Podcast

The Last Best Hope? 

Abraham Lincoln called the United States “the last best hope of Earth.”

This is the classic formulation of the powerful claim that America matters because of what it stands for. The RAI’s podcast explores the struggles of a nation built on that contested promise of freedom and equality, riven by a never-ending battle for its soul.

The Last Best Hope—a journey through the past and present of American politics.

Each story-filled episode delves into the political events, conflicts, speeches and songs that have shaped America. From the bloody battlefield of Gettysburg to fake news and gun control, The Last Best Hope? takes you back in time (and sometimes on location) to uncover fresh insights and commentary from award-winning academics and prominent public figures.

Guests have included Annette Gordon-Reed, David Frum, Bruce Schulman, Michael Kazin, Kevin Kruse, Stacy Schiff, Julian Zelizer, Phil Tinline, Liz Varon, Emily Bazelon, Eric Foner, Richard Carwardine, Heather Cox Richardson, Rachel Shelden, Ty Seidule, Eric Rauchway, Richard Blackett, Devin Fergus, Dan Jackson and many others.

“Adam Smith is one of the UK’s foremost historians of America, and communicates his expertise with zest, wit and unforced passion. The Last Best Hope? brings him together with fellow scholars to provide a unique insight we can’t do without.”

  – Phil Tinline, BBC radio documentary-maker and author

"The Last Best Hope is an absolutely brilliant podcast. Thoughtful, clever, engaging and accessible, Adam Smith always gets the best out of his guests, and I’ve learned an enormous amount from every episode. I love it."

  – Dominic Sandbrook, Historian and co-host of The Rest is History podcast

“The must-listen US podcast”

  – Nick Bryant, former BBC Correspondent in New York

The Last Best Hope? is available on all podcasting platforms (including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify).