In business, it pays to live in the real world.

It's the difference between knowing what people think.

And what's AI?

With YouGov brand tracking, you can track perception of your brand with the most accurate data.

And always from real people.

Never bots.

What does it take to understand your brand's reality?

It takes UGov brand tracking.

Find out more at yougov.com slash brand tracking.

The Economist.

Thank you. The Economist. Hello and welcome to the intelligence from The Economist.

I'm your host, Rosie Bloor.

Every weekday, we provide a fresh perspective on the events shaping your world.

Francis Tussius. on the events shaping your world. France's colonies in Africa gained independence in the 1960s,

but France has maintained a foothold and often a military presence in many of them.

Now its troops are finally withdrawing, our correspondent considers the implications.

And the Mahakumela, a Hindu festival where pilgrims take a dip in a holy river to cleanse their sins,

takes place once every 12 years. These days, says our correspondent, its popularity isn't just about the alignment of the planet. It also serves a political purpose.

But first...

This week, European leaders lined up in Washington for a charm offensive.

I felt we had a very productive discussion, obviously, as the president says, the deal has to come first.

But yes, our teams are going to be...

...