Hello and welcome to The Intelligence on Economist Radio.

I'm your host, Jason Palmer.

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

Even with the best of intentions, international development efforts don't always work.

They often start with small trials to test policy ideas.

They often end when what worked among a few dozen fails miserably among thousands.

And have a listen to top-flight British politicians.

Even though Britain's shores contain a wildly diverse set of accents,

in the halls of power, it all sounds very southeastern.

Our language columnist asks why.

But first...

Inept, uniquely dysfunctional, diplomatically clumsy, incoherent and chaotic policy.

These frank assessments of the Trump administration, from Britain's ambassador to America, Sir Kim Derrick, were never intended to see the light of day.

But over the weekend, a mysterious leak of diplomatic cables put them at center stage.

Yesterday, Sir Kim resigned.

In Britain's parliament, there was a rare moment of agreement between Prime Minister

Theresa May and the opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn. This morning, I have spoken to Sir Kim Darrock.

I have told him that it is a matter of great regret, that he has felt it necessary to leave his

position as ambassador in Washington. I think the comments made about him are beyond unfair and wrong.

I think he's given honorable and good service, and he should be thanked for it.

Never one to let a slight go unanswered, President Donald Trump lashed out against the

ambassador, calling him, among other things, a very stupid guy.

...