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The Economist
Fired alarm: AI hype versus labour-market history
21 minutes Posted May 14, 2026 at 9:54 am.
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Show notes

Perhaps the AI “boomers” are right about a sweeping labour-market revolution. But a careful look at history shows just how unprecedented their bullish scenarios would be. Africa’s bounty of minerals has drawn tremendous recent interest; will the continent see the benefits this time around? And our World Cup profile series continues with a look at Japan’s squad.


Guests and host:

  • Callum Williams, senior economics writer
  • John McDermott, chief Africa correspondent
  • Jon Fasman, senior culture correspondent
  • Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”
  • Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”


Topics covered: 

  • AI, labour market, economics, history 
  • Africa, critical minerals, investment, development
  • World Cup, Japan


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