Economist Podcasts
Economist Podcasts
The Economist
2. Against all obstacles
44 minutes Posted Jun 11, 2026 at 11:51 am.
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Show notes

Tocqueville saw America’s faith in its own democracy as a vital force. But these days the majority of Americans think the country is headed in the wrong direction. Can a group of maximum security prisoners in Sing Sing offer a vision of how to get back on track?


Guests and Hosts


  • John Prideaux, The Economist’s US Editor
  • Sean Pica, executive director of Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison 
  • Jean Frantz, prisoner at Sing Sing Correctional Facility 


Topics 


  • Alexis de Tocqueville’s views on voluntary associations
  • Sing Sing prison education programme
  • Prisoners’ views on the American dream


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