Name-calling\, shouting matches\, cutting off relatives\, and even violence born of intense disagreements&mdash\;the re is bipartisan agreement that the current state of politics in the Unite d States is troubling. How did we get here\, and what can we\, as a societ y and as individuals\, do about it?
\nProfessor Steven Stehr investi gates the roots and consequences of the dysfunction that characterizes the current state of politics in America. Stehr leads a conversation that ask s\, how did our political spaces become war zones? To what extent is the l ack of civility and policy gridlock driven by long-term trends in American society? Is contemporary America somehow different than the way it was in the past? Was there ever a &ldquo\;golden age&rdquo\; of bipartisanship a nd civility in the United States?
\nUsing historical examples and co ntemporary cases\, Stehr shows audiences how the erosion of civil discours e harms democracy\, and what can be done to combat it.
\nSteven Steh r (he/him) is the Sam Reed Distinguished Professor in Civic Education and Public Civility at Washington State University. He earned his PhD in polit ical science from the University of California\, Berkeley. His work has be en supported by the National Science Foundation\, the National Research Co uncil\, National Academy of Science\, and the Century Foundation.
\nThis talk is presented in partnership with \;The Thomas S. Foley Insti tute for Public Policy and Public Service\, \;which educates citizens across the state about democratic institutions and public affairs\, and is based at Washington State University. For more information\, visit \; The Foley Institute&rsquo\;s website.
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