Chinese President Jiang's 1997 visit to America to meet President Clinton, the dangers of a strong Chinese economy, and Saddam Hussein's threat to shoot down planes over Iraq.

America is Back to Normal

Dec 29th, 2000 13m 26s

Alistair Cooke discusses the reality of wind chill, questionnaires for appointing cabinet officers and the secrets to old age.

How Wrong We've Been, from Madison to Roosevelt

Dec 22nd, 2000 12m 54s

Alistair Cooke explains how America was able to wait patiently for the confirmation of their new president, George Bush.

An Embarrassing Relic of Authoritarianism

Dec 15th, 2000 13m 30s

Alistair Cooke contemplates the pros and cons of democracy and the role of America's Electoral College.

Bedazzled and Bewildered

Dec 8th, 2000 13m 51s

Alistair Cooke asks whether the doubts about the result of the Florida vote are paralysing America's government.

It's a Nine Ring Circus and You'll Never be Bored

Dec 1st, 2000 13m 30s

Alistair Cooke examines the voting irregularities of 1876 and applies the lessons learned from them to the current electoral crisis in Florida.

The Origin of the Continental Blow Out

Nov 24th, 2000 13m 31s

Alistair Cooke looks at the origins of Thanksgiving and seasonal trends in food.

The Florida re-count, 2000

Nov 17th, 2000 13m 33s

The various legal issues underlying the failure to elect either George W Bush or Al Gore as president are explained by Alistair Cooke.

Paralysis by Analysis

Nov 10th, 2000 12m 49s

Given the closeness of the recent election, Alistair Cooke asks what sort of mandate the next President will really possess.

The Day of Judgement

Nov 3rd, 2000 13m 34s

Democrat or Republican? Gore or Bush? Who will be the next President? Alistair Cooke reviews the two candidates.

Suffocating in an Ocean of Advertising

Oct 27th, 2000 13m 40s

Alistair Cooke looks forward with pleasure to the Presidential election and an end to wall-to-wall lobbying and advertising.

A Supreme Diarist

Oct 20th, 2000 13m 31s

Alistair Cooke celebrates the life and work of diarist James Agate and contemplates how he would have approached the pressing issues of the modern world. .

The World's Tumult and the Price of a Barrel of Oil

Oct 13th, 2000 13m 23s

Alistair Cook considers two conflicts - the rioting in Jerusalem and the revolution in Belgrade.

There He Goes Again

Oct 6th, 2000 13m 38s

With a presidential election a month or so away, Alistair Cook ponders the history of the American presidential debates.

A Vague Beast Called Big Oil

Sep 29th, 2000 13m 58s

Whilst the rising price of gasoline (or petrol to the European listener) is casusing a problem across both Europe and the US, Alistair Cooke considers who, if anyone, is really to blame for this big oil situation.

Just the Facts, Ma'am

Sep 22nd, 2000 13m 33s

In the midst of the reporting from the Sydney Olympic Games, Alistair Cooke is surprised by an article detailing the legal status of prostitution in Australia. Whilst reviewing the article he reflects on the eternal struggle between political i

Trouble with the English Language

Sep 15th, 2000 13m 21s

In the run up to the presidential election Alistair Cooke considers the affect of the poll ratings, Governor Bush's language gaffs and personality contests.

Doing What Comes Naturally

Sep 8th, 2000 13m 25s

Alistair Cooke examines the lengths athletes go to for sporting success and reflects on the history of bodily enhancement through drugs, hormones and exercise techniques.

Father, God, Undefined

Sep 1st, 2000 12m 34s

Alistair Cooke considers the American passion for trusting in God and how religion is linked to the American constitutional rights.

Russia: The Victim of Democracy

Aug 25th, 2000 13m 32s

Alistair Cooke considers the tragic sinking of the Russian submarine Kursk and what public reaction in Russia has revealed about the government's relationship with it's people.

Mother Nature's Wild Fires

Aug 18th, 2000 13m 55s

Alistair Cooke talks about the colossal forest fires raging across the United States and explains how they've started to become an issue of political partisanship.

Running Mates and Carpet Baggers

Aug 11th, 2000 13m 37s

Alistair Cooke explains the origins of the American political phrases "carpet bagger" and "running mate" as well as the role of the vice president.

From Exciting Horserace to Exhibition Trot

Aug 4th, 2000 13m 51s

Alistair Cooke considers the outdated presidential nominating conventions and remembers the dramatic evenings of the longest ballot in US history.

From Party Convention to Coronation

Jul 28th, 2000 12m 54s

On the eve of the political parties choosing a nominee for the presidency of the United States, Alistair Cooke remembers some previous party conventions.

Ghostly Applause for a News Blackout

Jul 21st, 2000 12m 54s

Alistair Cooke evaluates the effect of the news blackouts surrounding the Israel and Palestinian peace talks and reflects on their joint history and turbulent relationship.