Episodes
-
President Bill Clinton’s electoral slogan "It’s the Economy, Stupid!" has hardly been more popular than now: according to exit polls, the economy was the number 1 reason for voters to support Donald J. Trump. But how can that be the case when the US economy is – according to "The Economist" – "the envy of the world"? Was Bidenomics as bad as its reputation? And how much can presidents actually influence the course of the economy?
Let’s ask an economist: Dr. Stefan Legge will help us separate facts from (electoral) fiction. He is an award-winning teacher and lecturer who is currently head of tax and trade policy at the Institute of Law and Economics (ILE-HSG).
-
What helps us understand – and, for some, to cope with – the outcome of the US elections? Of course, exit polls and analyses of seasoned observers, scholars, and political players are a necessary first step to grasp the situation. But there are other avenues that help us make sense of the current American moment, as host Claudia Brühwiler suggests: reading books that do not address the present specifically, but teach us more enduring lessons.
The books mentioned are:
"Exit Ghost" by Philipp Roth"The Politics of Rage" by Dan T. Carter"They Called Us Enemy" by George Takei
-
Missing episodes?
-
How dangerous is Trump 2.0 – and is the incoming president a danger at all? Prof. Christoph Frei joins the host, Claudia Brühwiler, to discuss the outcome of the US presidential elections and the possible impact of a second Trump presidency on US democratic institutions. Together, they assess the strengths of the famous “checks and balances,” the importance of the federalism, and other veto players who might limit Donald J. Trump’s ability to implement his agenda.
Prof. Christoph Frei teaches history of political thought, international governance, and world politics at the University of St.Gallen. An award-winning researcher and lecturer, he spent formative research years in the United States and has maintained strong ties to the States throughout his career.
-
What a roller-coaster of an election year this has been! The term "historic" tends to be over-used, but 2024 has definitely earned its place in the history books:
The first election with a convicted felon running for president who gets nearly shot not once but twice! The first election in which a woman of color gets nominated by a major party – but only after the incumbent is forced to drop out of the race. And yes, this is also set to have been the most expensive election year in American history.But what now? What happens next – and how will it affect us here in Europe, particularly here in Switzerland?
My name is Claudia Franziska Brühwiler, and I am a professor of American Political Thought and Culture at the University of St.Gallen.
This podcast will take a closer look at current events through the lens of American history, politics, and culture. Sometimes, I will keep it short and share with you my analysis, thoughts, or some background story to what is happening. At other occasions, we will hear from guests from across the HSG community and beyond, who give us new insights into US politics, business, culture, and society.
We will look at the US from the perspective of its sister republic Switzerland. We often get hung up on what separates the US from Switzerland, while in fact we share not only great economic relations. Did you know, for instance, that America’s longest serving finance minister was born in Geneva – and one of our past Federal Councillors had fought in the Civil War?
There’s a lot to discover – so I hope you’ll join us!
