National front-runner: who can beat Le Pen?

Nigeria is suffering a worsening security crisis, compounded by a lean harvest, global aid cuts and rising energy prices. So why is President Bola Tinubu likely to win January’s election? Europe is struggling to develop a rival to Starlink and reduce reliance on American satellites. And our obituaries editor recalls the improbable career of author and conman Jeffrey Archer. Watch extended clips from Insider here. Guests and host: Ore Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondent Jonathan Rosenthal, international correspondent Ann Wroe, obituaries editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Nigeria, Bola Tinubu Starlink, Ukraine, Musk, OneWeb, Eutelsat Jeffrey Archer, Kane and Abel, perjury Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

This week, Muhammad bin Salman, crown prince of Saudi Arabia, was forced to postpone his annual investment summit. His other big bets on the kingdom’s future are also floundering. Sam Bankman-Fried, a crypto-billionaire supporter of effective altruism, calls our correspondent from prison. And things look hazy in Singapore and other Asian countries. Guests and host: Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent Shera Avi-Yonah, US business correspondent Vishnu Padmanabhan, Asia correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: MBS, Saudi, Davos in the desert, Future Investment Initiative Sam Bankman-Fried, FTX, effective altruism Indonesia, Singapore, wildfires, El Niño Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

Donald Trump’s administration is turning against Ukraine. But as European powers confront trouble at home, they are struggling to replace American support. Are US private science institutions entering a golden age? And the climb in art crime. Guests and host: Anton La Guardia, diplomatic editor Shera Avi-Yonah, US business correspondent Vendeline von Bredow, senior Germany correspondent Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Ukraine, Witkoff, Zelenksy Scientific research, National Science Foundation Art theft, Louvre, Museum for Applied Art Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

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: Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief John McDermott, chief Africa correspondent Andrew Palmer, “Bartleby” columnist Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: France riots, French politics Zimbabwe, agriculture, white farmers AI, extinction-level events, legalese, parody Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

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 writer Don Weinland, China business and finance editor Bella King, news editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: Canada, Alberta, separatists, referendum China, brain-computer interfaces Britain, insects, conservation Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.