Understand

BBC North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher and American History Chair Margaret O’Mara discuss the powers and limitations of the US President, transitions between administrations, concerns of power abuse, and the unpredictability of the 2024 election.

Mary Frances Berry, a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, discusses election day workings, Electoral College importance, disparities in the US electoral system, voter fraud allegations impact, and accessibility challenges faced by disabled voters.

Margaret O’Mara, an American History Chair at the University of Washington, discusses the impact of TV debates on US presidential elections, focusing on the visual presentation's influence since the Kennedy-Nixon debate. The evolution of these debates emphasizes candidate preparation strategies and memorable moments like Reagan's charisma in 1980. The role of social media, Gen Z, and millennials in shaping electoral strategy and the possibility of candidates skipping debates in future elections are also explored.

Mary Frances Berry, Professor at UPenn, and hosts dive into the US election campaign trail, discussing candidate strategies, voter demographics, and battleground states. They analyze historical and present targeting tactics and messaging strategies to secure key voter groups for the upcoming election.

Justin Webb, former BBC US correspondent and co-presenter of Americast, discusses the US electoral system, primaries, caucuses, and party conventions. He explores the significance of Super Tuesday, variations in delegate allocation, and potential disruptions in the 2024 election. Assessing the current state of Democratic and Republican nominations, Webb highlights Joe Biden's strong position and the competitive race within the Republican party.

What role have the USA and Iran played in the region? Where do we stand on the 'two-state solution'? Katya Adler and guests explain the history and context of the decades long conflict between Israel and the Palestinians and assess what happened to the peace process. In this episode we set out how global players have tried to influence the region at times of peace and at times of war.

Exploring the views of Lebanon, Hezbollah, Egypt, and Jordan on Israel and the Palestinians. Discussing Hezbollah's formation and role, as well as the US, UK, and EU designating it as a terrorist organization. Examining Lebanon's complex relationship with Israel, limited work opportunities for Palestinians, and Hezbollah's influence. Highlighting Jordan's efforts for peaceful relations and pro-Palestinian sentiment. Exploring Egypt's unique relationship with Israel and challenges Arab countries face in supporting Palestinians.

What is Hamas, what do they stand for and what do they want now? As part of our series explaining the context of today’s conflict, Katya Adler and guests take a closer look at the group responsible for orchestrating the recent attacks on Israel. They are regarded as a terrorist organisation by Israel, the US and the UK, but how are they seen by Palestinians? As well as being a militant group and an Islamist movement, they are in charge of governing more than two million people in the Gaza Strip. How did they come into being and what are they hoping to achieve?

Katya Adler and guests explain the context of the conflict, exploring issues and history that will help you get to grips with what’s going on today. In this episode we'll look at what’s shaped modern Israel.

Katya Adler, Journalist and Middle East expert, explains the history and context of the Israel-Palestine conflict, focusing on life in Gaza and the West Bank, highlighting the restrictive living conditions, poverty, and challenges faced by Palestinians. The podcast also explores the creation of Israel, the Balfour Declaration, Jewish immigration restrictions, and the events leading up to the Arab-Israeli war in 1948.