America Explained

*** Check out the free America Explained newsletter for occasional written posts on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam *** How might artificial intelligence change the nature of warfare, and what political and ethical dilemmas does it pose in civilian society? Nowadays popular culture is full of speculation about these questions, but popular films and TV series of...

*** Check out the free America Explained newsletter for a few posts a month on American politics and foreign policy *** When we think of America, one of the first images that comes to mind are often a neat row of suburban houses, or long highways stretching into the distance. But how did those pictures come about, and what about the people who got left out - the people who couldn't afford one of t...

*** Check out the free America Explained newsletter for a few posts a month on American politics and foreign policy *** Politics started early this year, with tumult in the House of Representatives and President Biden getting a classified document scandal of his own. Andy and Catherine dissect the issues and offer some predictions for how it all might unfold in 2023. Follow Andy on Twitter for mor...

*** Check out the free America Explained newsletter for a few posts a month on American politics and foreign policy *** There is a humanitarian crisis at the southern border, and Republicans in Congress will be working hard to make it a political crisis for the Biden administration in the coming year. But the dirty secret of Biden's immigration policy is that it continued the use of a very repress...

*** Check out the free America Explained newsletter for a few posts a month on American politics and foreign policy *** Merry Christmas from America Explained. Send your episode ideas for the new year: producer@america-explained.com. Follow Andy on Twitter for more . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Researcher, editorial assistant - Catherine Wood

*** Check out the free America Explained newsletter for a few posts a month on American politics and foreign policy *** The war in Ukraine has shaken up global energy markets and created fears of a seriously bad winter in Europe if temperatures go to low. But although it looks like disaster will be averted this time around, there's still no real plan for next year. This episode dives into some of...

*** Check out the free America Explained newsletter for occasional written posts on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam *** Intersectionality and critical race theory have become big issues in American politics in recent years. But watching that "debate" - if we can even call it that - has not been a great way to get informed about what these topics mean and what t...

*** Check out the free America Explained newsletter for a few posts a month on American politics and foreign policy *** Democrats had one of the best midterm showings of the postwar era. In this episode, Andy explains how Joe Biden's strategy of reaching out to independent and even right-wing voters has been vindicated. He also talks about what's next for the GOP, which has been engulfed in chaos...

*** Check out the free America Explained newsletter for a few posts a month on American politics and foreign policy *** In this episode, Andy and Catherine discuss next week's midterms. We talk about the current polls and why they seem to have got worse for the Democrats in the last few weeks, then highlight some important ballot initiatives and races taking place across the country. Finally, we t...

*** Check out the free America Explained newsletter for a few posts a month on American politics and foreign policy *** In August, President Biden announced substantial student debt forgiveness. This step has been so long coming - and proven so controversial - because the value and role of education have become deeply contested issues in American culture. This episode takes a look at Biden's decis...

*** Check out the free America Explained newsletter for a few posts a month on American politics and foreign policy *** The war in Ukraine has entered a new phase as Kiev's counteroffensive throws Russia off-balance and raises fears that Moscow might escalate the war to a new level. If the West previously feared that Kiev might quickly collapse, now NATO officials whisper about a more difficult ch...

It always seems to be election season in America, and one reason is the system of primary elections, in which each party picks its candidate before the general election. But why do primaries exist, and are they a good idea? In this episode Andy explores the history of primaries and what impact they have on American politics today. Is there a particular question you want answered about America? Dro...

*** Check out the free America Explained newsletter for occasional written posts on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam *** The American conservative movement has a strange love affair with Hungary's authoritarian leader Viktor Orban - so much so that recently the biggest annual event in conservative politics will be held in Budapest. In this episode, Andy explores...

America Explained is taking a two-week summer break. In the meantime, we want to hear from YOU about what you would like us to cover on the show in the coming year. Let Andy know by writing to him either on Twitter or email: Andy's Twitter profile . Email Andy .

What a week. Joe Biden passed the most significant piece of federal climate legislation ever, topping off a streak of recent wins including the lowering of drug prices for working Americans and efforts to revive American manufacturing. Donald Trump, meanwhile, is back where he usually is - mired in scandal and in trouble with the law. What does this contrast tell us about American politics right n...

Nancy Pelosi has touched down in Taiwan for a visit which has generated huge pushback from Beijing and divisions in Washington, where Republicans are supportive but the Biden White House wishes she would have just flown home instead. How did we get here? Why is the visit so controversial? And is it a good idea? Andy unpacks it all. Follow Andy on Twitter for more . Tom Friedman on why the trip is...

Joe Biden just wrapped up a four-day week to the Middle East in which he delivered the fist-bump heard around the world to Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi dictator who Biden previously swore he would never so much as speak to. Why has Biden gone back on the principles that he said would guide his foreign policy? This episode explores the role of oil, China, and much more. Follow Andy on Twitter for...

*** Check out the free America Explained newsletter for occasional written posts on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam *** Late last month, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, destroying the right to an abortion. In this episode Andy talks about the conservative legal theory behind the decision and what it means for the future, and also talks about the...

*** Check out the free America Explained newsletter for occasional written posts on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam *** How might artificial intelligence change the nature of warfare, and what political and ethical dilemmas does it pose in civilian society? Nowadays popular culture is full of speculation about these questions, but popular films and TV series of...

Hey! Andy here. I've got covid, so I'm reposting this still-topical episode from last year. New stuff coming soon! So far this year, there has been at least one mass shooting per day in the United States. And while you might think that this would lead to calls for tighter gun regulation, the Supreme Court just decided to take up a case which will probably see it declare unconstitutional just the t...

This episode from last year took a look at the legal and accountability issues which still dog Trump. Nearly a year later, there is little sign that the Biden administration and Attorney General Merrick Garland are seeking justice for Trump's illegal actions during his presidency. What happens to America when presidents are not accountable for their actions? Follow Andy on Twitter for more . Credi...

*** Check out the free America Explained newsletter for occasional written posts on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam *** What does the leaked draft Supreme Court ruling mean for the future of abortion rights in America and of American politics? In this episode Andy breaks down what the ruling would do and why it is dangerous for American democracy. Follow Andy o...

*** Check out the free America Explained newsletter for occasional written posts on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam *** Recently there's been a lot of talk about the idea that America might be headed for a new civil war. But how likely is it that Donald Trump will declare Mar-a-Lago to be the capital of a new MAGA-nated States of America and wage war on the dee...

*** Check out the free America Explained newsletter for occasional written posts on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam *** The American conservative movement has a strange love affair with Hungary's authoritarian leader Viktor Orban - so much so that next month the biggest annual event in conservative politics will be held in Budapest. In this episode, Andy explor...

*** Check out the free America Explained newsletter for occasional written posts on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam *** Intersectionality and critical race theory have become big issues in American politics in recent years. But watching that "debate" - if we can even call it that - has not been a great way to get informed about what these topics mean and what t...