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: https://twitter.com/andygawt (Andy's Twitter profile). Email Andy.

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

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. https://twitter.com/andygawt (Follow Andy on Twitter for more). https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/01/opinion/nancy-pelosi-taiwan-china.html (Tom Friedman on why the trip is reckless). Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe

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. https://twitter.com/andygawt (Follow Andy on Twitter for more). Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe

*** Check out the free https://amerex.substack.com/ (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. https://twitter.com/andygawt (Follow Andy on Twitter for more). Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe

*** Check out the free https://amerex.substack.com/ (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 - https://www.amazon.com/Warbot-Dawn-Artificially-Intelligent-Conflict/dp/0197611699/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21DD30AQ05FCOandkeywords=payne+warbotandqid=1655215535andsprefix=payne+warbo%2Caps%2C138andsr=8-1 (new book) on war and artificial intelligence about these questions, and more. https://twitter.com/andygawt (Follow Andy on Twitter for more). https://www.amazon.com/Warbot-Dawn-Artificially-Intelligent-Conflict/dp/0197611699/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21DD30AQ05FCOandkeywords=payne+warbotandqid=1655215535andsprefix=payne+warbo%2Caps%2C138andsr=8-1 (Kenneth's new book). Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe

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 https://twitter.com/andygawt (Andy Gawthorpe) on Twitter.

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? https://twitter.com/andygawt (Follow Andy on Twitter for more). Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe

*** Check out the free https://amerex.substack.com/ (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. https://twitter.com/andygawt (Follow Andy on Twitter for more). Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe

*** Check out the free https://amerex.substack.com/ (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. https://twitter.com/andygawt (Follow Andy on Twitter for more). Credits Host - Andy Gawthorpe