The Intelligence from The Economist
The Intelligence from The Economist
The Economist
Disorder of magnitude: France’s riots
21 minutes Posted Oct 20, 2026 at 10:08 am.
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Show notes

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

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