Jason Long returns to Choosing Better to discuss why some nations are rich and others are poor. We take another journey through time to understand how simple laws and norms shape the very bedrock of societies with some countries being wealthy and prosperous while others are underdeveloped and poor. Enoch and Tim turn the conversation to the strength of property rights in the United States before focusing on a recent case study in early 2026 of the US government threatening to destroy AI giant, Anthropic, as a means of retaliation. Is this a fleeting moment or a pivotal juncture in the US trajectory of the rule of law with respect to property rights?

Credits: Drew Elliot (music)

Recording Date: March 5, 2026

In the first days of a rapidly escalating U.S.–Israel conflict with Iran, strikes rippled across the region and global tensions spiked. In this bonus episode, former CIA senior executive and Iran expert Tim Buch joins the show to break down what actually happened, and just as important, why. We examine how intelligence shaped military decisions, how Iran is likely to respond, and what this conflict means for the broader Middle East. Finally, we look ahead: What could Iran look like by 2030 if this war continues?

Credits: Drew Elliot (music)

Recording Date: March 2, 2026

Many Christians feel the pull toward missionary work, but how do you know if you should go, when to go, or where? Enoch and Tim apply economic thinking to one of the church's most important decisions, exploring how to discern a calling, how to best support those who go, and also discuss some of the research connecting missions to the development of democratic institutions and access to women's health.

Referenced Article: The Surprising Discovery About Those Colonialist, Proselytizing Missionaries

*While originally recorded with a live audience at Wheaton College (2/18/2026), this is a re-recorded conversation.

Credits: Drew Elliot (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠.

Recording Date: February 26, 2026