Why is the US so prone to political violence?

Why is the US so prone to political violence?

April 28, 2026 ยท 29 min

About this episode

The episode explores the reasons behind the US's susceptibility to political violence compared to Australia's response to gun violence.

On Saturday evening a gunman attempted to storm the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington DC. The act of political violence - the third assassination attempt of US President Donald Trump - occurred just three days before the 30th anniversary of Australia's deadliest mass shooting, the Port Arthur massacre, which prompted sweeping gun reform. So why has one country been able to respond to gun violence decisively while another hasn't? And what comes next, an increasingly violent and polarised United States? On this episode of Global Roaming, hosts Geraldine Doogue and Latika Bourke turn their focus to Washington DC to find out. Guest: David Smith, Washington bureau chief for The Guardian Get in touch: We'd love to hear from you! Email us at global.roaming@abc.net.au Find all episodes of Global Roaming now via ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Global Roaming with Geraldine Doogue and Hamish Macdonald podcast page.