The rivalry between China and America will intensify in 2022 as each side strives to demonstrate the superiority of its system of government. As China uses its stage-managed Communist Party congress to cement Xi Jinping in power, Joe Biden and the Democratic Party are expected to face a drubbing in America’s mid-term elections. Editor-in-Chief Zanny Minton Beddoes, US editor John Prideaux and host Tom Standage assess the competition between the two superpowers.  For full access to print, digital and audio editions, subscribe to The Economist at www.economist.com/podcastoffer And we would love to hear from you—please take a moment to complete our listener survey at economist.com/worldaheadsurvey.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.