Checks and Balance: Broad stripes, bright stars

Less than a fifth of Americans are satisfied with the way things are going in the country. Poverty rates are rising and life expectancy is falling.  A majority think the economy is getting worse and that the world sees America unfavourably.  But amid the bleak metrics, there have been some bright spots this year: employment remains strong, support for Ukraine has been a notable foreign-policy success and the midterm results laid the groundwork for a stronger democracy.  What in America is working?  And will those things continue into next year?The American Enterprise Institute’s Kori Schake explains why the Ukraine policy has gone so well.  Political scientist Lee Drutman looks beyond the doom and gloom of the two-party system. And The Economist’s Simon Rabinovitch assesses the implications of a strong jobs market. John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon, who round off the year with a festive quiz.We are always trying to improve our podcasts for our listeners. To help, please complete this short survey: economist.com/uspodsurvey You can now find every episode of Checks and Balance in one place and sign up to our weekly newsletter. For full access to print, digital and audio editions, as well as exclusive live events, subscribe to The Economist at economist.com/uspod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.