Political violence. The spread of conspiracy theories, and the erosion of trust in our democratic institutions. The signs of growing far-right extremism are all around us, and communities around the globe are struggling to understand how so many people are being radicalized and why they are increasingly attracted to violent movements. Join us for a featured lecture with Cynthia Miller-Idriss, Professor at American University’s School of Public Affairs and School of Education, and Founding Director of the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL). Professor Miller-Idriss will discuss white nationalist recruitment tactics, and also provide us with timely insights from the post-voting, pre-inauguration period and how we can navigate these challenges. 

Lunch will be provided. 

Lecture Series: Conflict, Violence, and Democratic Politics in the US and Abroad

Democracies around the world are facing challenges of radicalization and ideological polarization. Harassment and threats against elected officials, hateful rhetoric and violence against minorities, and the normalization of extremism by once mainstream actors have become commonplace. What are the causes and consequences of these conflict dynamics, and how are democracies responding to them? This lecture series brings together policy practitioners and academics to discuss and debate these questions.