What started as student protests ballooned into national lawlessness. The disorder plays into the hands of France’s political extremes; expect more of it. In Zimbabwe white farmers are returning to work land taken by Robert Mugabe a quarter-century ago. And our columnist considers the delicate wording that might indemnify AI firms if the bots happen to wipe out humanity. Guests and host: Topics covered: Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— to The Economist. #### More episodes #### View all episodes * ( Independence eh? Canada’s referendum 21:43| Monday, October 19, 2026 The province of Alberta will vote on secession today. It is unlikely to go ahead, but the separatist vibe is just one of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s many headaches.

Our correspondent examines China’s efforts toward brain-computer interfaces, finding the country is closing the gap with America. And Britain’s “bug superhighways” link up the shrinking number of lush insect habitats. Guests and host:Robert Russo, Canada writerDon Weinland, China business and finance editorBella King, news editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Canada, Alberta, separatists, referendumChina, brain-computer interfacesBritain, insects, conservationListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— to The Economist.

44:36| Saturday, October 17, 2026 Can a nostalgic throwback also be a bold urban planning experiment? The Disney Corporation thought so. In 1996 they built the town of Celebration, Florida as a model neighborhood blending the traditional charm of old-town life with radical urban design. On its 30th anniversary, Leo Mirani visits “the town that Disney built” to ask whether the experiment worked. Topics covered:DisneyCelebration, FloridaNew urbanismSuburbiaLinks to articles:Celebration in 2016Epcot * ( Schrödinger’s chat: can AI and scientists co-exist? 27:53| Friday, October 16, 2026 In recent weeks, AI has solved hundreds of previously unanswered maths problems. Our correspondents ask if machines can do the same in other areas of science and what role human researchers may play. Why crisps are getting chunkier and chocolate chewier. And celebrating the life and work of author Annie Dillard. Watch extended clips from Insider here.

Guests and host:Alex Hern, AI writerAlok Jha, science editorAvantika Chilkoti, global business writerAnn Wroe, obituaries editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Scientific research, mathpocalypse, AI Crisps, snacks, texture, crunchtokAnnie Dillard, nature, obituaryListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— to The Economist. Under Alice Weidel’s leadership the Alternative for Germany (AfD), a right-wing populist party, has been riding high. A series of successes in state elections have brought it closer than ever to power at national level.

Ms Weidel is perhaps best known for her calls for “remigration” and criticism of Germany’s support for Ukraine. She spoke to The Economist’s editor-in-chief, Zanny Minton Beddoes, for The Insider, our video show for premium subscribers. Hear their conversation in full. * ( Who wants to be a millennial? Generation comeback 22:18| Thursday, October 15, 2026 Their struggles to get jobs or buy homes once propelled political movements. Now many millennials are out-earning their parents and in positions of power. Our correspondent explains the transformation.

Sophisticated tech tools are being used to sway voters in Israel. And why you should hold your tongue to high standards. Guests and host:Callum Williams, senior economics writerAnshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondentBella King, digital news editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Millennials, home ownership, unemployment Israel, election, NetanyahuTongue-scrapers, dental hygieneListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— to The Economist.

26:23| Wednesday, October 14, 2026 Donald Trump claims to have brokered a deal to import Russian diesel and an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. As attacks on Kyiv continue, our deputy editor says Trump is risking Ukraine’s future for a mid-term bounce. India’s government is failing to quell Gen Z protests. And how song binds us together and brings joy. Guests and host:Edward Carr, deputy editor of The EconomistKira Huju, Asia correspondentJoel Budd, Britain social affairs editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Ukraine, diesel, energy ceasefire, StarlinkCockroach party, Modi, Abhijeet DipkeSinging, Sacha Langton-Gilks, choirListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— to The Economist.

24:55| Tuesday, October 13, 2026 A year ago Donald Trump created the Board of Peace to rebuild Gaza. Yet for many Palestinians, life is even harder, as the ceasefire is repeatedly violated, crime is rising and poverty rife. Why record labels are in a spin over AI music. And Japan is struggling to benefit from the global matcha boom. Guests and host:Nicolas Pelham, Middle East correspondentHenry Tricks, US technology and media editorMoeka Iida, East Asia reporterRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Gaza, Board of Peace, HamasAI music, slop, Warner Music Group Matcha, Japan, KagoshimaListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— to The Economist.

This weekend, Yemeni rebels struck Saudi Arabia’s international airport in the deadliest attack on a Gulf Arab country since the Iran war began in February. Our correspondent reports from Riyadh. How European manufacturers are adjusting to high energy prices and war. And the revival of writing by hand. Guests and host:Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondentGuy Scriven, global business writerCaitlin Talbot, culture correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Saudi Arabia, Houthis, Yemen, Riyadh airportEuropean carmakers, energy prices, tariffsCursive, handwritingListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— to The Economist.