This is an interactive explainer based on the Wikipedia article about The Economist. Read the full source article here. (opens in new tab)

The Economist

A Global Chronicle of Ideas and Influence

Explore The Economist โžก๏ธ Discover its Past โณ

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!


When you are ready...
๐ŸŽฎ Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game๐ŸŽฎ

Overview

Global Perspective

The Economist is a distinguished British publication, renowned for its weekly print magazine and daily digital presence. It offers comprehensive coverage of economics, business, geopolitics, technology, and culture. Primarily produced in London, it maintains editorial hubs in the United States and key international cities, providing a truly global perspective on current affairs.[8][9]

Editorial Voice

Characterized by its distinctive analytical depth and interpretive approach, The Economist is known for its focus on interpretive analysis rather than original reporting. This approach, often employing sophisticated wordplay and a concise prose style, contributes to its reputation as a publication that speaks with a unified, authoritative voice.[6][7]

Data-Driven Insights

Since its inception, The Economist has prominently featured data journalism, utilizing charts, graphs, and statistical analysis to illuminate complex global issues. This commitment to data-driven reporting, evident from its earliest issues, positions it as a forward-thinking publication in the media landscape.[129][130]

Historical Trajectory

Founding Principles

Established in September 1843 by Scottish economist James Wilson, The Economist was initially conceived to advocate for the repeal of the Corn Laws, a system of import tariffs. Wilson envisioned the publication as a platform for intellectual discourse, aiming to champion "intelligence" against "ignorance" and apply free-trade principles rigorously to contemporary issues.[13][14][15]

Evolution and Influence

Over its long history, The Economist expanded its scope from political economy to cover a wide array of topics, including finance, commerce, and global politics. It has adapted its format, moving from a broadsheet newspaper to a perfect-bound magazine, and has consistently maintained a readership among influential business leaders and policymakers.[8][12]

  • 1843: Founded by James Wilson to advocate for the repeal of the Corn Laws.
  • Mid-20th Century: Significant expansion in layout and content, adding opinion columns, special reports, and diverse features.
  • 1971: Transitioned from broadsheet format to a smaller, perfect-bound magazine style.
  • 1981: Launched a North American edition, significantly increasing its international reach.
  • 2012: Introduced a dedicated weekly section focusing on China.
  • 2015: Exor, the Agnelli family's investment company, became the largest shareholder.

Editorial Stance

The publication's editorial philosophy is rooted in classical and economic liberalism, advocating for free markets, free trade, deregulation, and globalization. It is known for its support of centrist politics and often champions policies that promote economic growth and social progress.[3][4]

Organizational Framework

Group Affiliation

The Economist operates as a distinct entity within The Economist Group, a global media and education organization. This structure allows for synergy across various media platforms while maintaining the publication's unique editorial identity.[40]

Shareholder Landscape

The ownership structure is diverse, featuring significant stakes held by prominent families and institutions, including the Agnelli family (Exor), the Cadbury family, and the Rothschild family, alongside other family interests and staff shareholders. This broad base of ownership contributes to its independence.[38][44]

Operational Hubs

While its primary editorial operations are based in London, The Economist maintains significant editorial offices and substantial operations in major cities across the United States, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington D.C., reflecting its substantial American readership.[46][47]

Core Philosophy

Liberalism and Centrism

The Economist champions a blend of classical, social, and economic liberalism, often aligning with radical centrism. It consistently advocates for policies such as free markets, free trade, deregulation, globalization, and open immigration, viewing these as drivers of progress and prosperity.[3][4]

Foundational Beliefs

The publication draws inspiration from Enlightenment thinkers like Adam Smith and David Hume, embodying principles of laissez-faire economics, self-sufficiency, and free trade. It critiques protectionism and advocates for policies that foster economic liberty and individual opportunity.[145]

  • Advocacy for free markets and free trade.
  • Support for deregulation and globalization.
  • Emphasis on economic liberalism and fiscal responsibility.
  • Promotion of social liberalism, including support for gay marriage and drug legalization.
  • Commitment to environmental policies, such as carbon taxes.
  • Critique of privilege and advocacy for reform.

Uniform Voice

A defining characteristic is its tradition of editorial anonymity, ensuring a consistent and collective voice across all articles. This practice, while sometimes criticized, is intended to reinforce the publication's unified perspective and focus on the substance of arguments over individual authorship.[51][52][53]

Distinctive Features

Regular Columns

The Economist features several named columns that offer focused analysis on specific regions or topics, such as Bagehot (Britain), Banyan (Asia), Lexington (United States), and Charlemagne (Europe). These columns provide expert commentary and insights into contemporary issues.[75]

Special Reports & Quarterly

The publication regularly includes in-depth special reports on various subjects and a quarterly technology report, Technology Quarterly (TQ). These features delve deeply into specific trends, offering comprehensive analysis and forward-looking perspectives on science, technology, and their economic implications.[68][86]

Ancillary Publications

Beyond its core newspaper, The Economist produces the lifestyle magazine 1843 (formerly Intelligent Life) and publishes books, including technical manuals and collections of articles. It also runs writing competitions and produces various podcast series, expanding its reach and engagement.[91][124]

Data Journalism & Indexes

Pioneering Data Use

The Economist has a long-standing tradition of data journalism, dating back to its founding. It pioneered the use of graphical representations and statistical analysis in reporting, establishing a reputation for data-driven insights well before the modern emergence of the field.[129]

Key Indexes

The publication is known for creating influential economic indexes that offer unique perspectives on global markets and societal trends. These include:

  • Big Mac Index: A lighthearted yet insightful measure of purchasing power parity.
  • Democracy Index: An assessment of democratic governance worldwide, produced by the Economist Intelligence Unit.
  • Glass Ceiling Index: A metric evaluating gender equality in the workplace.

These indexes demonstrate the publication's commitment to quantifying and analyzing complex global phenomena.[137]

Digital Data Efforts

In recent years, The Economist has enhanced its data journalism through dedicated teams, interactive models, and public repositories on platforms like GitHub. This ensures transparency and allows readers to engage with the methodologies behind their analyses, particularly in areas like election forecasting.[133]

Editorial Stances

Political and Economic Views

The Economist consistently advocates for economic liberalism, free markets, and globalization. While generally supporting centrist politics, it has endorsed candidates across the political spectrum, including figures like Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, Harold Wilson, and Bill Clinton, reflecting a pragmatic approach to policy.[25]

Global Policy Positions

The publication has taken notable stances on international affairs, including support for the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq (though later critical of its execution), advocacy for gun control, and support for social liberal causes such as gay marriage and drug legalization.[168][146][147][153]

Critiques and Controversies

The publication has faced criticism for its editorial lines, including accusations of promoting neoliberalism, its handling of climate change advertising, and specific articles that have drawn controversy, such as those concerning transgender issues.[141][39][154]

Reach and Readership

Circulation Figures

The Economist boasts a significant global circulation, with over 1.6 million combined print and digital readers weekly. Its readership is notably concentrated in the United States (approximately 54%), with a substantial portion of its American audience earning high incomes, reflecting its positioning as a publication for influential decision-makers.[171]

Global Presence

The publication is distributed in over 200 countries, underscoring its international focus. Historically, it embraced a slogan highlighting its selective readership, "The Economist โ€“ not read by millions of people," emphasizing quality over mass appeal.[174]

Navigating Censorship

International Restrictions

The Economist has encountered censorship in various countries, particularly those with authoritarian regimes. Sections critical of governments or sensitive to local political disputes, such as naming conventions for geographical regions, have been removed or banned.[175]

Correspondent Challenges

In some instances, journalists associated with the publication have faced legal challenges or expulsion. The case of Andrew Meldrum in Zimbabwe, who was charged with publishing "untruths," highlights the risks journalists can face when reporting on sensitive political matters.[176]

Institutional Censorship

Even within countries with strong press freedoms, The Economist has faced censorship in specific contexts, such as its exclusion from correctional facilities due to perceived threats to institutional security or rehabilitation efforts.[177]

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio
Click here to open the "The Economist" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about the_economist while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

                                        

References

References

  1.  The Concise Dictionary of National Biography makes him assistant editor 1858รขย€ย“1860.
  2.  A journalist and biographer
A full list of references for this article are available at the The Economist Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence model, drawing upon publicly available data from Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, it is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The information presented may not be exhaustive, entirely up-to-date, or free from interpretation.

This is not financial or investment advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding financial markets, economic policy, or investment strategies. Always consult with qualified financial advisors and conduct thorough research before making any financial decisions.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein. Readers are encouraged to consult the original sources and conduct their own due diligence.