As summer days are drifting away, we are taking a look at the place of foreign travel and tourism in US culture. Whether it’s Emily in Paris (Netflix, 2020–), The White Lotus (HBO, 2022–), or Lena Dunham’s latest, London-set show Too Much (Netflix, 2025-), why has American pop culture recently become so quick to pack its bags for a foreign vacation? And what is the longer history of America’s entanglement with travel abroad? We look back at various representations of Americans in other countries, and how those trips have defined America as much as they have international locales.

The event is part of “America Now!”, a series of live events exploring the current state of the USA and its place in the world co-produced by BAAS and the Eccles Institute at the British Library.

In a world of hot takes these discussions offer some much-needed deep dives, giving expert insight into some of the most pressing or peculiar aspects of modern American life – from the Supreme Court to “Cowboy Carter”, and from the politics of the White House to the politics of The White Lotus.

Featuring Mike Collins, J. Michelle Coughlan and William Rees, chaired by Chris Lloyd.

Thursday 25 September, 18.30-19.30
The British Library (Eliot Room) | Free