What in the world: predictions for 2026 - The Intelligence from The Economist Recap

Podcast: The Intelligence from The Economist

Published: 2026-01-01

Duration: 20 minutes

Guests: Tom Standage

Summary

The episode forecasts major global events and trends likely to shape 2026, including geopolitical shifts, technological innovations, and significant anniversaries.

What Happened

Tom Standage, editor of The Economist's 'World Ahead' publication, reviews past predictions for 2025, highlighting successes such as Chinese engineers' adeptness at bypassing US export controls and the potential weaponization of rare earths by China. However, some forecasts, like the impact of courts on Trump's tariffs and an AI reckoning, were less accurate.

Looking forward to 2026, Standage predicts a significant solar eclipse and the 250th anniversary of the United States' Declaration of Independence, noting the political dynamics these events could spark. He highlights the ongoing rivalry between organizing committees in the US, symbolizing the nation's political climate.

Standage also suggests that current geopolitical instability may benefit China, portraying it as a more reliable partner in international trade compared to the US. He notes China's growing soft power through its brands and contrasts this with America's diminishing influence due to internal conflicts.

The episode delves into technological advancements, focusing on humanoid robots. Companies, including car manufacturers, are investing in these robots for factory and home use. Despite their potential, these robots are not yet autonomous, relying on remote human guidance to perform tasks and gather data.

Energy technology is another focus, with the upcoming opening of the world's largest geothermal station in Utah, backed by major tech companies like Google. This development is driven by the energy demands of AI data centers and advancements from the fracking industry.

The episode also discusses the next generation of GLP-1 slimming drugs, which promise improved efficacy and accessibility. These drugs, important for weight loss and treating various health conditions, are expected to be available in more convenient forms by 2026.

Finally, the episode reflects on 20 years of The Economist's podcasting journey, from humble beginnings in a basement studio to becoming a staple in audio journalism. This evolution underscores the growing appetite for audio content and The Economist's role in shaping the medium.

Key Insights

• China's strategic use of rare earth elements could become a geopolitical tool, potentially impacting global supply chains and technology sectors reliant on these materials.
• The world's largest geothermal station is set to open in Utah by 2026, supported by tech giants like Google, aiming to meet the growing energy demands of AI data centers.
• Humanoid robots are being developed for use in factories and homes, but currently require remote human guidance for task execution and data collection, indicating a reliance on human oversight despite technological advances.
• Next-generation GLP-1 slimming drugs are expected to be more effective and accessible by 2026, offering new forms that could enhance weight loss treatment and manage related health conditions.