Around The World With Dane Waters

Please join me and my special guest, Ryan Byrne of Ballotpedia, as we take a closer look at the issues voters decided in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections—and why these ballot measures may prove just as consequential as the candidates elected to office. While much of the national attention focused on control of Congress and high-profile races, voters across America were also making critical decisions on a wide range of policy issues through ballot initiatives, referendums, and constitutional amendments. From election laws and voting rights to taxes, government accountability, and other major public policy questions, we examine what was on the ballot, which measures succeeded or failed, and what the results reveal about the priorities of the American electorate. We also explore the growing importance of direct democracy in American politics, the role of citizens in shaping public policy beyond simply electing representatives, and what these results could mean for future elections and the direction of the country. Because elections aren't just about who wins office—they're also about the decisions voters make that can shape their communities, their states, and the nation's future. Join us for an informative and thought-provoking conversation about the issues, the outcomes, and the power of the people at the ballot box.

Please join me and my special guest, global affairs analyst Paul Jacob, as we examine the results of the 2026 U.S. midterm elections and what they mean for the future of American politics. With the votes counted and the political landscape shifting, what message did American voters send to Washington? How will the election results reshape the balance of power in Congress, influence President Donald Trump's remaining two years in office, and set the stage for the 2028 presidential election? We discuss the winners and losers, the changing dynamics within both political parties, the growing frustration of American voters, and the consequences these elections could have for domestic policy, America's role on the world stage, and the future of American democracy. The elections may be over, but the real political battles are just beginning. Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation about what happened, why it matters, and what comes next.

Please join me and my special guest, Israeli journalist Asher Westropp-Evans, as we examine Israel's latest parliamentary elections, the political future of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the challenges facing one of the Middle East's most influential democracies. Following an election that has left Israel without a clear governing majority, the country faces another period of political uncertainty. Can Netanyahu maintain his grip on power, or will opposition leaders succeed in forming a new government? And what do the election results reveal about the changing political attitudes of Israeli voters? Asher and I discuss the major political parties and personalities, the complex dynamics of Israel's parliamentary system, and the difficult task of assembling a governing coalition in the 120-member Knesset. We also examine the influence of religious and nationalist parties, the role of Arab Israeli voters, and the growing divisions within Israeli society over national security, judicial reform, and the future direction of the country. Beyond domestic politics, we explore how the election could influence Israel's relationships with the United States, its Arab neighbors, and the broader international community, particularly as the country continues to navigate the consequences of the Gaza conflict and ongoing regional tensions. Will Israel's next government represent a continuation of Netanyahu's political agenda or a significant change in direction? Can the country's deeply divided political factions find common ground? And what does this election mean for the future of Israeli democracy and stability in the Middle East? Join us for a fascinating discussion about political power, democracy, and the challenges facing Israel at a pivotal moment in its history.

Please join me and my special guest, global affairs analyst Daniela Vancic, as we examine Serbia's historic parliamentary elections, the dramatic political changes sweeping the country, and what the results could mean for the future of democracy in Serbia and the broader Balkan region. After nearly 14 years of political dominance by Aleksandar Vučić and his Serbian Progressive Party, Serbia has witnessed a remarkable electoral shift. A student-backed political movement, born out of widespread protests against corruption and demands for greater government accountability, has achieved a stunning electoral victory, raising hopes for political reform while presenting enormous challenges for the country's new leadership. Daniela and I discuss the events that led to this political upheaval, the role of student activists and civil society, allegations of electoral irregularities, and the growing public frustration with Serbia's political establishment. We also examine the challenges of transitioning from a protest movement to governing, the future of democratic institutions, and the implications for Serbia's relationships with the European Union, Russia, and its Balkan neighbors. Does this election represent a fundamental transformation of Serbian politics, or will entrenched political interests continue to shape the country's future? Can a movement built on demands for accountability and change deliver meaningful democratic reforms? And what lessons might Serbia's experience offer to other countries struggling with corruption, political polarization, and declining public trust? Join us for a fascinating discussion about political change, the power of citizen movements, and the uncertain but potentially transformative future of Serbian democracy.

Please join me and my special guest, global affairs analyst Tom Munson, as we explore the fascinating history and complex political realities of the Falkland Islands from a British perspective. More than four decades after the Falklands War, sovereignty over these remote South Atlantic islands remains a contentious issue between Great Britain and Argentina. But what is the history behind this long-standing dispute, and why does it continue to stir national passions on both sides of the Atlantic? Tom and I discuss the islands' complicated colonial history, the events leading to Argentina's 1982 invasion, Margaret Thatcher's decision to go to war, and the lasting impact of the conflict on British politics and national identity. We also examine the competing claims of sovereignty, the right of the islanders to determine their own future, and the strategic and political realities that continue to shape relations between London and Buenos Aires. Is the Falklands dispute a lingering legacy of colonialism, a fundamental question of national sovereignty and self-determination, or something far more complicated? And more than 40 years after the war, is there any realistic prospect of a lasting resolution? Join us for an engaging conversation about history, geopolitics, national identity, and one of the world's most enduring territorial disputes.