In the United States, affirmative action policies, first implemented to address the historical grievances of black Americans, have long been controversial. But the debate over affirmative action has generally ignored such action as practiced by other countries around the world. Has affirmative action proven to be more or less effective in other countries? What common patterns do these programs share? How can the study of these programs help our understanding of affirmative action in America?

Recorded on Monday, May 3, 2004
 

Cast

Thomas Sowell

Thomas Sowell

Related

‘Reclaiming Liberal Education In America’

This book features 40 RealClearPolitics columns that I wrote between 2014 and 2025. Each chapter provides a snapshot of the plight of liberal education in America. Together, they form a short history of liberal education’s decline and provide a concise case for, and sketch measures essential to, reclaiming it.*

September 27, 2026

Ending The Roadless Rule Can Help Fight Forest Fires And Improve Wildlife Access

On Aug. 23, the U.S. Forest Service announced that it is considering rescinding the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Across the country, newspapers ran stories saying this would open the wilderness to logging.

September 26, 2026

Videos

Can The President Kick Reporters Out Of The White House?

When President Trump moved to bar CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House over "biased" coverage, it set off a fast-moving legal showdown.

September 28, 2026