Overview
Explore a thought-provoking conversation with Francis Fukuyama, author of "Identity: The Demand for Dignity and the Politics of Resentment," as he discusses populism, polarization, and national identity with Elliot Gerson from The Aspen Institute. Delve into the origins and effects of modern identity politics, examining the rise of political outsiders and their direct connection with narrow segments of the population. Analyze the decline of American institutions, the influx of populist movements worldwide, and the challenges facing democracy today. Investigate topics such as the Arab Spring, civil rights movements, rural-urban divides, and the impact of social media on political discourse. Discover Fukuyama's insights on creating national identities based on common values, exploring potential solutions like national service, public education, and addressing cultural divisions. Gain a deeper understanding of contemporary political issues, including Trump's presidency, Brexit, Muslim immigration, and the role of international institutions in shaping global politics.
Syllabus
Introduction
The End of History
The Arab Spring
The Civil Rights Movement
The State of Democracy
Donald Trump
Populism in Britain
Ruralurban divide
Cultural divide
Dignity politics
Social media
The Solution
National Identity
Common Identity
National Service
Public Education
Bilingual Education
External Enemy to Hate
How to Address Trumps Problem
International Institutions
Student Activism
Muslim Immigration
Populism and antisemitism
Taught by
The Aspen Institute