10. The U.S. Health Care System Is Terminally Broken
Criticized by patients, providers, and politicians alike, the United States health care system is hardly a crowd-pleaser. But is the most expensive health care system in the world beyond repair?
9. The Special U.S.- Saudi Relationship Has Outlived Its Usefulness
Since 1945, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia have maintained a close relationship, with oil and military and intelligence cooperation at its foundation. But the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. shale revolution, human rights concerns, and diverging interests in the Middle East, have all put strains on this relationship. Has this special relationship outlived its usefulness?
8. Western Democracy Is Threatening Suicide
Recent waves of populism and nationalism – including those that fueled Brexit and Donald Trump – have some fearing the end of Western democracy. But are these events really a threat to the liberal world order?
7. Unresolved: Trump’s First 100 Days
In one night we embarked on a radical departure from our Oxford-style format, asking five debaters, from across the political spectrum, for their views on four key issues under the new Trump presidency.
6. Charter Schools Are Overrated
In the last 25 years, charter schools have become a highly sought-after alternative to traditional public education. Between 2004 and 2014 alone, enrollment increased from less than 1 million to 2.5 million students. Have charter schools lived up to their promise?
5. The Universal Basic Income Is the Safety Net Of the Future
Imagine getting a check from the government every month. $600 guaranteed. It’s happening in Finland, where a pilot program is being launched to test what’s known as a “universal basic income.” Could this idea be the safety net of the future?
College sports is a big-money business, with football and basketball programs generating millions of dollars in revenue every year. Is it time to rewrite the rules in college sports and allow athletes their fair share of the profits?
In 2014, the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, set off a wave of protests and sparked a movement targeting racial disparities in criminal justice. How have recent incidents shaped our view of policing? Does crime drive law enforcement’s use of force, or is there racial bias?
2. Unresolved: Face-Off with China
Against the backdrop of North Korea’s nuclear advances and escalating regional tensions, we ask: How should the U.S. respond to its most urgent national security threats?
Donald Trump’s opponents argue that his unpredictable, autocratic style is a threat to both democratic ideals at home, and stability abroad. But others argue that Trump’s election represents the will of the American people, so we must find areas of common ground and work together, or risk deepening the political divide. Should we give President Trump a chance?