The French reconnection: Macron in Britain

This episode of The Intelligence from The Economist covers three distinct topics: First, the state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Britain, highlighting the improved relations between the two countries driven by shared concerns over defense, security, and a potential return of Donald Trump. Second, the podcast discusses the rise of illegal gold mining in Latin America, as criminal gangs shift from the cocaine trade to gold, bringing violence and environmental damage, while governments struggle to respond effectively. Finally, the episode explores the enduring appeal of the BBC's shipping forecast, a century-old tradition providing vital weather information to seafarers, and examines its cultural significance to the British people, even as its practical importance diminishes with modern technology.