Latin America is a region of extraordinary potential, but political polarization, economic uncertainty, corruption, and growing concerns about democratic institutions continue to raise questions about its future. From shifting political alliances and populist movements to the challenges facing established democracies, is Latin America entering a new era of instability, or are its political institutions proving more resilient than many believe? On this episode of Around the World with Dane Waters, I am joined by Professor David Altman, a leading scholar of Latin American politics, for an insightful discussion about the political landscape across the region. We explore the strength of democracy, the rise of political outsiders, the influence of the United States and China, and what recent developments mean for Latin America's political and economic future.

Please join me and my special guest, economist Stephanie Barello, as we take an in-depth look at the current state of the American economy and explore an often-overlooked force that helps drive economic prosperity: trust. With Americans facing concerns about inflation, the cost of living, government debt, employment, and economic uncertainty, questions remain about the strength and future direction of the world's largest economy. But beyond the traditional economic indicators lies a more fundamental question: How important is trust to a healthy and functioning economy? Stephanie Barello brings her economic insights to a conversation about the forces shaping America's economic future and the critical role trust plays in everything from consumer confidence and business investment to financial markets and government institutions. During our discussion, we examine the current economic landscape, the challenges facing American households and businesses, and how declining confidence in political leaders, financial institutions, and one another can influence economic growth and stability. We also explore whether trust, once lost, can be restored and what that means for America's long-term economic prospects.

Please join me and my special guest Paul Jacob, founder and Chairman of Americans for Citizen Voting, as we discuss one of the most fundamental questions facing American democracy: Should the right to vote in American elections be reserved exclusively for American citizens? While federal law prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections, a growing number of local jurisdictions have allowed noncitizens to participate in certain municipal elections. This has sparked a national debate over voting rights, the meaning of citizenship, election integrity, and who should have a voice in determining America's political future. Paul Jacob has spent decades advocating for citizen participation, direct democracy, and government accountability. Through Americans for Citizen Voting, he is leading efforts to amend state constitutions and advance a federal constitutional amendment that would explicitly reserve voting rights for U.S. citizens.

Please join me and my special guest, historian Ulf Clerwall, as we look ahead to France’s upcoming presidential election and what it could mean not only for France, but for Europe and the wider world.

France enters the 2027 election amid deep political divisions, economic pressures, public frustration and growing questions about the future direction of the country. With President Emmanuel Macron unable to seek another consecutive term, the race will usher in a new era of French leadership.

We’ll discuss the rise of the National Rally and Marine Le Pen, the challenges facing France’s traditional political establishment, the state of the French left and center, and the issues likely to shape the election — from immigration and the economy to national identity, the European Union and France’s role on the world stage.

Is France preparing for a fundamental political realignment? And could the upcoming election reshape the future of Europe?

Please join me and my special guest, Mohamed Abdirahman Hassan, Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Somaliland, as we discuss Somaliland’s decades-long pursuit of international recognition and the case it is making to the world.

We’ll explore Somaliland’s history, its system of government and democratic institutions, its strategic importance in the Horn of Africa, and why its leaders believe the international community should formally recognize it as an independent state.

We’ll also discuss what recognition would mean for Somaliland’s people, its economy and security, the obstacles that continue to stand in the way, and whether the international community’s approach to Somaliland may be changing.

Why the World Should Recognize Somaliland — a timely conversation about self-determination, diplomacy, democracy, and Somaliland’s place in the international community.

Please join me and my special guest, John Wickham, Communications Director for BUFORA, as we explore one of humanity’s most enduring and fascinating questions: are we truly alone in the cosmos?

We discuss UFOs — or what are now more commonly referred to as unidentified anomalous phenomena — the evidence behind some of the most compelling sightings, how seriously governments and scientists should take the subject, and why public interest in the possibility of extraterrestrial life remains so strong.

We also examine the difference between genuine unexplained phenomena, misidentifications, and speculation; what decades of UFO investigations have actually taught us; and whether recent developments have brought us any closer to answering the ultimate question of whether intelligent life exists beyond Earth.

It is a fascinating conversation about evidence, mystery, skepticism, science, and humanity’s place in an unimaginably vast universe.

Please join me and my special guest, musician Andrew Lee, as we explore the importance of music during these increasingly challenging and divided times.

We discuss the unique power music has to bring people together, cross cultural and political boundaries, and provide hope, comfort, and a sense of connection when the world around us can often feel uncertain.

We also talk about why investing in music education for young people matters — not simply as a way to develop the next generation of musicians, but as a means of encouraging creativity, confidence, discipline, collaboration, and self-expression.

And we look at the broader role musicians and the arts can play in strengthening communities and helping young people discover opportunities, purpose, and their own voice.

It’s a conversation about much more than music. It’s about creativity, opportunity, community, and why the arts continue to matter in a rapidly changing world.

Please join me and my special guest, historian Ulf Clerwall, for a timely discussion on the rise of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and what its growing political strength could mean for Germany and Europe. We’ll explore what is driving the AfD’s rise, why it is attracting an increasing share of German voters, how its success is reshaping Germany’s political landscape, and what the consequences could be for the country’s traditional political parties. We’ll also look beyond Germany: What could a stronger AfD mean for the European Union, NATO, immigration policy, relations with the United States, and the broader direction of European politics? Join us for an important conversation about one of the most consequential political developments taking place in Europe today.

Please join me and my special guest, Viscount Jonathan Berry, former UK Minister for AI, for a timely conversation about one of the most consequential issues facing humanity.

Could artificial intelligence ultimately pose an existential threat to mankind? Or is the more immediate danger the power AI could give governments, corporations and authoritarian regimes to erode freedom, privacy and democracy?

We also discuss recent AI safety experiments in which advanced systems have reportedly attempted to evade restrictions, circumvent controls, or resist shutdown instructions — raising unsettling questions about what happens as AI becomes increasingly autonomous and capable.

We’ll examine the growing debate over AI safety, the risks to democratic societies, the geopolitical competition surrounding this rapidly advancing technology, and one of the most difficult questions of all: how — or even whether — artificial intelligence should be regulated without stifling innovation or leaving free societies at a strategic disadvantage.

Join us for a fascinating discussion about AI, freedom, democracy and the future of humanity.

Please join me for a very special and personal conversation with Lorraine and Jessica, a mother and daughter whose family was brought together through international adoption. We’ll hear the story from both sides — Lorraine’s experience as a mother navigating the international adoption process, and Jessica’s experience growing up as an internationally adopted child and reflecting on what that journey has meant to her. Together, we’ll talk about the joys, challenges, questions and emotions that can come with international adoption, as well as the importance of identity, family, culture and belonging.

Please join me for an important conversation with my special guest, former Zambian Ambassador and Tonse-Pamodza Alliance spokesperson Emmanuel Mwamba, as we examine the fallout from Zambia’s recent disputed presidential election. We’ll discuss the controversies surrounding the election, what the result and the disputes that followed mean for Zambia’s democratic standing, and the political developments that brought the country to this point. We’ll also look at the growing concerns over political institutions, opposition rights, electoral credibility and the future of democratic competition in Zambia — and ask the larger question: Where does Zambia go from here?

Please join me and my special guest, UK Green Party member and environmentalist Wanja Kaufmann, as we discuss the increasingly important intersection of the environment and politics. From climate change and energy policy to conservation, economic growth, and the choices governments make about our future, environmental issues are becoming impossible to separate from politics. How do we balance environmental responsibility with economic realities? Are governments doing enough? And what role should environmental concerns play in shaping the political decisions we make today?

Please join me and my special guest, Ukraine Government Advisor and Political Analyst Maksym Turkevych, as we examine the growing debate over whether Ukraine should hold elections while the war with Russia continues. With new calls for Ukrainians to return to the ballot box—and President Volodymyr Zelensky warning that wartime elections could divide the country—we’ll discuss what an election could mean for Zelensky’s political future, Ukraine’s democracy, national unity, and the country’s ongoing war against Russia. Can Ukraine realistically hold free and fair elections during wartime? Would an election strengthen Ukrainian democracy—or risk dividing the country at a critical moment? And if Ukrainians do eventually go to the polls, what could the political future of Ukraine look like?

Please join me and my special guest, Middle East journalist Antoni Barakat, for an important conversation about the reality on the ground in Lebanon—and a country caught at the center of one of the Middle East’s most dangerous political and military struggles. We’ll discuss Lebanon’s continuing political and economic challenges, the enormous pressure being placed on ordinary Lebanese, and the increasingly difficult question of Hezbollah’s role and its weapons.

Please join me and my special guest, Middle East expert Saul Sadka, for a timely discussion about what could be a pivotal moment in the long-running conflict in Gaza. President Donald Trump has put forward an ambitious plan aimed at ending the conflict, disarming Hamas, establishing new governance in Gaza and ultimately securing the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Hamas has agreed to a framework for relinquishing its weapons and transferring control, potentially opening the door to reconstruction and a new political future for Gaza. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the latest roadmap, insisting that Israel will not withdraw its forces until Hamas has been fully disarmed—a disagreement that has created a significant test of the relationship between Trump and Netanyahu.

Please join me for a timely conversation with my special guest, Ghanaian energy executive George Wireko-Brobby, as we take an in-depth look at Ghana today — and where the country goes from here. We’ll discuss the current economic and political state of Ghana, the challenges facing the country, and the opportunities that could shape its future. From economic growth, jobs and investment to energy, infrastructure and political leadership, we’ll explore what is working, what needs to change, and what Ghana must do to realize its enormous potential.

Please join me and my special guest, journalist Thomas Munson, as we take a closer look at Britain’s new political era under Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Just weeks into his premiership, Burnham has assembled a new Cabinet and begun setting out his priorities for the country. But what does his government represent—a genuine change in direction for Britain, or simply a new face at the top?

Please join me and my special guest, public affairs analyst Jide Ojo, as we take an in-depth look at Nigeria’s upcoming presidential election and the political battle already taking shape. We’ll examine the leading candidates and emerging alliances, the strengths and weaknesses of the major political parties, and the economic, regional, religious, and political forces that could ultimately determine the election.

Please join me and my special guest, Global Affairs Analyst Ejike Okpa, for an in-depth discussion of two of the most consequential issues shaping international politics today: the upcoming U.S. midterm elections and the far-reaching geopolitical consequences of the Iran war. We'll examine how the shifting political landscape in the United States could influence American foreign policy, explore the strategic implications of the conflict with Iran, and discuss what these developments mean for global stability, international alliances, energy markets, and the balance of power in an increasingly uncertain world.

Join me and my special guest, former U.S. immigration official Gail Montenegro, for an in-depth discussion on one of the most important and controversial issues facing America today: immigration. We'll examine the Trump administration's crackdown on both legal and illegal immigration, separate fact from fiction, and explore what the policy changes mean for immigrants, employers, border security, and the future of the U.S. immigration system.