America Explained
America Explained is a podcast about American politics, foreign policy & culture for an international audience. Every fortnight it brings you the voices and perspectives shaping America - and its impact on the world - today. Hosted by historian and columnist Andy Gawthorpe, each fortnightly episode features analysis and interviews which help you understand a key issue in a way the regular news cycle never will. If something really big happens in-between, we’ll drop a bonus episode to keep you up to date.
Fri, March 28, 2025
Ukraine's global reverberations
Check out our weekly newsletter - and get 15% off for podcaster listeners ! Andy and Martijn discuss Trump's shocking policy towards Ukraine and its impact on Europe and beyond.
Tue, February 18, 2025
Why does USAID matter?
Check out our weekly newsletter - and get 15% off for podcaster listeners ! Andy and Catherine talk about the history of USAID and why the Trump administration picked it as the first target of its efforts to destroy the federal bureaucracy.
Mon, January 20, 2025
Trump's first 100 days: what to expect
Check out our weekly newsletter - and get 15% off for podcaster listeners ! It's Inauguration Day and America Explained is backed. In today's episode, Andy and Martijn discuss what to expect from Trump in foreign and domestic affairs in the coming months - and whether he will really be the unconstrained MAGA steamroller that a lot of commentary assumes.
Sun, October 13, 2024
Who'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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Co-host - Catherine Wood
Wed, September 25, 2024
Is 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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Co-host - Catherine Wood
Wed, September 18, 2024
What 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? Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Co-host - Catherine Wood
Thu, August 22, 2024
Rating 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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Co-host - Catherine Wood
Thu, August 01, 2024
What'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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Co-host - Martijn van Ette
Tue, July 23, 2024
What 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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Co-host - Catherine Wood
Wed, June 26, 2024
From 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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Wed, June 12, 2024
China 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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Tue, May 28, 2024
Swing 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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Wed, May 15, 2024
Could 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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Co-host - Catherine Wood
Wed, May 01, 2024
From the archive: Iran, 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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Tue, April 16, 2024
The 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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Co-host - Catherine Wood
Tue, April 02, 2024
Why America really fears China
*** *** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter *** *** Nowadays we're used to the idea that antagonism exists between the West and China, but we don't often pause to consider that this antagonism long predates China's rising economic and military power. Our guest today, Professor Jeffrey Crean from Tyler Junior College in Texas, is someone who has considered this - and he's written a great book, The Fear of Chinese Power , which examines over 150 years of Western fears of China. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Co-host - Martijn van Ette
Tue, March 19, 2024
Why 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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Wed, March 06, 2024
Will 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? Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Co-host - Martijn van Ette
Wed, February 21, 2024
How 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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Wed, February 07, 2024
Republican border sabotage - and worse
*** *** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter *** *** The border is the big news in America right now. The Biden administration has embraced a hard-right approach to border security - but Republicans in Congress won't pass it because they want the president to look bad. Meanwhile, Texas Governor Greg Abbott is taking the law into his own hands - using arguments that date back to the civil war. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Wed, January 24, 2024
Trump'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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Wed, January 10, 2024
From 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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Wed, December 27, 2023
Merry Christmas from America Explained!
Merry Christmas!
Wed, December 13, 2023
Biden and Israel fall out
*** *** Receive 15% off the America Explained newsletter *** *** In the early days of the conflict in Gaza, the Biden administration called its approach to Israel "hugging them close". But now more and more disagreements are emerging between between the two countries, and hugs don't seem to be working anymore. What does this mean for the rest of the conflict and the broader future of the Israeli-Palestinian struggle? Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Wed, November 29, 2023
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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Wed, November 15, 2023
Will 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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Wed, November 01, 2023
From 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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Wed, October 18, 2023
Could 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 culture Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Wed, October 04, 2023
What 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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Wed, September 20, 2023
From 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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Co-host - Catherine Wood
Wed, September 06, 2023
Lewis 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 . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Tue, August 22, 2023
The 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 . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Tue, August 08, 2023
How 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 . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Wed, July 26, 2023
From 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 environment has been shaped by race and why undoing its toxic legacies is so difficult. Follow Andy on Twitter for more . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Co-host - Catherine Wood
Wed, July 12, 2023
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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Wed, June 28, 2023
America 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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Wed, June 14, 2023
Trump 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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Co-host - Catherine Wood
Wed, May 31, 2023
From 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 joined me for this episode. In his book Politics Without Stories: The Liberal Predicament, Professor Ricci argued that conservative stories are more effective than liberal stories, giving the left a structural disadvantage in American politics. Tune in to find out why. Follow Andy on Twitter for more . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Wed, May 17, 2023
From 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 America? Drop me a line below and I'll address it in a future episode. Andy's Twitter profile . Credits Andy Gawthorpe - host
Wed, May 03, 2023
DeSantis is blowing it
*** 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/ *** For a long time, Ron DeSantis has been discussed as the only person who could beat Trump to the Republican presidential nomination. Now his star is falling and the possibility of him posing a serious challenge to Trump seems to be diminishing. How did he blow it? Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Co-host - Catherine Wood
Wed, April 19, 2023
No, 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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Wed, April 05, 2023
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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Co-host - Catherine Wood
Fri, March 31, 2023
Trump 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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Co-host - Catherine Wood
Wed, March 22, 2023
From the archive: The 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 Brexit and Britain in general. In this episode, we look beyond the personal relationship between leaders to the fundamental shared interests which have defined Anglo-American ties since World War II. British leaders shouldn't worry so much about whether Biden's Irish heritage makes him anti-British, but much more about the ways in which Brexit is permanently reducing London's usefulness to Washington. But as we explore in this episode, the myths they have told themselves about the relationship often make an honest reckoning impossible. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Wed, March 08, 2023
Biden 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 . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Co-host - Catherine Wood
Wed, February 22, 2023
From 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 highly-acclaimed - new book on war and artificial intelligence about these questions, and more. Follow Andy on Twitter for more . Kenneth's new book . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Wed, February 08, 2023
Race 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 that America's built environment has been shaped by race and why undoing its toxic legacies is so difficult. Follow Andy on Twitter for more . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Co-host - Catherine Wood
Wed, January 25, 2023
Biden'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 . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Co-host - Catherine Wood
Wed, January 11, 2023
The 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. Correction: In the episode, Andy discussed a new "humanitarian parole" program created by the administration and stated there are only 30,000 places on it. That should have been "30,000 places a month". Follow Andy on Twitter for more . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Researcher, editorial assistant - Catherine Wood
Wed, December 28, 2022
Merry 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 . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Researcher, editorial assistant - Catherine Wood
Wed, December 14, 2022
Europe'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 Host - Andy Gawthorpe Researcher, editorial assistant - Catherine Wood
Wed, November 30, 2022
From the archive: What 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. Shanah's organization, Intersect Madrid . Shanah's podcast . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Wed, November 16, 2022
Interpreting 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 . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Researcher, editorial assistant - Catherine Wood
Thu, November 03, 2022
Midterms: 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 . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Researcher, editorial assistant, host - Catherine Wood
Tue, October 25, 2022
The 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 . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Researcher and editorial assistant - Catherine Wood
Wed, October 12, 2022
How 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 of this new phase of the conflict and why they make the coming months so dangerous. Follow Andy on Twitter for more . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Researcher and editorial assistant - Catherine Wood
Wed, September 28, 2022
Primaries: 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 . Credits Andy Gawthorpe - host
Tue, September 13, 2022
From 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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Tue, August 30, 2022
What should we cover?
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 .
Tue, August 16, 2022
Biden up, Trump down
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 now, and might Trump finally face his comeuppance? Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Tue, August 02, 2022
Pelosi in Taiwan
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 reckless . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Tue, July 19, 2022
Biden's Middle East quagmire
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 more . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Wed, July 06, 2022
Roe 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 . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Tue, June 21, 2022
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 highly-acclaimed - new book on war and artificial intelligence about these questions, and more. Follow Andy on Twitter for more . Kenneth's new book . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Wed, June 08, 2022
From the archive: One mass shooting a day
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 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 in black activism, and the changes which subsequently made it such a powerful force in conservative politics. For more, follow our host Andy Gawthorpe on Twitter.
Tue, May 24, 2022
From 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 . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Wed, May 11, 2022
What 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 . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Tue, April 26, 2022
From 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 are distracting liberals from the much more real - and arguably more dangerous - challenges they face. Follow Andy on Twitter for more . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Tue, April 12, 2022
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 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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Tue, March 29, 2022
What 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. Shanah's organization, Intersect Madrid . Shanah's podcast . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Tue, March 15, 2022
How 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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Sun, February 27, 2022
Russian 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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Thu, February 24, 2022
What 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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Tue, February 15, 2022
How 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, I invited back onto the show Edmund Flett, the host of an international affairs podcast here in The Netherlands. The podcast Edmund hosts . Follow Andy on Twitter for more . Check out Andy's post about Ukraine in the America Explained newsletter . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Tue, February 01, 2022
From 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 fight this scourge. My guest today, Jeff Le, has been at the forefront of doing that work. A former policymaker who served at the highest levels of California state government as a Deputy Cabinet Secretary and deployed to Afghanistan to serve his country, over the last year Jeff has been speaking out not only about anti-Asian violence but also the structural barriers which face Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders in American politics and workplaces. We had a frank and enlightening conversation, and I hope you enjoy it. Follow Andy on Twitter @andygawt for more. Links to Jeff's writing I Though I Knew How to Succeed as an Asian in U.S. Politics. I Was Wrong ( Politico ) How California Can Combat Anti-AAPI Attacks ( Center for Health Journalism ) Interview with USA Today . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Tue, January 18, 2022
No, 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 about civil war are distracting liberals from the much more real - and arguably more dangerous - challenges they face. Follow Andy on Twitter for more . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Tue, January 04, 2022
From 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 @andygawt for more. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Wed, December 22, 2021
The 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 do is to negotiate a way out. Follow Andy on Twitter for more . Check out Andy's post about Ukraine in the America Explained newsletter . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe
Tue, December 07, 2021
Was 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 Roe and its sister case Planned Parenthood v. Casey, analyzes the likely political impact of a decision to annul them, and also asks a question posed by Ruth Bader Ginsburg - was seeking to establish abortion rights in the courts rather than Congress ultimately a bad move for the left? Follow Andy on Twitter for more . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Growth consultant - Anne Stoop
Tue, November 23, 2021
Biden, 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 on Twitter for more . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Growth consultant - Anne Stoop
Wed, November 10, 2021
How 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 Andy wrote in The Guardian last week: The real lesson of the election results? Democrats must go big and bold . Biden scored a major victory on infrastructure. But is it enough? Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Growth consultant - Anne Stoop
Tue, October 26, 2021
From the archive: Race 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 *** In this, the first ever episode of America Explained, I talked with Professor Marcia Chatelain from Georgetown about her book Franchise, a history of fast food and capitalism in African-American communities which has now won a Pulitzer Prize. In a conversation taped before the 2020 election, we also talked about how the politics of racial justice might change in the post-Trump era, and whether the high level of racial mobilization we saw in the summer of 2020 following the death of George Floyd might be maintained. Judge for yourself whether we were right, and let me know what you think by email or on Twitter .
Tue, October 12, 2021
Special: The U.S., China, and AUKUS
*** 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 is a special episode in which Andy is interviewed by the host of the ISSA podcast at Leiden University, Edmund Flett, about U.S. foreign policy towards the Asia-Pacific, the U.S.-Chinese relationship, and America's latest security relationship in the region. Let Andy know what you think on Twitter and check out more ISSA podcasts here .
Tue, September 28, 2021
The 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 Host - Andy Gawthorpe Growth consultant - Anne Stoop
Tue, September 14, 2021
Who 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 my guest Jeffrey Michaels, a former Pentagon official and NATO historian who is now a senior fellow at the Barcelona Institute for International Affairs. Follow Andy on Twitter for more. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Growth consultant - Anne Stoop
Tue, August 31, 2021
From 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 on just that topic. In this episode we talked through how anger reduces faith in government, causes people to abandon their commitment to democracy, and increases their partisan loyalty. I'll be honest - it's not an optimistic conversation. But it is one that will really deepen your understanding of the current political moment. Follow me on Twitter @andygawt for more. Steven's book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/American-Rage-Anger-Shapes-Politics/dp/1108811922 His other academic work: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=vUgcCIAAAAAJ&hl=en Popular article about his work: https://theconversation.com/angry-americans-how-political-rage-helps-campaigns-but-hurts-democracy-145819 Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Growth consultant - Anne Stoop
Sun, August 15, 2021
The 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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Growth consultant - Anne Stoop
Tue, August 03, 2021
From 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, 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 of his country's exceptionality for the first time, calling into question America's role in the world and the strength of its democracy at home. In order to find out more about the significance of Trump's rejection of this idea, I interviewed Dr. Hilde Restad from Bjørknes College in Norway. Hilde is a leading expert on American exceptionalism, and we had a great conversation not just about Trump but also the broader history of the concept, how other recent presidents (particularly Obama) had related to it, and whether we can expect a return to business as usual now that Biden is in office. Hilde's article on Trump and American exceptionalism: https://tnsr.org/2019/12/whither-the-city-upon-a-hill-donald-trump-america-first-and-american-exceptionalism/ Hilde's book: https://www.routledge.com/American-Exceptionalism-An-Idea-that-Made-a-Nation-and-Remade-the-World/Restad/p/book/9781138096769 Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Growth consultant - Anne Stoop
Wed, July 21, 2021
#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 be done to fight this scourge. My guest today, Jeff Le, has been at the forefront of doing that work. A former policymaker who served at the highest levels of California state government as a Deputy Cabinet Secretary and deployed to Afghanistan to serve his country, over the last year Jeff has been speaking out not only about anti-Asian violence but also the structural barriers which face Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders in American politics and workplaces. We had a frank and enlightening conversation, and I hope you enjoy it. Follow Andy on Twitter @andygawt for more. Links to Jeff's writing I Though I Knew How to Succeed as an Asian in U.S. Politics. I Was Wrong ( Politico ) How California Can Combat Anti-AAPI Attacks ( Center for Health Journalism ) Interview with USA Today . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Growth consultant - Anne Stoop If you have any questions or comments, you can email the show on producer@america-explained.com.
Tue, July 06, 2021
Lock 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 mean for America when its presidents can commit crimes with impunity? Follow Andy on Twitter for more . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Growth consultant - Anne Stoop
Tue, June 22, 2021
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 joined me for this episode. In his book Politics Without Stories: The Liberal Predicament, Professor Ricci argued that conservative stories are more effective than liberal stories, giving the left a structural disadvantage in American politics. Tune in to find out why. Follow Andy on Twitter for more . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Growth consultant - Anne Stoop
Wed, June 09, 2021
Joe 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 democratic process in the states. This episode explores what's at stake, talks about why the progressive campaign to pressure Manchin to change his mind seems doomed to failure, and talks about what comes next. Follow Andy on Twitter for more . Usually we release episodes every two weeks. This one comes just a week after our last episode and - unless something big happens - the next, an interview I'm very excited about, will be two weeks from today. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Growth consultant - Anne Stoop
Tue, June 01, 2021
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 @andygawt for more. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Growth consultant - Anne Stoop
Tue, May 18, 2021
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 on just that topic. In this episode we talked through how anger reduces faith in government, causes people to abandon their commitment to democracy, and increases their partisan loyalty. I'll be honest - it's not an optimistic conversation. But it is one that will really deepen your understanding of the current political moment. Follow me on Twitter @andygawt for more. Steven's book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/American-Rage-Anger-Shapes-Politics/dp/1108811922 His other academic work: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=vUgcCIAAAAAJ&hl=en Popular article about his work: https://theconversation.com/angry-americans-how-political-rage-helps-campaigns-but-hurts-democracy-145819 Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Growth consultant - Anne Stoop
Fri, May 14, 2021
Trump, 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 for the region - or even an ambassador in Israel - in place. This episode explores the recent background of American policy in the region under Trump and the challenges it has created for Biden today. Want more? Follow Andy on Twitter . Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Growth consultant - Anne Stoop If you have any questions or comments, you can email the show on producer@america-explained.com.
Tue, May 04, 2021
One 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. In this episode we explore the surprising origins of the modern gun rights movement in black activism, and the changes which subsequently made it such a powerful force in conservative politics. For more, follow our host Andy Gawthorpe on Twitter. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Growth consultant - Anne Stoop
Tue, April 20, 2021
The 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 Republican coalitions, and what the Biden administration might do in response. Links Andy on GOP tensions with Big Business: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/apr/14/republicans-big-business-democrats-us-politics NY Times - what Georgia voting law really does: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/02/us/politics/georgia-voting-law-annotated.html Trump's Big Lie could backfire in Georgia: https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/27/opinions/trump-big-lie-georgia-republicans-voting-restrictions-dantonio/index.html Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Growth consultant - Anne Stoop Check out our Facebook page, where we're growing an international community of listeners interested in American politics, foreign policy & culture. If you have any questions or comments, you can email the show on producer@america-explained.com.
Fri, April 16, 2021
Debating 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 forward. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Growth consultant - Anne Stoop Check out our Facebook page, where we're growing an international community of listeners interested in American politics, foreign policy & culture. If you have any questions or comments, you can email the show on producer@america-explained.com.
Tue, April 06, 2021
Joe 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 to Russia and China - to talk about American relations with autocracies and what they mean for this broader pro-democracy agenda. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Growth consultant - Anne Stoop Check out our Facebook page, where we're growing an international community of listeners interested in American politics, foreign policy & culture. If you have any questions or comments, you can email the show on producer@america-explained.com.
Tue, March 23, 2021
Southern 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 back, with the exception of unaccompanied children. This decision has come with at a humanitarian cost, with thousands of children packed into detention facilities as they wait to be released into the country. In this episode we explore the recent history of American migration policy, why it is that so many refugees are arriving right now, and what the Biden administration might do in the future to cope with the flow. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Designer/advisor - Janice Killion Growth consultant - Anne Stoop If you have any questions or comments, you can email the show on producer@america-explained.com. Links Breakdown of border crossers by type (and more) . Reasons for refugee flow from Central America . Mexico dispatches troops to border . Why are more children arriving .
Tue, March 09, 2021
Where'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 episode I speak to Chris Deutsch, a historian from the University of Missouri, about the history of meat production and consumption in America - and how the U.S. government has worked to encourage Americans to eat more meat. Chris on meatpacking and coronavirus: https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/05/01/meatpacking-work-has-gotten-less-safe-now-it-threatens-our-meat-supply/ Follow Chris on Twitter for updates on his book, Beeftopia: @dr_cdeutsch Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Designer/advisor - Janice Killion Growth consultant - Anne Stoop Check out our Facebook page, where we're growing an international community of listeners interested in American politics, foreign policy & culture. If you have any questions or comments, you can email the show on producer@america-explained.com.
Tue, February 23, 2021
Plague, 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 three of the largest states in the U.S. - Texas, California and New York - are each having struggles of their own. Explaining the Texas power grid's isolation: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/massive-power-failure-could-finally-cause-texas-to-connect-with-the-nations-power-grids1/ Krugman on Texas: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/18/opinion/texas-storm-power.html Andrew Cuomo is no hero: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/may/20/andrew-cuomo-new-york-coronavirus-catastrophe California recall effort goes mainstream: https://www.usnews.com/news/elections/articles/2021-02-19/gavin-newsom-and-the-coronavirus-driven-california-recall-effort Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Growth consultant - Anne Stoop Designer/advisor - Janice Killion Check out our Facebook page, where we're growing an international community of listeners interested in American politics, foreign policy & culture. If you have any questions or comments, you can email the show on producer@america-explained.com.
Tue, February 09, 2021
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/ *** 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 of his country's exceptionality for the first time, calling into question America's role in the world and the strength of its democracy at home. In order to find out more about the significance of Trump's rejection of this idea, I interviewed Dr. Hilde Restad from Bjørknes College in Norway. Hilde is a leading expert on American exceptionalism, and we had a great conversation not just about Trump but also the broader history of the concept, how other recent presidents (particularly Obama) had related to it, and whether we can expect a return to business as usual now that Biden is in office. Hilde's article on Trump and American exceptionalism: https://tnsr.org/2019/12/whither-the-city-upon-a-hill-donald-trump-america-first-and-american-exceptionalism/ Hilde's book: https://www.routledge.com/American-Exceptionalism-An-Idea-that-Made-a-Nation-and-Remade-the-World/Restad/p/book/9781138096769 Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Designer/advisor - Janice Killion Check out our Facebook page, where we're growing an international community of listeners interested in American politics, foreign policy & culture. If you have any questions or comments, you can email the show on producer@america-explained.com.
Tue, January 26, 2021
Biden'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 stops with him. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Designer/advisor - Janice Killion Check out our Facebook page, where we're growing an international community of listeners interested in American politics, foreign policy & culture. If you have any questions or comments, you can email the show on producer@america-explained.com.
Wed, January 13, 2021
Iran, 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. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Designer/advisor - Janice Killion Check out our Facebook page, where we're growing an international community of listeners interested in American politics, foreign policy & culture. If you have any questions or comments, you can email the show on producer@america-explained.com.
Wed, January 06, 2021
The devil went out of Georgia (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/ *** Democrats have taken control of the Senate by winning two seats in Georgia! Tune in to hear how they pulled it off against the conventional wisdom of pundits, and what it means for Joe Biden's agenda.
Tue, December 29, 2020
The 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 - including ones you'd like to see answered on the show - to producer@america-explained.com. America Explained Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/americaexplained Links New form of Democratic politics in the South - https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/georgia-democrats-may-have-found-their-own-southern-strategy-a-black-centric-campaign/ The "Solid South" - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid_South Georgia's millionaire senators won't drain the swamp - they are the swamp - https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/dec/21/georgia-kelly-loeffler-david-perdue-swamp U.S. elections in Georgia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_elections_in_Georgia#Elections_from_1864_to_present Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Designer/advisor - Janice Killion Check out our Facebook page, where we're growing an international community of listeners interested in American politics, foreign policy & culture. If you have any questions or comments, you can email the show on producer@america-explained.com.
Wed, December 16, 2020
Trump 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 the future? Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Designer/advisor - Janice Killion Check out our Facebook page, where we're growing an international community of listeners interested in American politics, foreign policy & culture. If you have any questions or comments, you can email the show on producer@america-explained.com.
Wed, December 02, 2020
The 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 Brexit and Britain in general. In this episode, we look beyond the personal relationship between leaders to the fundamental shared interests which have defined Anglo-American ties since World War II. British leaders shouldn't worry so much about whether Biden's Irish heritage makes him anti-British, but much more about the ways in which Brexit is permanently reducing London's usefulness to Washington. But as we explore in this episode, the myths they have told themselves about the relationship often make an honest reckoning impossible. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Designer/advisor - Janice Killion Check out our Facebook page, where we're growing an international community of listeners interested in American politics, foreign policy & culture. If you have any questions or comments, you can email the show on producer@america-explained.com.
Wed, November 18, 2020
Decoding the election
Now 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 ways in which 2020 was an anomaly. We talked about the apparent shift of Latino and Black voters towards Trump, why the Republican Party continues to enjoy an undemocratic advantage in American elections, and much more. Check it out, and see the show notes below for more. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Designer/advisor - Janice Killion Check out our Facebook page, where we're growing an international community of listeners interested in American politics, foreign policy & culture. If you have any questions or comments, you can email the show on producer@america-explained.com. Links The danger for Biden of relying on Republican voters . How Democrats missed Trump's appeal to Hispanic voters . Why Trump won more Black voters than in 2020 . Why are Americans so geographically polarized? Republicans solidify grip on gerrymandering process.
Thu, November 05, 2020
Relax. 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? Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Designer/advisor - Janice Killion Check out our Facebook page, where we're growing an international community of listeners interested in American politics, foreign policy & culture. If you have any questions or comments, you can email the show on producer@america-explained.com.
Tue, November 03, 2020
How 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 before dawn. Even if the results do get drawn out for days, we can still tell a lot by what goes down tonight. This episode gives you five tips for how to watch the results - covering topics like how not to be fooled by early returns, how much attention to pay to Donald Trump's tweets, and much more. Enjoy! Here are some useful links for understanding the results: Counties to watch out for: Miami-Dade and Pinellas in Florida; Union and Wake in North Carolina; Westmoreland, Chester, Erie, and Philadelphia in Pennsylvania; and Maricopa in Arizona. Battleground counties: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/politics/battleground-states-trump-biden.html Build your own swing state scenario: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/politics/battleground-states-trump-biden.html Poll closing times in each state: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2020/10/28/1988730/-Daily-Kos-Elections-Nov-3-2020-poll-closing-times-map Wikipedia 2016 breakdown in Florida (substitute the name of any other state): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_United_States_presidential_election_in_Florida Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Designer/advisor - Janice Killion Check out our Facebook page, where we're growing an international community of listeners interested in American politics, foreign policy & culture. If you have any questions or comments, you can email the show on producer@america-explained.com.
Thu, October 22, 2020
Heading 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 for a defeat in 2016 before pulling it out of the bag at the last moment. That's one of the things we talk about in this episode. But the other is a question that is generally discussed much less, even though it's potentially so much more important - what would it mean if the polls are completely right? If the Democrats win in a landslide, American politics is about to fundamentally change in ways that are hard to imagine after four years of Trump. This episode explores what those ways are. For this episode, I was joined by Karin Robinson. Karin was Barack Obama's regional field director in Northern Europe in the 2008 campaign, working to increase voting among expatriates. She has also twice been elected as vice-chair of Democrats Abroad UK. With her long history in Democratic Party politics and deep understanding of the European context, she was the perfect person with whom to have this discussion. Enjoy. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Designer/advisor - Janice Killion Check out our Facebook page, where we're growing an international community of listeners interested in American politics, foreign policy & culture. If you have any questions or comments, you can email the show on producer@america-explained.com.
Wed, October 07, 2020
The 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 actions in Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan - but outrage that is not shared by the U.S. president, who apparently told Xi Jinping to go ahead with building re-education camps in Xinjiang. So what exactly has been driving U.S. policy towards China in recent years? Why has the Trump administration declined to link its trade dispute with Beijing to broader issues, such as human rights? How is the domestic politics of China policy changing? And what might the future hold? To discuss these questions, I'm joined by Xiaoxue Martin, a Research Fellow at the Clingendael Institute, a Dutch think tank. Prior to this position she studied in both Taiwan and Hong Kong and worked at the Dutch consulate general in Guangzhou. We had a great conversation, which I think you're going to enjoy. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Designer/advisor - Janice Killion Check out our Facebook page, where we're growing an international community of listeners interested in American politics, foreign policy & culture. If you have any questions or comments, you can email the show on producer@america-explained.com.
Wed, October 07, 2020
Politics 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 of the stereotypical Trump voter. But the polls this time - which show Trump trailing in practically every Midwestern state - suggest there's a lot more to the picture. We need to think again about what the Midwest means. That's why for today's show, I wanted to talk to a prominent voice of the Midwest - Art Cullen. Art is a newspaper editor in a small town in Iowa who won the Pulitzer Prize for challenging agricultural corporations linked to pollution in the state. He later wrote a book about how Iowa has been changing, and now writes regularly for The Guardian about the politics of the Midwest. I enjoyed this interview with Art because he challenges the cliches we often entertain about the Midwest. He talks about how immigration has reshaped his town. He talked about how farmers' intimate understanding of the land and weather could lead climate change to reshape the politics of the region. It's a great conversation, and I hope you enjoy listening. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Designer/advisor - Janice Killion Check out our Facebook page, where we're growing an international community of listeners interested in American politics, foreign policy & culture. If you have any questions or comments, you can email the show on producer@america-explained.com.
Wed, October 07, 2020
Race 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 impossible. First came the election of the first African-American president and the creation of the Black Lives Matter movement. Then, as if in reaction, Donald Trump emerged - a president who barely tries to disguise his racism or attempts to use racism to mobilize political support. The overall effect has been discombobulating. One day you can convince yourself that the national conversation is at least heading in the right direction, with more awareness than ever of racial inequality. And then on another things can seem like they're getting so, so much worse. My guest, Marcia Chatelain, is the perfect person with whom to discuss these issues. Professor Chatelain is a prominent scholar of race and ethnicity in America. As well as writing two books on African-American history, she tirelessly travels the U.S. speaking about race, gender and ethnicity. After the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO, in 2014, Professor Chatelain mobilized other scholars to create the #FergusonSyllabus, which saw her named a top influencer by the Chronicle of Higher Education. We had a great conversation, and I hope you enjoy it. Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe Designer/advisor - Janice Killion Check out our Facebook page, where we're growing an international community of listeners interested in American politics, foreign policy & culture. If you have any questions or comments, you can email the show on producer@america-explained.com.
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