This episode of The Intelligence from The Economist covers two main topics: the shifting preferences in parents wanting baby boys versus baby girls and Germany's re-militarization efforts in response to global security concerns. The first segment explores the diminishing preference for sons globally, influenced by declining fertility rates and changing societal views on gender roles, with girls increasingly seen as the "prize." The second segment discusses Germany's reinvestment in its armed forces, marked by a permanent troop deployment in Lithuania and increased defense spending, driven by America's pullback from Europe and the threat from Russia. Finally, the podcast touches on the potential health benefits of coffee, specifically its antioxidant properties and potential to reduce the risk of certain cancers and neurological disorders, while cautioning against excessive caffeine consumption.
