Advertise on podcast: Checks and Balance from The Economist

As funding for Ukraine stalls in Congress and Donald Trump ramps up his anti-NATO rhetoric, Europe is having to think about how it would manage its security without the US. Why does NATO matter to America? John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon. Do you have a question you’d like the team to answer in an upcoming episode? Email it to podcasts@economist.com. Get a world of insights for 50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

An article from The Economist read aloud. One of our leaders this week argues why the ex-president’s invitation to Vladimir Putin to attack American allies is an assault on NATO.

After the successes of populists like Donald Trump and Viktor Orban, thinkers on the right are trying to remake conservatism from within—on the basis of nationalism. In this philosophy, national sovereignty comes first, rather than individualism or small government. And these nationalists are happy to coordinate across borders. What’s behind the ideological change and how is it shaping the American right? John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon. They’re joined by The Economist’s Matt Steinglass, national conservative philosopher Yoram Hazony and the American Enterprise Institute’s Robert Doar.

America has launched strikes against Iranian-backed militias in the Middle East, in response to an attack on a base in Jordan where three US troops died. How close are America and Iran to war? John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon. They’re joined by General Frank McKenzie, former commander of US Central Command, and The Economist’s Anton La Guardia.  Get a world of insights for 50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An article from The Economist read aloud. One of our cover stories this week looks at how, as Facebook turns 20, social apps are being transformed.

Illegal crossings have spiked during Joe Biden’s presidency and the southern border has become the scene of a humanitarian and political crisis. Congress is wrangling over a border security bill, but what are the policy options for fixing the southern border? John Prideaux hosts with Aryn Braun and Idrees Kahloon. They’re joined by The Economist’s Rebecca Jackson and Tom Nuttall. Julia Gelatt, of the Migration Policy Institute, also contributes.

Donald Trump won the New Hampshire primary by 11 points over his only remaining rival Nikki Haley. She’s vowed to fight on, but if she can’t win in the independently-minded Granite State her chances of securing the nomination are slim. Is the Republican primary already over? John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon. They’re joined by New Hampshire journalist Joe McQuaid, and The Economist’s James Bennet. Runtime: 47 min

An article from The Economist read aloud. Executives at large American companies were glad to see Donald Trump slink out of the White House in 2021. Now they must consider what a second Trump term would mean for American business and the economy.

The Supreme Court is set to decide whether Donald Trump is eligible to run for president, and this week heard a case that could recalibrate government power. Could this be its biggest term in decades? John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon. They’re joined by political commentator David French and The Economist’s Steve Mazie. Runtime: 51 min

Donald Trump’s polling lead against his Republican rivals seems insurmountable. Will the Iowa caucuses confirm that Donald Trump is the heavy favourite for the Republican nomination? Or is there still something left to play for in the Republican primary?" John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon. They’re joined by The Economist’s Adam O’Neal.

Joe Biden’s chances against Donald Trump in November do not look good. He is unpopular and his age puts many Americans off. How did it come to this? And what can the Democrats do about it? John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon. They’re joined by Congressman Dean Phillips, who is primarying Mr Biden, and The Economist’s Edward Carr. Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An article from The Economist read aloud. American pollsters are not sure they’ve fixed the flaws of 2020. That does not inspire confidence for this year’s election.