Inside Political Science #029 – Germans Analyze American Politics

How are German politics different from American politics? And which country does it better? Todd presents a special student-focused episode from Passau, Germany, during a Bush School Study Abroad trip. Two Texas A&M students and two University of Passau students engage in a roundtable discussion about the future of politics in the United States and Germany. With election season wrapped up in both nations, students discuss the outcomes and repercussions, and say that after talking about elections for so long, they’re ready for a break. With the rise of social media, students say they don’t know many peers who are in the political center; instead, they believe more young people are moving to political extremes. Plus, the students share their views on American and German governance and which political system works better. Could the U.S. ever replicate the EU? Later, populism hits the debate floor, making students question whether political parties will turn back to their values if political destabilization continues. Finally, Todd asks how students get their news. Do they feel more informed than older generations? Yes and no, but the students can agree on one thing: they’re far less likely to fall for fake news than their parents. For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/insidepoliticalscience.