Have we woken from the American Dream?
In a world where the cultural, political, and economic tides are shifting rapidly, the notion of the “American Dream” is under scrutiny – not just by Americans, but by global citizens who once saw the United States as the ultimate destination for opportunity, freedom, and prosperity. This discussion, moderated by Justin Webb (BBC Radio 4) and including John Lahr (the New Yorker), and Anne McElvoy (POLITICO), will explore whether the dream has faded, transformed, or simply relocated.
The discussion will be far ranging and will look at how high-profile figures are reportedly moving to the UK, even as many former non-doms are departing. What is prompting these moves? Is there a “push factor” away from the US or is it a “pull factor” towards the UK? What does the UK offer that is drawing these movers – culturally, politically, or economically? And is this a change to the historic traffic between the two nations, or has the influx of Americans just become more evident to us?
The Special Relationship between the UK and the US has long been a cornerstone of diplomatic and cultural exchange. But what does it mean today? Is it still “special,” or has it become merely symbolic in a world of shifting alliances and domestic preoccupations?
Immigration policy is another critical lens through which to consider the issue. With the UK’s investor visa now a thing of the past, and both the UK and US tightening their borders, how do we reconcile the desire for global talent with increasingly protectionist immigration frameworks? What are the implications for mobility, investment, and innovation?
Freedom of speech—once a defining feature of American identity—is also under scrutiny. The US authorities appear to imposing a series of restrictions and financial disincentives to the traditional voices of criticism. At the same time, the rise of antisemitism and the suppression of Jewish humour and comedy, and indeed comedy generally—on both sides of the Atlantic—raises questions about the boundaries of expression. Could it be argued that the “anti-woke” backlash may paradoxically be creating space for more open dialogue? Is this a new chapter in the evolution of free speech?
Taxation is another factor influencing migration. Those formerly benefitting from non-dom status, and now leaving the UK, are not necessarily heading to the US—opting instead for low-tax jurisdictions like Italy or Dubai. The US/UK Double Tax Treaty and the IRS’s global reach complicate the picture. Are tax incentives truly a driver for movers, or just one piece of a larger puzzle?
Philanthropy, too, is undergoing a transformation. In the US, funding for causes deemed “woke”—such as criminal justice reform, gun control, or abolishing the death penalty—is limited, whilst Trustees are concerned that they could face potential criminal sanctions for what some authorities label “funding terrorism”. Could this chilling effect be prompting philanthropists to seek more hospitable environments abroad?
And whilst the US political landscape appears increasingly autocratic, with “America First” and MAGA directing both domestic and foreign economic policy, movements like the “no Kings” protest reflect deep unease amongst the grass roots. How does this affect the psyche of those considering whether to stay or leave? Is the American Dream being redefined—or simply abandoned?
This event invites us to interrogate these questions, not just to understand the shifting dynamics between the UK and the US, but to reflect on what dreams we now chase, and where we believe they can be realised.
And of course we invite you, our guests, to bring your own thoughts and questions to the event, and to participate in the Q&A at the end of the panel discussion.
OUR SPEAKERS
Justin Webb
Justin Webb is the longest-serving current host of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. Before joining the show, he spent nearly a decade as the BBC’s Chief Washington Correspondent, covering major events including the 2008 US election and becoming the first British journalist to conduct a full TV interview with President Obama. He now co-hosts the Americast podcast and contributes regularly to The Times on US affairs. His dual role offers a rare and insightful perspective on American politics, society, and the evolving dynamics of transatlantic relations. From diplomacy and trade to the influence of social media and populism, Justin explores the forces shaping both nations. His writing and broadcasting reveal the truths, tensions, and misunderstandings that define the modern relationship between the UK and the US.
John Lahr
John has been a contributor to the New Yorker since 1991, where for twenty-one years he was its Senior Drama Critic, the longest run in the job in the magazine’s history. He is the author of nineteen books, including “Notes on a Cowardly Lion: The Biography of Bert Lahr”, “Prick Up Your Ears: The Biography of Joe Orton” (filmed in 1987 screenplay by Alan Bennett); and Tennessee Williams: Mad Pilgrimage of the Flesh, which won the National Book Critics Circle Award and was a finalist for the National Book Award.
He is also the first critic to win a Tony Award for co-authoring “Elaine Stritch at Liberty”. He has lived in London since 1974.
Anne McElvoy
Anne is Executive Editor at POLITICO, and co-host of the Politics at Sam and Anne’s podcast, on which she partners with Sam Coates of Sky News each morning to deliver the essential and award-winning audio guide to the day ahead in British politics.
Anne was previously Executive Editor for Strategy at The Economist and host of the award-winning The Economist Asks podcast. As an established broadcaster and columnist she regularly contributes to the Evening Standard, BBC Radio 4 and other publications.
A former foreign correspondent and columnist Anne began her career on The Times, covering Germany, German unification, the Balkans and Russia before becoming Deputy Editor of The Spectator and Political Columnist at the Daily Telegraph. She was also Executive Editor of the London Evening Standard and the newspaper’s political columnist before joining The Economist.
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