Missing America is the story of what happens when the United States, under Trump, abdicates our role as an example for the world. Host and former Deputy National Security Advisor to President Obama Ben Rhodes speaks to inspiring leaders and activists who are fighting to take up the slack in America’s absence, in a world where nationalism, authoritarianism, and disinformation have taken hold like never before. 

Missing America is a 9 part limited podcast series from Crooked Media.

The life-altering events of this spring illustrate why the world needs leadership to overcome international crises... and what happens when there’s none. COVID-19 exposed the fatal consequences of Trump’s “America First” policies which reject global alliances and cooperation. But then, America’s Black Lives Matter movement led to an international wave of activism that brought the global conversation back to human rights... where we need America to lead once again. Host Ben Rhodes talks to Susan Rice, Samantha Power, and progressive activists abroad, about the successes, failures, and ultimately the necessity of U.S. leadership.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/missingamerica.

How did a backlash to globalization build into a wave of nationalism that has reshaped politics around the world? In Europe, nationalist leaders have risen by appealing to their supporters’ most primal needs for security and belonging. Host Ben Rhodes talks to David Lammy, a member of the UK Parliament, about the forces that gave rise to Brexit and nationalism across the West. Then we hear from European activists who have had success in pushing back, and from Americans about what the U.S. needs to do differently.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/missingamerica.

Are we headed for a new world order where the Chinese model of authoritarianism becomes the norm? China has asserted itself at home and abroad, filling a void left by Trump’s America First retrenchment. China’s growing power can be seen as far away as Africa, even as people closer to home - in Hong Kong - have sounded the alarm. 

Host Ben Rhodes talks to experts, human rights activists and Hong Kong protesters about the nature of China’s model, and what America should think - and do - about it.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/missingamerica.

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How dangerous is disinformation on the Internet and what can we do about it? We learned in 2016 how viral lies and conspiracy theories can impact our elections, but they can also lead to violence abroad. We look at Myanmar, where hate campaigns on Facebook helped fuel ethnic cleansing.

Host Ben Rhodes talks to the tech watchers in Southeast Asia who spotted disinformation and warned Facebook, and asks leading experts and activists about how to regulate Big Tech.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/missingamerica.

What happens when tribalism crosses into religion? In America, Donald Trump favors his evangelical Christian base, demonizes Muslim-Americans, and stokes fear of “Radical Islam.” That’s fueled a global trend embraced by other sectarian strongmen - like India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has pursued a Hindu nationalist agenda at the expense of Muslims.

Host Ben Rhodes talks to investigative journalist Rana Ayyub, who went undercover and exposed Modi’s tactics to turn Indians against one another.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/missingamerica.

How do we end the state of forever war in the Middle East? We look at how a cycle of authoritarianism, conflict, and U.S. support for autocrats undermines human rights and fuels radicalization in the region.

Host Ben Rhodes talks to activist Mohamed Soltan about his experience being imprisoned and tortured in Egypt. Then he talks to leading progressives in Congress and journalists about a blueprint to end the cycle of war.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/missingamerica.

How can America welcome refugees, embrace a humane approach to migration, and reclaim our identity as a nation of immigrants? With 80 million people displaced worldwide, this is a crisis even if it’s not always in the headlines.

Host Ben Rhodes talks to Zarlasht Halaimzai - a refugee from Afghanistan who has dedicated her life to helping refugees - as well as a mix of activists and political leaders about the rising tide of xenophobia and what we can do about it.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/missingamerica.