The 1990s were a decade of transformation and optimism. Teenagers were listening to grunge rock and hip hop on their walkmans. Flannels and jean jackets became staples of ‘90s fashion. And seemingly without warning, the Cold War was over, the Soviet Union had dissolved, and the United States emerged as the sole superpower. Today’s world seems more dangerous and competitive than that of 30 years ago. So how did we get here?

In this episode of None Of The Above, the Institute for Global Affairs’ Mark Hannah revisits some of the most pivotal events of the 1990s with the help of Stephen Walt, a professor of international relations at Harvard University. They discuss promises and follies of America’s efforts to shape the new world order. Former NPR correspondent Deborah Amos and retired ambassador Thomas Pickering also provide personal insights and commentary.

The surprising election of Argentina's controversial new president, Javier Milei, captivated international media attention. Milei just passed his first major legislative package, and promises to further slash state spending and promote policies to privatize much of the Argentine economy. What drives his support beyond voters’ weariness of the country’s economic woes and political stagnation?

This episode of None of the Above features interviews from IGA’s trip to Buenos Aires after the election. Host Mark Hannah delves into the extraordinary rise of Javier Milei with insights from Jorge Liotti, the chief editor of the political section at La Nacion newspaper, and Augusto Reina, director of PULSAR at the University of Buenos Aires. They explore Milei's blend of libertarianism, populism, and ultra-capitalist economic philosophy.

In the aftermath of 9/11, America’s political leaders lept to action based on, what turned out to be, a series of misplaced and untested assumptions. From conflations between the Taliban and Al Qaeda to misguided theories about nation building, these assumptions drove two decades of policy failure in Afghanistan. Critical missteps came with a human cost for both American soldiers and Afghan civilians.

In this episode of None Of The Above, IGA’s Mark Hannah sits down with Michael Cohen and Monica Duffy Toft of the Afghanistan Assumptions Project to analyze the key beliefs and decisions that shaped America’s longest war.