What If?

Watch What If?

  • 2016
  • 2 Seasons

What If? is a thought-provoking and timely show produced by the American Enterprise Institute. This show explores hypothetical scenarios related to current events, policy decisions, and social issues in the United States. With an engaging and insightful format, What If? tackles a wide range of topics that are both relevant and impactful.

Each episode of What If? poses a "what if" question related to a particular topic and then explores the potential consequences of different policy decisions or alternative courses of action. The show features a diverse group of experts, scholars, and policymakers who offer their insights and perspectives on these hypothetical scenarios. Through lively discussions and debates, the show aims to inform and educate viewers about the complexities of various issues and the trade-offs involved in making policy decisions.

One of the strengths of What If? is its ability to take complex issues and distill them into understandable and relatable scenarios. Whether the topic is healthcare, immigration, national security, or education, the show breaks down the key issues and explores different approaches to solving them. The experts featured on the show come from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, which allows for a rich and nuanced discussion of these complex topics.

Another strength of What If? is its ability to foster civil and respectful debate among experts with differing opinions. The show's hosts are skilled at moderating these discussions in a way that allows all voices to be heard and respected. This creates a space where viewers can learn from different perspectives and gain a greater understanding of the complexity of various issues.

One episode of What If? explores the hypothetical scenario of what would happen if the United States were to adopt a universal basic income. This episode features a lively discussion among experts who offer differing opinions on this controversial topic. Some argue that a universal basic income would provide much-needed financial security for struggling Americans, while others warn that it could disincentivize work and lead to increased government spending.

Another episode of What If? explores what would happen if the United States were to drastically reduce its military spending. This episode features a range of experts, including military veterans, economists, and policy analysts. The guests debate the potential consequences of such a decision, including the impact on national security, military readiness, and the economy.

What If? also tackles social issues like gun control, education reform, and criminal justice reform. In an episode on gun control, the show explores the hypothetical scenario of what would happen if the United States were to adopt stricter gun control measures. The guests on the show debate the potential impact on public safety, individual rights, and the powers of government.

Overall, What If? is a must-watch show for anyone interested in policy, politics, and social issues. The show offers a refreshing and engaging approach to discussing complex topics, and the experts featured on the show offer valuable insights and perspectives. By exploring hypothetical scenarios, the show invites viewers to consider the potential consequences of different policy decisions, and encourages thoughtful and respectful debate among experts with differing opinions.

What If? is a series that ran for 2 seasons (23 episodes) between January 5, 2016 and on American Enterprise Institute

What If?
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Seasons
College bias is a problem: Building a better university
6. College bias is a problem: Building a better university
February 26, 2019
Today's academic monoculture has done little to encourage diverse lines of research and inquiry. AEI's Frederick M. Hess argues that if we want a more balanced, academically inclusive environment, we may need to try something new-building a new university that challenges campus groupthink.
The college dropout problem is bigger than you think
5. The college dropout problem is bigger than you think
August 21, 2018
How can American educators and policymakers address the college dropout problem without running into the many unintended consequences that can come with top-down reform? AEI's Frederick M. Hess is joined by a group of experts including Lanae Erickson Hatalsky, Bridget Terry Long, Matthew M. Chingos, Kim Clark, and Mesmin Destin to share their perspectives on this ongoing challenge.
The college dropout problem is bigger than you think
5. The college dropout problem is bigger than you think
August 21, 2018
How can American educators and policymakers address the college dropout problem without running into the many unintended consequences that can come with top-down reform? AEI's Frederick M. Hess is joined by a group of experts including Lanae Erickson Hatalsky, Bridget Terry Long, Matthew M. Chingos, Kim Clark, and Mesmin Destin to share their perspectives on this ongoing challenge.
The college dropout problem is bigger than you think
5. The college dropout problem is bigger than you think
August 21, 2018
How can American educators and policymakers address the college dropout problem without running into the many unintended consequences that can come with top-down reform? AEI's Frederick M. Hess is joined by a group of experts including Lanae Erickson Hatalsky, Bridget Terry Long, Matthew M. Chingos, Kim Clark, and Mesmin Destin to share their perspectives on this ongoing challenge.
Janus v. AFSCME: Can teachers unions be saved?
4. Janus v. AFSCME: Can teachers unions be saved?
July 16, 2018
Will the Supreme Court's decision in Janus v. AFSCME end teachers' unions? Well, probably not. But the public sector union landscape is going to change a lot, especially for teachers. AEI's Nat Malkus explains.
Free speech on campus: Can it be saved?
3. Free speech on campus: Can it be saved?
January 5, 2018
Frederick M. Hess and J. Grant Addison of the American Enterprise Institute probe into the crisis and propose a policy that can protect free speech from both universities and the United States federal government.
Getting men back to work
2. Getting men back to work
August 3, 2017
AEI's Robert Doar, Harry Holzer of the Brookings Institution, and Brent Orrell from ICF International discuss the reasons for American male joblessness and how the US can get men back to work, offering their unique perspectives as a conservative, a liberal, and a moderate.
What if you could legally sell your kidney?
1. What if you could legally sell your kidney?
June 15, 2017
AEI Resident Scholar Dr. Sally Satel describes her proposal to improve organ donation through market incentives.
What if you could legally sell your kidney?
1. What if you could legally sell your kidney?
June 15, 2017
AEI Resident Scholar Dr. Sally Satel describes her proposal to improve organ donation through market incentives.
What if you could legally sell your kidney?
1. What if you could legally sell your kidney?
June 15, 2017
AEI Resident Scholar Dr. Sally Satel describes her proposal to improve organ donation through market incentives.
Description
Where to Watch What If?
What If? is available for streaming on the American Enterprise Institute website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch What If? on demand at Netflix.
  • Premiere Date
    January 5, 2016