Democratic Drift and the End of History: A Discussion with Francis Fukuyama
In his award-winning 1992 essay, The End of History, Francis Fukuyama says liberal democracy is the only political system that the world views as legitimate. As a result, he contends, nations of the …
Making the Most of it: A Look at Time
Does time really fly as you get older? The answer is yes, according to psychologist Peter Mangan from Clinch Valley College. He is joined by Karl Pribram, “The Magellan of the Brain,” one …
Down Time: The Origins and Future of Leisure
Leisure is a twentieth century phenomenon, according to historian Cindy Aron (University of Virginia), but few of us understand how to enjoy our free time. And, surprisingly, many people don’t realize they’ve …
A Sinking Feeling: Going Down with the Ship and Other Maritime Lore
Part I: How many captains voluntarily go with their ships to the depths of Davey Jones’ locker? Historian Joe Goldenberg (Virginia State University) sets a true course on this nautical issue. Find the …
Shaky Foundations: The State of Virginia’s Bridges and Dams
Like many states, Virginia continues to face an extraordinary challenge in replacing old bridges that can no longer handle high traffic volume. But the Old Dominion is thrifty, selling most …
Beyond Colonialism: The Future of Sub-Saharan Africa
Adrift in a time-warp defined by colonial rule and the tyranny of corrupt governments, the nations of sub-Saharan Africa struggle to preserve their natural resources, develop their economies and save …
What are the Chances? Changing the Odds of Pregnancy and Conception
Part I: John Herr (University of Virginia) discusses his patent of a “home sperm test” that will allow men to assay their sperm count outside the doctor’s office. Find the segment audio …
Replay: Spreading the Wealth: Regional Tax Revenue Sharing
To stave off annexation battles and to improve metropolitan regions as a whole, many Virginia counties are now sharing tax revenues with neighboring cities. Norfolk State University sociologist Ronald Proctor and Virginia …
Replay: Turf Wars: The Debate Over Regional Government
As Virginia’s innercity problems spill over into the surburban counties, local governments are looking at the ways cities and counties can cooperate to improve the lives of all citizens. Christopher …
Risky Business: Storing Hazardous Wastes and Chemicals
Part I: Mary Washington geologist Grant Woodwell examines the risks of underground storage of high-level nuclear waste and how we can safeguard communities. Find the segment audio here. Part II: Virginia Tech environmental scientist David …
Setting Agenda: American Defense and Foreign Policy Issues
How does the United States shape its foreign policy? Former Undersecretary of State David Newsom (University of Virginia), author of The Public Dimension of Foreign Policy, joins Mary Washington political scientist John Kramer for a …
In Other Words: Voice of Virginia Writers
Part I: Old Dominion University bestselling author Sheri Reynolds talks about life in the rural South and her book, The Rapture of Canaan. Find the segment audio here. Part II: Twice each year, the best …
For Better or Worse: The Public and Political Ethics
Virginia Commonwealth University political scientist Scott Keeter joins Bob Roberts (James Madison University), author of The Public Integrity War, for a discussion of our national obsession with the ethical conduct of politicians. Roberts blames an …
All the Way to the Bank:Virginia’s Economic Forecast
Economic forecasters Roy Pearson, from the College of William and Mary, and Stephen Fuller, from George Mason University, take a look at the future of Virginia’s economy beyond the Car Tax.
