In Iran, America is using expensive weaponry against cheap local drones. Can upstart tech companies change the economics – and nature — of conflict? As part of our ongoing series on the US at 250, we examine the impact of the two world wars. And should you ever use an emoji at work?

Listen to “Money Talks” on defence tech upstarts.

Guests and host:

• Henry Tricks, US technology editor
• Annie Crabill, a senior digital editor
• Andrew Palmer, host of “Boss Class” podcast
• Rosie Blau, host of “The intelligence”

Topics covered:

• Pentagon, Palantir, SpaceX, Anduril
• America 250, Woodrow Wilson, FDR
• Emojis, aubergines

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Can peace hold in Lebanon while Hizbullah remains? Our correspondent weighs the balance of power between government forces and the Iran-backed militia. The resale value of Labubus is falling – who cares? And remembering Swedish death-clearer, Margareta Magnusson.

Watch extended clips from “The Insider”. And listen to our “Weekend Intelligence” episode on “Kidulting: why adults are turning to toys”.

Guests and host:

• Gareth Browne, Middle East correspondent
• Josh Roberts, capital markets correspondent
• Ann Wroe, obituaries editor
• Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence”

Topics covered:

• Lebanon, Hizbullah, Israel, ceasefire
• Labubus, PopMart, Funko, financial bubbles
• Margareta Magnusson, death-clearing, decluttering

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Oil prices are at their highest since 2022, as a swift end to the Iran conflict proves elusive. Yet, our commodities editor says, markets do not yet yet recognise how deep the supply shock is. Who will contest next year’s pivotal election in France? And great expectations in Brazil ahead of the World Cup.

Watch “The Insider”: How high will the oil price go

Guests and host:

• Matthieu Favas, commodities editor
• Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief
• Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent
• Rosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence”

Topics covered:

• Oil, Brent crude, OPEC, Iran, UAE
• France, Macron, Marine Le Pen, National Rally
• World Cup, Brazil, Pele

Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+

For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.