This episode of the Beyond Borders Podcast is a compelling reflection on US politics and the role it plays in the world. Gain insight into thoughts on American politics through the minds of this varied panel of guests, all offering their own unique knowledge on the subject. Listen to Jim Naughtie as he speaks to Tim Phillips, Aminatta Forna and Oscar Guardiola- Rivera, and joined by Razia Iqbal later in the talk, for a detailed discussion on if there is such a thing as American exceptionalism.   Recorded live from the idyllic grounds of Traquair House during the Beyond Borders International Festival 2021, this discussion remains of relevance through the range in expertise on reflecting on American politics and furthermore,  in light of the ongoing US elections.    Guests:    Tim Phillips: Founder and CEO of Beyond Conflict, a non- profit organisation that works with leaders to address conflict and promote social change in the United States and abroad.    Aminatta Forna: Director of the Lannan Center at Georgetown University, and award winning author of the novels Happiness, The Hired Man, The Memory of Love and Ancestor Stones, a memoir The Devil that Danced on the Water, also an essay collection, The Window Seat. Her website for more can be viewed below.  https://www.aminattaforna.com/   Razia Iqbal: Professor at Princeton University and journalist, most recently employed by BBC News as a special correspondent, reporting for outlets across the BBC. From 2011 to 2023, Iqbal also presented Newshour on the BBC World Service.   Oscar Guardiola-Rivera: Author and Professor at Birkbeck College, University of London. Oscar Guardiola-Rivera teaches international law and international affairs. He has served as an aide to the Colombian Congress and as a consultant to the United Nations in South America.   Jim Naughtie: Journalist, author and British radio and news presenter for the BBC. From 1994 to 2015, he was one of the main presenters of Radio 4's Today programme.   Find out more: Beyond Borders Scotland: https://www.beyondbordersscotland.com/ Beyond Borders International Festival: https://www.bbintfest.com/ Produced by FoSho STUDIOS