Refine and dandy: Iran’s war bounty

This episode of The Intelligence from The Economist explores three distinct but thematically linked stories of resilience, power, and hidden systems. First, it examines how Iran has defied international sanctions and military threats by dramatically increasing its oil revenues—earning nearly twice as much as before the war—through a sophisticated network of front companies, forged documents, and offshore payment systems, primarily exporting to China’s small teapot refineries. The system, driven by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, operates with remarkable opacity, evading Western scrutiny despite U.S. and Israeli threats. Second, the episode investigates India’s campaign to eliminate Maoist insurgents by the symbolic deadline of March 31, 2026. While the movement has been decimated—its leadership wiped out and fighters surrendering en masse—the victory comes at a high cost: brutal military crackdowns, the militarization of tribal regions, and the recruitment of former rebels into state-backed paramilitary forces. Locals now express fear of state violence more than rebel rule, raising ethical concerns about the government’s methods. Finally, the episode turns to the unseen heroes of theatre: understudies. These performers, often unseen and underpaid, serve as the critical insurance policy for Broadway and West End productions, with some covering up to 20 roles. Rising fees reflect the immense skill and pressure involved, as they must be ready to step into lead roles at a moment’s notice, even as audiences remain unaware of their existence. The episode underscores how systems—whether in war, politics, or art—rely on hidden structures that keep the show, or the state, running.