In Episode 53 we're joined by the University of Oxford's Dan Rowe (@dan_rowe1) to discuss the reasons for the emergence of America's 'Rust Belt' - an area of the United States characterized by decline and struggle since the last third of the 20th century. Where is the Rust Belt? How do people who live there feel about the label and how have their lives been affected by the economic and social challenges that have befallen the region? Why did it decline and is it poised to recover? And finally, why did the Rust Belt emerge as the region of the infamous Obama-Trump voter? All this and much more on this month's podcast. We'll be back next month with a special look at the history of Midterm elections. Cheers, Mark and Malcolm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices