Why are voters losing faith in democracy—and what might restore it? Over a pint in a lively London pub, the hosts of Over Here, Over There compare the political mood in Britain, Germany and the United States.

They discuss Andy Burnham’s new premiership and the pressure to deliver results, the AfD’s surge in Saxony-Anhalt, and why some voters feel frustrated or disconnected from democratic politics. Is the public expecting change too quickly—or reacting to real problems such as the cost of living, political distrust, and a sense that globalisation hasn’t worked for everyone?

The conversation also explores how social media fuels comparison and pessimism, whether London’s international character can broaden our perspective, and what a democratic “fightback” might look like in the US. Plus: a preview of the hosts’ upcoming “Dump-o-meter.”

A candid, cross-border conversation about democracy, populism, political polarization and everyday life in the UK, Germany and America.
What matters more to you: fast results from political leaders, or protecting democratic checks and balances? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments.

This episode is a conversation and political commentary, not a news bulletin. The views expressed are those of the hosts.

If you enjoyed the discussion, like, subscribe, and share Over Here, Over There — a Podcast Across Borders. What should we compare next?

#Democracy #UKPolitics #GermanyPolitics

A country with no standing army, a €7.3 billion fishing industry and a complicated relationship with Europe is about to ask a surprisingly big question: should Iceland restart EU membership talks?

On 29 August 2026, Icelanders will vote — not on joining the European Union, but on whether to reopen negotiations. A “Yes” vote would start talks; it would not make Iceland an EU member. A second referendum would be required before Iceland could actually join.

In this monologue episode of Over Here, Over There, Claudia looks beyond the headline. Why did Iceland’s EU talks stop in 2013? Why is control of its fishing grounds so politically powerful? And why has Donald Trump’s interest in Greenland — along with his apparent confusion between Greenland and Iceland — made Europe look different from Reykjavík?

Iceland already has access to the European single market through the European Economic Area and participates in Schengen. It also sits in the strategically important GIUK gap between Greenland and the United Kingdom, making this small North Atlantic country significant far beyond its size.

The result is a debate about much more than Brussels. It is about fish, sovereignty, economic security, Arctic geopolitics and trust in an old ally. Iceland has not suddenly fallen in love with the European Union. It is asking what to do when yesterday’s certainties begin to wobble.

Watch the episode and tell us: would you reopen the talks — or keep Iceland outside the EU?

This episode is presented as a pre-referendum analysis. Please check the latest official information if watching after 29 August 2026.

🎙️ Over Here, Over There — the transatlantic podcast and beyond, comparing how the same world looks different from Europe and America.

Please check out this and other episodes on our website overhereoverthere.org and all major podcast platforms. Most episodes are available in video and audio versions. Don't forget to like, subscribe, share, leave a comment, and hit that notification bell to be alerted when another episode drops! This all helps us grow the OHOT podcast and bring you more content like this. Thanks again.

The US State Department just launched a $5 million grant scheme to fund
organisations in Europe — pushing "Western civilizational heritage,"
anti-migration narratives, and attacks on the free press.

Right before Germany's September 2026 elections.

This is not a conspiracy theory. It is an official US government programme,
published on state.gov, run by a bureau originally created to fight Soviet
authoritarianism. That same bureau is now targeting allied democracies.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had to warn Washington publicly : stay out
of our elections.

In this episode of Over Here, Over There, we look at what is actually in
this grant scheme, who is behind it, why Germany is uniquely placed to
recognise the danger — and what it means when the country that spent decades
lecturing the world about election interference starts doing it to its friends.

Key Topics

• US foreign policy funding in Europe
• Germany's response to US influence
• The role of the State Department in European politics
• Historical context of US democracy promotion
• The impact of foreign funding on European elections
• Germany's constitutional resilience against external influence
• The evolution of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor
• Implications for US-Germany relations

Sound Bites

• "Germany had to warn the US not to interfere with its elections"
• "Developing civilizational bonds, democratic resilience and rule of law in Europe"
• "Germany's constitutional model was built to be hard to break"

🎙️ Over Here, Over There — the transatlantic podcast and beyond, comparing how the same world looks different from Europe and America.

Please check out this and other episodes on our website overhereoverthere.org and all major podcast platforms. Most episodes are available in video and audio versions. Don't forget to like, subscribe, share, leave a comment, and hit that notification bell to be alerted when another episode drops! This all helps us grow the OHOT podcast and bring you more content like this. Thanks again.

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