Checks and Balance from The Economist

Taiwan is arguably America’s defining foreign-policy challenge. The calibrated ambiguity over whether the US would defend the island democracy from a Chinese attack is hard to sustain as China’s power grows. Would the US go to war over Taiwan?

The Economist's Beijing bureau chief David Rennie assesses the likelihood of a Chinese attack on Taiwan. We look back at the origins of America’s ambiguous Taiwan policy. And Anton La Guardia, our diplomatic editor, spots Washington doves. 

The Economist's US editor John Prideaux hosts with Jon Fasman, US digital editor and New York Bureau Chief Charlotte Howard. 

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The Supreme Court looks poised to place dramatic limits on abortion rights. Liberals worry this signals a conservative takeover of the nation’s laws, but the justices deny that they are politicians in robes. How is the Supreme Court reshaping America?

The Economist’s Steve Mazie explains what another case on the docket reveals about the court’s conservative wing. We go back to a surprising ruling on gay rights. And former Trump official Sarah Isgur tells us what the right thinks of the court.

Jon Fasman presents with Charlotte Howard. 

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At Thanksgiving Americans express gratitude for family, the harvest… and a big, juicy turkey. Americans consume the most meat per person, but that's not good for the planet. Could they cut back?

The Economist’s Jon Fasman and his sons prepare the Thanksgiving turkey. We go back to a nationwide contest to find the perfect chicken. And Caroline Bushnell from The Good Food Institute discusses how to wean Americans off meat.  

John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Jon Fasman.

We would love to hear from you—please take a moment to complete our listener survey at economist.com/uspodsurvey 

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The bare facts of the Kyle Rittenhouse case are not disputed. In August 2020 he shot dead two people, and injured a third, during protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin. But to the right the teenager is an American hero and to the left he’s a reckless vigilante. What does the case tell us about gun culture and race in America? 

We hear how the media on the left and right told the Rittenhouse story and go back to the origins of a notorious self-defence law. The Economist’s Daniel Knowles explains why guns divide America.

John Prideaux hosts with Jon Fasman and Charlotte Howard.

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America has reopened its borders to vaccinated travellers, 20 months after they were shut. In that time attempts to cross illegally into the US from the south have soared. Joe Biden promised to undo his predecessor’s immigration policies, but on the ground it appears nothing much has changed. What is happening at America’s border with Mexico?  

The Economist’s Alexandra Suich Bass reports from Arizona. We go back to when a Democratic president talked tough on immigration. And migrant rights activist Gia Del Pino tells us about the families stuck in limbo.  

John Prideaux hosts with Jon Fasman and Charlotte Howard.

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Normally a political party goes through a reckoning after a defeat. But, a year later, there’s been no post-mortem of the 2020 election for Republicans. Instead the GOP remains loyal to the man who many refuse to accept lost the presidency. What does the Republican party stand for beyond Trumpism?

Jon Fasman reports from a gathering of social conservatives. We find out how a radical anti-capitalist philosopher is inspiring the modern GOP. And pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson explains what drives rank and file Republicans to the polls.  

John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard.

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The race to be Virginia’s next governor should be an easy win for the Democratic Party, so how did it get this tight? Democrats in Washington are struggling to pass a budget bill and fighting among themselves, the president’s approval ratings are in the doldrums and demographic trends are setting the party up for long-term weakness. Is this as good as it gets for the Democrats? 

Jon Fasman reports from an election rally in Virginia. We go back to a time when civil rights tore the party apart. And The Economist’s Elliot Morris explains why the future looks grim for Democrats at the polls.  

John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard.

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Wages are going up and employees are walking out - some to strike, some never to come back. American workers have more leverage than before the pandemic. How permanent is this shift in power?

The Economist’s Simon Rabinovitch takes us to a picket line in Pennsylvania and we go back to an earlier walk out in Hollywood. Betsey Stevenson, one of President Obama’s economics advisors, tells us how long this could last. 

John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Jon Fasman.

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Republicans and Democrats don't agree on much, but in Facebook they’ve found a common enemy. When whistleblower Frances Haugen told a congressional hearing the company knew its products damaged the mental health of its young users, senators rushed to proclaim they would get something done. How harmful is Facebook? And will politicians take action?

The Economist’s Hal Hodson tells us we need more evidence to understand social media’s impact on wellbeing. We go back to when video games caused panic on Capitol Hill. And The Economist’s Alexandra Suich Bass explains why this scandal is politically potent. 

John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Jon Fasman.

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When Democrats took control of Congress and the presidency, it raised hopes that real change could happen in a criminal justice system tarnished by racism and police brutality. But federal efforts have stalled and progressive local prosecutors are hitting roadblocks. Why is law enforcement so resistant to reform?

The National Sheriffs’ Association’s Jonathan Thompson tells us police are open to some change. We go back to when an amateur video tape shone a light on racist cops. And Boston District Attorney Rachael Rollins explains why she’s stopped prosecuting a number of non-violent crimes.

John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Jon Fasman.

For full access to print, digital and audio editions as well as exclusive live events, subscribe to The Economist at economist.com/USpod

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