National front-runner: who can beat Le Pen?

Not much of real substance appears to have emerged from the get-together. But our correspondent says there are clues of how both sides view an evolving relationship. Tommy Robinson, a British far-right influencer, is increasingly well known to MAGA types in America; we examine his rise to prominence. And remembering Bob Mackie, daring dressmaker to the stars. Watch extended clips from Insider hereGuests and host:Simon Rabinovich, Beijing bureau chiefGeorgia Banjo, Britain correspondentAnn Wroe, obituaries editorJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Xi Jinping, Donald Trump, trade war, diplomacyTommy Robinson, American politics, TexasBob Mackie, fashionListen 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.

Rich-world house prices survived the last fit of interest-rate rises; our correspondent lays out why they may not this time. Nine months after Australia banned social media for under-16s, we ask if anything has changed. And a critical look at Israel’s hit show “Fauda” as it tackles the atrocities of October 7th. Guests and host:Callum Williams, senior economics writerJosh Spencer, Asia news editorAndrew Miller, special correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: housing markets, bond yields, interest ratesAustralia, social media bans“Fauda”, October 7thListen 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.

Marine Le Pen, party leader of France’s populist-right National Rally, starts her fourth presidential bid with a commanding lead. The country’s political centre is broad, fragmented—and flagging. A buffer zone against so-called infiltrators in India’s West Bengal state is making life miserable also for Indian citizens. And how Argentina’s supply of horses and cowboys led to world dominance in polo. Guests and host:Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief Kira Huju, Asia correspondentHamish Clayton, culture writerRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: French politics, Marine Le PenIndia, West Bengal, Bangladesh, Hindu nationalismArgentina, poloListen 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 illicit shadow economy, rampant extortion and the capture of the criminal justice system: mafia members and tactics are eating away at the state. Oura seems to have captured the market for smart rings; we ask whether it can keep its lead finger-tight. And our correspondent finds convention upended, for good and bad, at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.Guests and host:John McDermott, chief Africa correspondentShera Avi-Yonah, business correspondentAlexandra Suich Bass, culture editorJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: South Africa, organised crime, criminal justicewearable tech, Oura ringsLucas MuseumListen 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.

Two more state-election results reveal surging support for both the far-right AfD and the populist-left Die Linke parties. Chancellor Friedrich Merz himself described the outcome as a disaster; what will it mean for him? Our correspondent looks into why there is so much enthusiasm for African stocks. And what the science says about blue-light exposure and sleep. Guests and host:Tom Nuttall, Berlin bureau chiefỌrẹ Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondentSam Wikeley, science correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: German politics, Friedrich Merz, AfD, Die LinkeAfrican stockmarkets, Aliko Dangotesleep science, blue lightListen 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 a visit to Ukraine last week, our defence editor reports on a new phase of the war as Kyiv and other civilian targets are bombarded by Russian missiles. He also visits an elite Ukrainian drone unit. Why alcohol companies are scrambling to innovate. And remembering the life of feminist pioneer Gloria Steinem. Watch extended clips from Insider Guests and host:Alex Turner, defence editorAvantika Chilkoti, global business writerAnn Wroe, obituaries editorRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Ukraine, drones, Shahed, KyivAlcohol, beer, aperolGloria Steinem, feminismListen 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 Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the first time since July 2023. For the central bank’s new chair Kevin Warsh, that decision was a test both of monetary policy and politics. A governor’s election in Okinawa is a boon to Japan’s military ambitions. And why summer is a casualty of climate change.Guests and host:Archie Hall, acting economics editorMoeka Iida, East Asia reporterAndrew Miller, special correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh, interest rates, inflationOkinawa, JapanSummer, climate change, heatwaveListen 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.

Is artificial intelligence becoming uncontrollably powerful? Our correspondent analyses whether a pause to breakneck development is possible or feasible. We have entered the new age of the orator. And why cheese is getting more popular in India. Guests and host:Alex Hern, AI writerTom Wainwright, culture correspondentTom Sasse, South Asia bureau chiefRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Human extinction, AI, Sam Altman, Dario AmodeiOral culture, literacy, James Marriott, Walter OngCheese, India, kalimpongListen 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.

Though a growing share of the British population is anxious about Islam, they have no reason to be. Islamism, a fringe ideology that believes government and society should be guided by Islamic principles, is the real concern. America cracks down on multinationals’ efforts to shift profits overseas. And why corporate training videos are virtually useless.Guests and host:Sonny Loughran, Britain correspondentShera Avi-Yonah, US business correspondentAndrew Palmer, “Boss Class” host and Bartleby columnistRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Islamism, Britain, IslamophobiaIRS, corporate tax, Coca-ColaCorporate training videosListen 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 years of stalemate, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis are taking territory, including on a Red Sea strait. We ask what has changed, and how the shift fits into the wider regional conflict. As America’s midterm elections approach, we examine the fragmentation of the coalition that put Donald Trump back in office. And we ask how much nepotism matters in Hollywood today.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.