The Economist

Tocqueville Road Trip from The Economist

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Alexis de Tocqueville arrived in New York in May 1831. America was still getting started. But this young French aristocrat was the first foreigner to foresee what it would become: not just a country, but an idea—one powerful enough to shape the future of the world. Tocqueville's nine-month road trip took him to the frontier, to the South and, eventually, to the White House. It spawned his masterpiece: “Democracy in America”. Many people still consider this book the single most insightful piece of writing on America. John Prideaux, The Economist ’s US editor, is one of them. Now, 250 years aft...

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The Economist

Episodes

2. Against all obstacles 11.06.2026 44:23

Tocqueville saw America’s faith in its own democracy as a vital force. But these days the majority of Americans think the country is headed in the wrong direction. Can a group of maximum security prisoners in Sing Sing offer a vision of how to get back on track? Guests and Hosts John Prideaux, The Economist ’s US Editor Sean Pica, executive director of Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison&nb...

1. Game of chance 11.06.2026 48:48

John Prideaux, The Economist ’s US Editor, embarks on a roadtrip to see how America’s democracy is faring in the era of Trump.  His companion is a long-dead French aristocrat called Alexis De Tocqueville, author of arguably the best book ever written about America.  When Tocqueville arrived in New York in 1831, it was a small, low-slung city where pigs roamed the streets. But he was able...

Trailer: Tocqueville Road Trip 11.06.2026 3:27

Nearly two centuries ago, a French aristocrat called Alexis De Tocqueville went on a trip around America and wrote up his findings in a book called Democracy in America . Many people still think it’s the most insightful thing ever written about the country. John Prideaux, The Economist ’s US Editor, is one of them.  Tocqueville found Americans' faith in freedom and self-improvement exhilariti...