Shows
America ExplainedWho's going to win the election?*** *** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter *** ***Andy and Catherine talk through the latest polls, and about how much to trust polling in general. Andy also shares his number one nightmare scenario for Harris losing on election day.CreditsHost - Andy GawthorpeCo-host - Catherine Wood2024-10-1336 min
America ExplainedIs war with North Korea imminent?*** *** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter *** ***Andy is joined by Elena Guido from the Leiden Asia Centre to discuss all things North Korea. We talked about North Korea's growing alignment with Russia and China, what trends have been affecting the country domestically, and whether - as some former U.S. officials have claimed - war on the peninsula is imminent.CreditsHost - Andy GawthorpeCo-host - Catherine Wood2024-09-2536 min
America ExplainedWhat would a Harris foreign policy look like?*** *** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter *** ***Andy and Martijn talk about what the foreign policy of a Harris administration might look like, touching on Ukraine, Israel, China and more. Plus, what's the foreign policy connection of ther recent Trump assassination attempt?CreditsHost - Andy GawthorpeCo-host - Catherine Wood2024-09-1833 min
America ExplainedRating the DNC media spectacle*** *** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter *** ***Andy and Catherine discuss the latest from the DNC, how Tim Walz is being received, and the protests over U.S. policy towards Gaza. They also talk about the history of party conventions and how modern conventions differ from those of the past.CreditsHost - Andy GawthorpeCo-host - Catherine Wood2024-08-2229 min
America ExplainedWhat's next for NATO?*** *** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter *** ***Andy and Martijn discuss last month's NATO summit. Although the event ended up getting overshadowed by concerns about Biden's health and age, it was an important event in its own right - and a good moment to take stock of the challenges currently facing the alliance. We talked about NATO's new secretary general Mark Rutte, the state of the war in Ukraine, and the threat Trump poses to the alliance.CreditsHost - Andy GawthorpeCo-host - Martijn van Ette2024-08-0128 min
America ExplainedWhat are Harris' chances?*** *** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter *** ***Andy and Catherine discuss the head-spinning events of the past few weeks, focusing on why Joe Biden decided to drop out and what Kamala Harris needs to do next to win.CreditsHost - Andy GawthorpeCo-host - Catherine Wood2024-07-2333 min
America ExplainedFrom the archive: When Israel wasn't a U.S. ally*** *** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter *** ***Nowadays we're used to the idea that America will stick by Israel almost no matter what. But American policymakers didn't always view Israel as an ally or a strategic asset for the United States. On the anniversary of the partition of Palestine by the United Nations - an event which set the stage for the modern Middle East - Andy discusses America's attitude towards the creation of the state of Israel in the 1940s.CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2024-06-2621 min
America ExplainedChina hawks vs. the energy transition*** *** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter *** ***What's the relationship between U.S.-China competition, and the global struggle against climate change? Andy explores how the former is making the latter harder.CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2024-06-1219 min
America ExplainedSwing state guides: Arizona*** *** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter *** ***In the first of a series, Andy gives explainers on U.S. swing states. Up first is Arizona, whose identity and politics are very different to the Midwestern states which people usually have in mind when they think about the most hotly-contested states. It's also a place where the big issues driving this election - immigration, election denialism, and abortion are unusually turbo-charged.CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2024-05-2925 min
America ExplainedCould Trump go to jail?*** *** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter *** ***Andy and Catherine talk about Trump's trial in New York, and whether there's any real chance of him going to jail before the November election.CreditsHost - Andy GawthorpeCo-host - Catherine Wood2024-05-1523 min
America ExplainedThe Supreme Court is more complicated than you think*** *** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter *** ***Andy and Catherine go over some lesser-known and surprising recent Supreme Court decisions covering democracy, animal rights, and Native affairs. CreditsHost - Andy GawthorpeCo-host - Catherine Wood2024-04-1731 min
America ExplainedWhy is American politics so depressing?*** *** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter *** ***In this special 100th episode of America Explained, Andy zooms out to look at what happened in the four years since the podcast launched to bring us back to this moment - one in which Donald Trump could once again become president of the United States.CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2024-03-2021 min
America ExplainedWill Ukraine gets its military aid?*** *** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter *** ***In this episode, Andy is joined by Martijn to talk about the hold-up in getting aid for Ukraine through the House of Representatives. How is it that Speaker Mike Johnson can single-handedly hold up this aid? And will Ukraine eventually get it?CreditsHost - Andy GawthorpeCo-host - Martijn van Ette2024-03-0621 min
America ExplainedHow should Europe prepare for Trump 2.0?*** *** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter *** ***In this special episode, Andy is interviewed by Phil Dobbie and Roger Herring of The Why Curve podcast about how Europe should prepare for a second Trump presidency. We talked about trade, alliances and democracy, as well as how Trump's re-election might lead to an undignified scramble to get on his good side.CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2024-02-2146 min
America ExplainedTrump's weaknesses are becoming apparent*** *** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter *** ***Donald Trump has won early primary contests in Iowa and New Hampshire. But the results have highlighted some warning signs for his campaign. Plus, Ron DeSantis is gone. Why was anyone enthusiastic about him in the first place? Andy discusses.CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2024-01-2424 min
America ExplainedFrom the archive: What did the Founders really think?*** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter ***Since our last episode it was the Fourth of July, the holiday that many politicians and commentators like to mark by talking nonsense about the Founding Fathers. In this episode Andy explores all of the ways in which popular debate often gets the Founders wrong, and explains how the founding generation was riven by all kinds of disagreements and doubts about the America they were creating. Check out America: A History, a new podcast from the University of East Anglia.CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2024-01-1021 min
America ExplainedWhen Israel wasn't a U.S. ally*** *** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter *** ***Nowadays we're used to the idea that America will stick by Israel almost no matter what. But American policymakers didn't always view Israel as an ally or a strategic asset for the United States. On the anniversary of the partition of Palestine by the United Nations - an event which set the stage for the modern Middle East - Andy discusses America's attitude towards the creation of the state of Israel in the 1940s.CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2023-11-2921 min
America ExplainedWill Biden win in 2024?*** *** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter *** ***It's roughly one year until the 2024 presidential election. There have been a host of conflicting signals about what the outcome might be recently - from some terrible polls for Biden to some good state and local election results for Democrats. Andy unpacks what it all means and what the big challenges are for Biden.CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2023-11-1524 min
America ExplainedFrom the archive: No, don't invade Mexico*** Check out the America Explained newsletter for regular posts on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***The latest idea floating around in Republican Party circles is that America should invade Mexico to combat drug cartels. Andy explains why they're saying this and how the history of America's previous interventions in Mexico shows that it's a really bad idea.CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2023-11-0129 min
America ExplainedCould the U.S. go to war in the Middle East?*** *** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter *** ***Hamas and Israel are headed for war, and the entire region might get sucked in - along with the United States. In this episode Andy explores how the U.S. is responding to the conflict and how it is affecting American politics and cultureCreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2023-10-1822 min
America ExplainedWhat comes after Kevin McCarthy?*** *** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter *** ***Speaker of the House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy just became the first speaker in American history to be voted out of his office. Far from a hapless victim, McCarthy played a key role in radicalizing his own party and making it impossible for anyone to impose order on it. That means his successors are likely to have just as hard a time as he did, as Andy discusses in this episode.CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2023-10-0420 min
America ExplainedFrom the archive: The anti-LGBT panic*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***Andy and Catherine explore the roots of today's anti-LGBT panic in the postwar 'Lavendar scare', talk about why conservatives today have chosen to demonize gay and trans people, and look at some of the concrete policies being implemented in Florida, Texas and elsewhere.CreditsHost - Andy GawthorpeCo-host - Catherine Wood2023-09-2040 min
America ExplainedLewis and Clark and the conquest of the frontier*** *** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter *** ***This month is the anniversary of when Lewis and Clark returned from their famous expedition across the North American continent. In popular culture the story is often portrayed as one of brave adventurers overcoming great odds. But what was actually the purpose of their mission? In this episode Andy talks about how Lewis and Clark's expedition is better understood as a reconnaissance mission before a war than a trek of peaceful discovery.Email show suggestions.CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2023-09-0618 min
America ExplainedThe Trump indictment show*** *** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter *** ***Trump has been indicted again! Andy talks about why the Georgia indictment is so much more dangerous for Trump than the others, and in the second half of the episode analyzes the current state of the GOP primary.Follow Andy on Twitter for more.CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2023-08-2328 min
America ExplainedHow strong is the case against Trump?*** Check out the free America Explained newsletter for regular posts on American politics and foreign policy ***Donald Trump faces his third serious criminal indictment this year. Andy breaks down Special Counsel Jack Smith's legal strategy and the problems it might face.Follow Andy on Twitter for more.CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2023-08-0931 min
America ExplainedFrom the archive: Race and suburbia*** Check out the free America Explained newsletter for regular posts 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 those suburban houses, or whose life would be much easier if they could travel by rail? In this episode Andy and Catherine discuss the ways that America's built...2023-07-2628 min
America ExplainedWhat did the Founders really think?*** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter ***Since our last episode it was the Fourth of July, the holiday that many politicians and commentators like to mark by talking nonsense about the Founding Fathers. In this episode Andy explores all of the ways in which popular debate often gets the Founders wrong, and explains how the founding generation was riven by all kinds of disagreements and doubts about the America they were creating. Check out America: A History, a new podcast from the University of East Anglia.CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2023-07-1221 min
America ExplainedAmerica and the Russian mutiny*** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter using the following link: https://amerex.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=d5d87848 ***For a few hours last Saturday, as mutinous Russian soldiers marched towards Moscow, it seemed like we were on the brink of entering a radically changed world. In the end the crisis passed, but only by ushering in a new era of flux and instability in Russian politics. What opportunities and risks does this pose to America? Andy unpacks it in this episode.CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2023-06-2822 min
America ExplainedTrump indicted (again!)*** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter using the following link: https://amerex.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=d5d87848 ***Trump has been indicted - again! But the trial might never take place before next year's election, and after that Trump could pardon himself. Andy unpacks why what Trump is alleged to have won is so bad but why he may very well not face justice.CreditsHost - Andy GawthorpeCo-host - Catherine Wood2023-06-1420 min
America ExplainedFrom the archive: Why liberals can't tell stories*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***The most successful politicians are often the most successful storytellers. Barack Obama, Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan - they all excelled at telling spinning narratives with which their supporters could identify. But what if one side of the political battle is much more adept at telling stories than the other? That's the argument of David Ricci, an emeritus professor at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, who...2023-05-3130 min
America ExplainedFrom the archive: Primaries: what's the deal?*** Check out the America Explained newsletter for regular posts on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***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...2023-05-1724 min
America ExplainedNo, America shouldn't invade Mexico*** Check out the America Explained newsletter for regular posts on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***The latest idea floating around in Republican Party circles is that America should invade Mexico to combat drug cartels. Andy explains why they're saying this and how the history of America's previous interventions in Mexico shows that it's a really bad idea.CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2023-04-1929 min
America ExplainedThe anti-LGBT panic*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***Andy and Catherine explore the roots of today's anti-LGBT panic in the postwar 'Lavendar scare', talk about why conservatives today have chosen to demonize gay and trans people, and look at some of the concrete policies being implemented in Florida, Texas and elsewhere.CreditsHost - Andy GawthorpeCo-host - Catherine Wood2023-04-0540 min
America ExplainedTrump is indicted*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***Donald Trump has been indicted and will surrender himself to authorities next Tuesday. Who has the worst takes about the news, and what are the implications for American politics? Andy and Catherine discuss.CreditsHost - Andy GawthorpeCo-host - Catherine Wood2023-03-3124 min
America ExplainedBiden takes on China*** Check out the free America Explained newsletter for a few posts a month on American politics and foreign policy ***In the last few months, Biden has launched an aggressive effort to cripple the Chinese semiconductor industry, a Chinese spy balloon has floated across America, and Beijing has allegedly been preparing to provide arms to Russia to help with the conflict in Ukraine. Andy and Catherine talk about how Biden is tougher on China than Trump, the significance of the semiconductor ban, and possible futures for the relationship.Follow Andy on Twitter for more....2023-03-0830 min
America ExplainedFrom the archive: AI and the future of warfare*** 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 often run far ahead of reality, while at the same time downplaying the dangers which exist in the real world. In this episode I interviewed Dr. Kenneth Payne, author of a great - and...2023-02-2238 min
America ExplainedRace and suburbia*** 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 those suburban houses, or whose life would be much easier if they could travel by rail? In this episode Andy and Catherine discuss the ways...2023-02-0828 min
America ExplainedBiden's scandal*** 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 more.CreditsHost - Andy GawthorpeCo-host - Catherine Wood2023-01-2524 min
America ExplainedThe crisis at the border*** 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 repressive tool first used by Trump - so-called "Title 42" immediate expulsions. This episode traces the debate over the issue and how the situation at the border got so bad.2023-01-1124 min
America ExplainedMerry Christmas!*** 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.CreditsHost - Andy GawthorpeResearcher, editorial assistant - Catherine Wood2022-12-2801 min
America ExplainedEurope's winter energy blues*** 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 the long-term geopolitical and climate implications created by the war's impact on energy markets.Follow Andy on Twitter for more.Credits...2022-12-1423 min
America ExplainedInterpreting the midterms*** 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 since its poor showing last week.Follow Andy on Twitter for more.CreditsHost - Andy GawthorpeResearcher, editorial assistant - Catherine...2022-11-1620 min
America ExplainedMidterms: What to expect (bonus episode)*** 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 talk about what implications the midterms might have for the future of American democracy and U.S. foreign policy towards Ukraine.Follow Andy on Twitter for more....2022-11-0442 min
America ExplainedThe politics of student debt relief*** 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 decision and unpacks why.Follow Andy on Twitter for more.CreditsHost - Andy GawthorpeResearcher and editorial assistant - Catherine Wood2022-10-2629 min
America ExplainedHow will the Ukraine war end?*** 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 challenge - might Ukraine eventually need to be restrained from pushing Putin so far that he takes an action which might change the world forever? In this episode Andy discusses the dynamics...2022-10-1225 min
America ExplainedPrimaries: what's the deal?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? Drop me a line below and I'll address it in a future episode.Andy's Twitter profile.Email Andy.CreditsAndy Gawthorpe...2022-09-2824 min
America ExplainedFrom the archive: Why does the right love Hungary?*** 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 the religious and cultural roots of Orban-mania, and talks about why Hungary is a poor model for the United States.CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2022-09-1421 min
America ExplainedPelosi in TaiwanNancy 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 reckless.CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2022-08-0321 min
America ExplainedBiden's Middle East quagmireJoe 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 more.CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2022-07-2025 min
America ExplainedRoe is dead. Long live America?*** 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 likely impact of the decision on American politics.Follow Andy on Twitter for more.CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2022-07-0625 min
America ExplainedAI and the future of warfare*** 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 often run far ahead of reality, while at the same time downplaying the dangers which exist in the real world. In this episode I interviewed Dr. Kenneth Payne, author of a great - and...2022-06-2238 min
America ExplainedFrom the archive: One mass shooting a dayHey! 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 type of regulation which is needed to stem the epidemic of violence. In this episode we explore the surprising origins of the modern gun rights movement...2022-06-0821 min
America ExplainedFrom the archive: Lock Trump up?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.CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2022-05-2523 min
America ExplainedWhat comes after Roe?*** 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 on Twitter for more.CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2022-05-1123 min
America ExplainedFrom the archive: No, America isn't headed for civil war*** 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 deep state? As Andy explores in this episode, it's not very likely at all - and all of these overblown concerns about civil war...2022-04-2729 min
America ExplainedWhy does the right love Hungary?*** 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 explores the religious and cultural roots of Orban-mania, and talks about why Hungary is a poor model for the United States.CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2022-04-1321 min
America ExplainedWhat is intersectionality?*** 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 their history is. In this episode I clear it up with Shanah Khan, coordinator of Intersecting Madrid and a researcher into U.S. intersectionality issues....2022-03-3038 min
America ExplainedHow is Biden handling Ukraine?*** Check out the free America Explained newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam ***In this episode, Andy discusses how the Biden administration has handled the Russian invasion of Ukraine so far. CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2022-03-1628 min
America ExplainedRussian nukes on alert (emergency episode)*** Check out the free America Explained newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam ***Just as this episode was being recorded, Russia announced its nuclear forces are being placed on alert. Andy discusses this as well as the current course of the ground conflict, and the truly unprecedented sanctions the West is considering against Russia - so unprecedented they seem to have sparked a nuclear response.CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2022-02-2720 min
America ExplainedWhat to fear in Ukraine (emergency episode)*** Check out the free America Explained newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam ***The Russian invasion of Ukraine has begun. In this extra episode Andy gives a brief rundown of the situation right now and talks about his fears for the coming weeks and months.CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2022-02-2416 min
America ExplainedHow important is Ukraine to America?*** Check out the free America Explained newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam ***As the crisis over Ukraine continues to unfold, there is one big question hovering behind it: Just how important is the independence and sovereignty of Ukraine to the United States? And is that importance based on material considerations or a broader but more abstract concern about the "liberal international order"? In order to chew over the latest developments in the situation and also address this more fundamental question...2022-02-1645 min
America ExplainedFrom the archive: #StopAsianHate*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few free written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam ***Over the past year, more and more attention has been focused on an issue which has long been submerged in mainstream discussions of American politics - racism and discrimination against Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders. A wave of scapegoating and hate crimes related to the Covid-19 pandemic and the tragic spa shootings in Atlanta have made it clear how much work there still is to be done to...2022-02-0247 min
America ExplainedNo, America isn't headed for civil war*** Check out the free America Explained newsletter for a few written posts a month 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 deep state? As Andy explores in this episode, it's not very likely at all - and all of these overblown concerns...2022-01-1929 min
America ExplainedFrom the archive: Are Democrats anti-Israel?*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***As violence shook the Middle East over the past few weeks, a debate was raging in the United States over American support for Israel. It has seemed to many observers that the Democratic Party is increasingly turning against Israel. This episode breaks down the party's debate over Israel and argues that less has changed than meets the eye.Follow Andy on Twitter...2022-01-0529 min
America ExplainedThe case for abandoning Ukraine*** Check out the free America Explained newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam ***Russia is threatening war with Ukraine, and demanding that America give in to a whole host of demands if conflict is to be avoided. In this episode, Andy explores how the roots of this conflict lie in NATO's expansion eastwards after the end of the Cold War, and makes the case that if the United States isn't willing to actually militarily defend Ukraine, the only moral thing to...2021-12-2233 min
America ExplainedWas Roe v. Wade bad for the left?*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam ***We stand on the brink of a transformation in abortion rights in America. Just last week the Supreme Court seemed to indicate its openness to gutting Roe in a decision which could come as soon as next June. Meanwhile, earlier this year Texas used a novel legal strategy to ban most abortions in the state, effectively ending Roe as a national standard. This episode discusses the history of...2021-12-0826 min
America ExplainedBiden, the U.S., and China*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam ***After nearly a year in office, how has the Biden administration changed U.S.-China relations? And what sort of legacy was left by Donald Trump? In this wide-ranging conversation with Xiaoxue Martin, a China expert at the Clingendael Institute think tank in The Netherlands, we discuss the overall state of relations and most important sticking points in the relationship - Taiwan and trade.Follow Andy...2021-11-2434 min
America ExplainedHow are Democrats doing?*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam ***Democrats have enjoyed unified control of the federal government for nearly a year. What have they done with that opportunity? Two developments last week - elections in Virginia, New Jersey and elsewhere, and the passage by Congress of a historic piece of infrastructure legislation - give us the chance to assess where they're at.Follow Andy on Twitter for more.Check out two articles...2021-11-1024 min
America ExplainedThe pivot to Asia is back*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***Last week Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States announced a new security agreement aimed at militarily containing China. In this episode I discuss what the agreement is, how it has its roots in the Obama administration, and why Europe is looking less relevant than ever to America's foreign policy.Follow Andy on Twitter for more.Credits...2021-09-2925 min
America ExplainedWho lost Afghanistan?*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***It's been about a month since Kabul fell to the Taliban, signifying America's defeat in one of the longest wars it has ever fought. While so much commentary has focused on blaming the Biden administration for either the decision to withdraw or the way the withdrawal was handled, this episode explores the deeper failures which led to America's defeat. I explored these issues with...2021-09-1534 min
America ExplainedFrom the archive: RAGE!!!*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***It's no secret that American politics has been filled with rage in recent years. On cable news, on social media feeds, at demonstrations, riots and insurrections, a seemingly limitless supply of anger has been spilling into view. But what are the consequences of this rage for the health of American democracy? My guest today, Steven Webster from Indiana University, has recently published a book...2021-09-0135 min
America ExplainedThe Taliban rout America*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ *** The Taliban are back in Kabul. The U.S.-backed Afghan government and military have collapsed much faster than almost anyone predicted. What does this mean for U.S. politics and foreign policy? And was there another way? Host Andy Gawthorpe breaks down the issues and looks at the long-term issues raised by the weekend's events.Follow Andy on Twitter for more.2021-08-1532 min
America ExplainedFrom the archive: American exceptionalism*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***America Explained is taking a short summer break over August, so we're going to be bringing you two of my favorite episodes from the archive. We'll be back with lots of great new material in September - until then, enjoy this great interview about American exceptionalism with Hilde Restad.Americans have always liked to believe that their country is special - or...2021-08-0435 min
America Explained#StopAsianHate*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***Over the past year, more and more attention has been focused on an issue which has long been submerged in mainstream discussions of American politics - racism and discrimination against Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders. A wave of scapegoating and hate crimes related to the Covid-19 pandemic and the tragic spa shootings in Atlanta have made it clear how much work there still is to...2021-07-2147 min
America ExplainedLock Trump up?*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***Last week Trump's business and its Chief Financial Officer were hit by criminal charges related to a tax evasion scheme. But Trump himself hasn't been charged, and there seems little prospect that he will be held accountable for the legion of crimes he seems to have committed both while president and beforehand. What does this mean for his political future? And what does it...2021-07-0723 min
America ExplainedWhy liberals can't tell stories*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***The most successful politicians are often the most successful storytellers. Barack Obama, Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan - they all excelled at telling spinning narratives with which their supporters could identify. But what if one side of the political battle is much more adept at telling stories than the other? That's the argument of David Ricci, an emeritus professor at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, who...2021-06-2330 min
America ExplainedJoe Manchin's America*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***On Sunday, the Democratic Senator from West Virginia dropped a bombshell. Joe Manchin said he will refuse to vote for any legislation to advance or protect voting rights in America unless ten Republican senators back it as well - an impossibly high bar, particularly at a time when Republicans all over the country are pushing to make voting harder and seize control of the...2021-06-0924 min
America ExplainedAre Democrats anti-Israel?*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***As violence shook the Middle East over the past few weeks, a debate was raging in the United States over American support for Israel. It has seemed to many observers that the Democratic Party is increasingly turning against Israel. This episode breaks down the party's debate over Israel and argues that less has changed than meets the eye.Follow Andy on Twitter...2021-06-0229 min
America ExplainedRAGE!!!*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***It's no secret that American politics has been filled with rage in recent years. On cable news, on social media feeds, at demonstrations, riots and insurrections, a seemingly limitless supply of anger has been spilling into view. But what are the consequences of this rage for the health of American democracy? My guest today, Steven Webster from Indiana University, has recently published a book...2021-05-1933 min
America ExplainedTrump, Biden, and Israel (bonus episode)*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***Just a few weeks ago, former Trump administration officials were still claiming that they had brought peace to the Middle East. But the latest round of violence demonstrates that their approach was deeply flawed and only set the conditions for long-term escalation. Meanwhile, the Biden team has clearly been caught flat-footed, having been distracted by other issues and not yet having a clear strategy...2021-05-1422 min
America ExplainedOne mass shooting a day*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***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 type of regulation which is needed to stem the epidemic of violence...2021-05-0521 min
America ExplainedThe politics of voter suppression*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***In response to the Big Lie - that last November's election was stolen from them - Republicans are moving to pass voter suppression legislation across dozens of American states, most prominently in Georgia. In this episode I'm joined by former Obama campaign official Karin Robinson to discuss the scariest parts of the voter suppression effort, how the politics of it affect the Democratic and...2021-04-2130 min
America ExplainedDebating Afghan withdrawal (bonus episode)*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***This last week, Joe Biden announced the biggest foreign policy move of his administration so far - a plan to withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan this year. In this episode we talk about the arguments for and against withdrawal, why this isn't so straightforward of a win for progressives as it might appear, and how Afghanistan fits into American national security priorities going...2021-04-1719 min
America ExplainedJoe Biden, savior of global democracy?*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***All over the world, democracy is in retreat and authoritarianism is on the march. The Biden administration has put the advancement of democracy around the world at the center of its foreign policy agenda. But at the same time, American foreign relations always involves relationships with autocrats and dictators. In this episode we take a survey of the world - from the Middle East...2021-04-0725 min
America ExplainedSouthern border blues*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***Arrivals of migrants and refugees at the southern border are surging - this year could see over two million border-crossers, the highest level in 20 years. The Biden administration inherited a deeply broken refugee admission system from Trump, but it has also made its own choices which are shaping what is happening at the border - including the decision to keep sending everyone who arrives...2021-03-2429 min
America ExplainedWhere's the beef? It's with Uncle Sam*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***The coronavirus pandemic, climate change, and animal cruelty in industrial agriculture - all are contributing to a growing awareness that something is amiss in our relationship with animals. Meat alternatives have never been more popular. But at the same time, there are enormous headwinds which keep meat on our plates - cultural, political, even ideas about how meat is linked to masculinity. In this...2021-03-1032 min
America ExplainedPlague, disaster, and scandal*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***It often seemed over the last four years that with so much media attention focused on Donald Trump's daily outrages, there was little oxygen left for more normal types of political scandal. But the coronavirus and the monster winter storm which recently battered the United States have left many state governors trapped in a quagmire of scandal of their own. This episode explores how...2021-02-2428 min
America ExplainedAmerican exceptionalism*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***Americans have always liked to believe that their country is special - or, as the phrase goes, exceptional. And as a consequence of believing that their country is exceptional, many Americans have also believed that it has a uniquely uplifting and moral role to play in international affairs.But in Donald Trump, America has had a president who explicitly rejected the idea o...2021-02-1036 min
America ExplainedBiden's agenda*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***Insurrections be damned, Joe Biden is now the president of the United States. In this episode we take a look at the three big policy issues he is moving on early - immigration, the environment, and the economy. We dissect his proposals, their chances of success - and how what he learned from the Obama administration is shaping his actions now that the buck...2021-01-2732 min
America ExplainedIran, the U.S., and the bomb*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***In this episode I spoke to Gregory Brew, deputy editor of the Texas National Security Review and a historian of U.S.-Iranian relations, about U.S. relations with Iran. We talked about the deeper history of the relationship, what drove policy during the Trump administration, and the role that oil plays in the broader U.S. stance in the Middle East....2021-01-1335 min
America ExplainedThe stakes in Georgia*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***In this episode we break down the Senate run-offs in Georgia, explaining why the races are so crucial and what we can learn from the candidates and eventual result about the state of the parties and the future of American politics. After the result you can check out our Facebook page to see a written analysis, and you can write with any questions...2020-12-3025 min
America ExplainedTrump vs. the election*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***Ever since it became obvious that Joe Biden won the election, Donald Trump and the Republicans have been trying to overturn the will of the people and secure another term for their own party. Their efforts have amounted to an all-out assault on America's electoral democracy. How did one of the two main parties give up on democracy, and what are the dangers for...2020-12-1632 min
America ExplainedThe not-so-special relationship*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***The British relationship with America has long been known, at least in Britain, as "the special relationship". But the election of Joe Biden has the British political class, particularly those most committed to Brexit, nervous. After four years of frequent praise and encouragement - if not much actual concrete assistance - from Donald Trump, they worry that Biden will prove much less sympathetic to...2020-12-0229 min
America ExplainedDecoding the electionNow that a few weeks have passed, we have enough information about what happened in the 2020 election to try to decode what it means for the current state of American politics - as well as what it might mean for the future. And frankly, thinking about these questions is a much more productive use of time than following Donald Trump's increasingly pathetic and desperate attempts to reject the results.That's why I invited Josh Robison, a political scientist from Leiden University, to talk about both the long-running trends which we see continuing in this election, and the...2020-11-1837 min
America ExplainedRelax. Biden has won.*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***Mainstream outlets won't call it yet, but Joe Biden will be the next president of the United States. It was a crazy ride, and in this episode we talk you through some of the consequences and implications. How impressive is Biden's victory? Did the polling industry screw up again? And what's next for Donald Trump?CreditsHost - Andy Gawthorpe2020-11-0527 min
America ExplainedHow to watch the election results like a pro (bonus episode)*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***It's election day! You've probably heard a lot of confusing things about the election tonight, including that we're not likely to know the results for days and weeks. But as this short bonus episode explains, that's not necessarily true. If you know how to interpret the results like a pro, then there's a good chance that we can be almost certain who has won...2020-11-0315 min
America ExplainedHeading for a Democratic landslide?If you look at the polls right now, then it looks like Joe Biden is heading for a landslide in the American presidential election. He's leading handily not only in the national polls, but also in the key swing states that will decide the election. And many of the factors which made it possible for Trump to pull out a narrow win in 2016 - including a large number of voters who were still undecided - are just not present this year.But are there other factors which we're missing? After all, Trump looked like he was headed...2020-10-2242 min
America ExplainedThe U.S.-China relationship*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***The U.S.-China relationship is probably the most important bilateral relationship in the world. Yet in recent years it has been coming under pressure. There's been a trade war, a war of words over the South China Sea, and a battle of narratives over who is to blame for the coronavirus. At the same time, China has been causing international outrage over its act...2020-10-0736 min
America ExplainedPolitics of the Midwest*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***We all know all about the Midwest - right? Or do we just think we do? Every four years the media focuses intently on this region, which can swing the election one way or the other. But often they just recycle cliches about rural values, white identity politics, and declining economies. For the past four years, the Midwest has been seen as the home...2020-10-0730 min
America ExplainedRace in America*** Check out the America Explained Substack newsletter for a few written posts a month on the big issues in U.S. politics and foreign policy and no extra spam: https://amerex.substack.com/ ***We need to talk about race. Race has been central to all of American history, but for the country's white majority it has not always been obviously so. Americans have told themselves many stories about their country's racial divide over the centuries, and these stories have often been designed to hide or avoid confronting the issue. The past decade or so has made that...2020-10-0734 min