 2011. Now autocrats are resurgent and its leaders are in jail or exile. Elon Musk says Europe is more dangerous than America. Is he right? And the puzzling popularity of padel.Guests and host:Gareth Browne, Middle East correspondentJames Fransham, data journalistHamish Clayton, Britain writerRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Muslim Brotherhood, Islamism, Arab SpringElon Musk,  Insider, Europe, crime, Padel, tennis, racket sportsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britons are turning to artificial intelligence to file objections to state institutions, and claim their dues. The resulting deluge of complaints and demands may overwhelm bureaucracies. Should Catholic priests have to report child abuse disclosed in confession? And the perfect height gap in a relationship. Guests and host:Matthew Holehouse, Britain public policy editorRebecca Jackson, US Southern correspondentDoug Dowson, data journalistRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: AI, agentic flooding, bureaucracyCatholic church, confessions, child abuseShort kings, short men, height differentialListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We look at the peace that has settled over Khartoum, the ruined capital. War rages on elsewhere, and a slim chance at a settlement rests largely with the belligerents’ foreign patrons. We ask why President Donald Trump has picked a fight over a new bridge between Canada and America. And remembering Betye Saar, who provided profound second lives for discarded objects. Watch extended clips from Insider here.Guests and host:Tom Gardner, Africa correspondentAnnie Crabill, senior digital editorAnn Wroe, obituaries editorJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Sudan war, proxy war, geopolitics Canada-America relations, Gordie Howe BridgeBetye Saar, artListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We examine one of America’s primary races, in which a sharply lefty candidate beat the establishment figure. What does that reveal about changes in the Democratic Party? For decades China’s Yangtze River was a polluted, overfished mess. We look at the wins from cleaning it up—and who loses. And a fond look back at postcards as they fade from use.Guests and host:John Prideaux, executive editor and host, “Checks and Balance”Gabriel Crossley, China correspondentCatherine Nixey, Britain correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: America’s primary season, Democratic Socialists of America, Michigan, Abdul El-SayedChina, Yangtze River, remediationpostcards, second world war, British historyListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fewer clouds, shrinking ice caps, changing pollutants: all result in less of the sun’s energy being reflected back into space. Which is more bad news for a changing climate. Our correspondent explains why so much more of the world’s cocaine is passing through west Africa. And the data that reveal Americans’ discomfort about wives earning more than their husbands.Guests and host:Oliver Morton, planetary-affairs editorỌrẹ Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondentDoug Dowson, data journalistRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: climate change, albedo, global temperaturesAfrica, cocaine, smugglingwage equality, gender pay gapListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Donald Trump’s claim that Hamas had agreed to disarm in Gaza was, at best, premature. We examine the sticking points of a lasting deal. New-business applications are on a tear in America. We ask why so many people are working for themselves—but not doing much hiring. And the enduring popularity of radio in Africa, aided rather than degraded by social media. Guests and host:Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondentShera Avi-Yonah, business correspondentWilliam Finlator, contributor to The EconomistJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Gaza, Hamas, Israel, Board of PeaceAmerican business, entrepreneurshipAfrica, media, radioListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The deadly rush of migrants into the Spanish exclave has deep roots in a wider North African conflict—and implications for a far wider European fight about immigration. Our India columnist presents an incomplete list of falling objects as a way to examine public-safety failures. And a data dive that reveals how AI writing is forever shifting.Guests and host:Michael Reid, Spain correspondent and writer at largeLeo Mirani, Ashoka columnistCaitlin Talbot, digital culture correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Ceuta, migration, Spain, EU, SchengenIndia, public safetyAI writing, waning human primacyListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From impasse in Iran to still-unresolved conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, a trend is clear: President Donald Trump’s scant, early plans for peace do not actually forge a path to it. Our correspondent says that in the driverless-car future, it will often be Chinese AI behind the wheel. And remembering Wally Funk, who never relinquished her ambition to become an astronaut. Watch extended clips from Insider, plus our full Elon Musk interview, here Guests and host:Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondentDon Weinland, China business and finance editorAnn Wroe, obituaries editorJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Iran war, Strait of Hormuz, diplomacyChina, AI, driverless carsWally Funk, astronautsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A dive into the data reveals that, despite dire past predictions, the prevalence of dementia is actually waning. We take a look at Pix, a beloved Brazilian digital-payments system, and why it so bothers President Donald Trump. And we attend one of the concerts that reveals how the appeal of emo music is holding strong across generations. Guests and host:Jonathan Rosenthal, international correspondentCarla Subirana, news editorSarah Lawrynuik, deputy editor of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: dementia, global health statistics, ageingBrazil, Pix, payment systems, Donald Trumpemo music, My Chemical RomanceListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An ousted former opposition leader started a new party—called the New Party. We assess its chances at the ballot box, and under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s thumb. A surrogacy scandal in Germany has prompted a government reshuffle, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz left holding the proverbial baby. And how traditional career advice is falling short for Gen Z.  Guests and host:Piotr Zalewski, Turkey correspondentVendeline von Bredow, senior Germany correspondentTom Wainwright, culture correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Turkish politics, New Party, Recep Tayyip ErdoganGerman politics, Jens Spahn, Friedrich MerzGen Z, careersListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wildfires in France and Spain are only growing worse by the day. We examine what can be done as a future of more fires, and worse ones, becomes more assured. A dig into data on women at work shows several indicators starting to move in the wrong direction. And the American cities rethinking how to handle their after-dark economies.Guests and host:Oliver Morton, planetary affairs editorVinjeru Mkandawire, Britain correspondentDaniella Raz, US corespondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: fires, France, Spain, fire ecologywomen in the workplace, equalityAmerica, night-time economyListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The resignation of India’s education minister was a stunning capitulation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. The Cockroach Janta Party, a fast-growing youth movement, has the upper hand for now. So-called macro trading is hard: even with advance knowledge of events, neither man nor machine seems to make much money. And hunting the mosaics of Invader, an anonymous French street artist.Guests and host:Kira Huju, Asia correspondentJoshua Roberts, capital markets correspondentCaitlin Talbot, digital culture correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: India, Cockroach Janta Party, protest, Narendra Modimacro trading, retail investingInvader, Flashinvader, street artListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Elon Musk’s first extended interview since SpaceX’s blockbuster IPO, The Economist editor-in-chief reflects on what he told her: that AIs will be in charge in ten years, his dark view of Europe and the inevitably of civil war in Britain. At what age is a child responsible for their crimes? And remembering Mona Khalil, Lebanese protector of turtles. Watch extended clips from Elon Musk on “Insider” hereGuests and host:Zanny Minton Beddoes, editor-in-chief of The EconomistMaighna Nanu, editor of foreign newsletters Ann Wroe, obituaries editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Elon Musk, AI, killer robots, far right, The Insiderchild criminals, criminal responsibility, gangsMona Khalil, Lebanon, turtles, conservationListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elon Musk may be the most powerful man in the world. For his first extended interview since SpaceX’s blockbuster IPO, he sits down with Zanny Minton Beddoes, The Economist’s editor-in-chief, for The Insider, our video show for premium subscribers. They discuss the timeline for AI overtaking human intelligence, the rapid progress of China, the reasons for his interest in Europe and why he thinks he “got a little too involved” in politics.Watch the full show—and sign up to the Insider newsletter.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many people, including politicians, love to hate the super-rich, and assume they have gamed the system. Yet our correspondent reports that a growing share of today’s wealthiest earned their money providing goods and services we all want. A new crackdown on scam compounds in Cambodia. And lessons from the ultimate political animal, Downing Street’s Larry the Cat. Watch “The Insider” interview with Elon Musk from 6pm BST, 1pm EST. Listen to our podcast series “Scam Inc”. Guests and host:Callum Williams, senior economics writerSue-Lin Wong, Asia correspondentChris Impey, co-editor of “The Intelligence”Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Billionaires, Elon Musk, Lionel Messi, Taylor SwiftScams, scam compounds, CambodiaLarry the Cat, Andy Burnham, Downing StreetListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky has fired the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, Oleksandr Syrsky. That follows days of protests at his sacking of the defence minister. Our correspondent analyses the fallout. America’s murder rate is falling, so why are cops killing more people? And a shift in the Japanese taboo on living in homes where people have died.Guests and host:Shashank Joshi, defence editorDaniel Knowles, US Midwest correspondentMoeka Iida, East Asia reporterRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Fedorov, Syrsky, Zelensky, UkrainePolice killings, gun crime, murderJapan, haunted houses, jiko bukkenListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Lebanon’s president Joseph Aoun visits the White House to ask for Donald Trump’s help rebuilding the country. Our correspondent reports from his recent trip to Lebanon on the challenges it faces. Threats to Red Bull’s magnificent marketing machine. And why the age gap between the wealthiest men and their wives is shrinking.Guests and host:Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondentVendeline von Bredow, senior Germany correspondentDoug Dowson, data journalistRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Lebanon, Beirut, Joseph Aoun, HizbullahRed Bull, energy drinks, extreme sportsTrophy wives, age gap, misogynyListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham faces tough challenges as Britain’s new prime minister, both within his party and the country at large. Our correspondent analyses his prospects. After years of strife, how can Syria be rebuilt? And food markets have changed New York.Guests and host:Hugo Gye, Britain political correspondentGareth Browne, Middle East correspondentAnnie Crabill, senior digital editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Andy Burnham, Keir Starmer, prime ministerSyria, Ahmad al-Sharaa, AssadNew York, street markets, farmers’ marketsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.