Polarization and Civil Disagreement: Confronting America's Civic Crisis

The Civic Discourse Project (2018-2019)

Political and intellectual polarization are significant contributing factors to America’s civic crisis. By providing forums for civil disagreement, we hope to engage in the intellectual and civic work necessary to overcome the political divide and to renew and enhance America’s capacity for self-governance. Speakers include Jonah Goldberg, Arthur Brooks, and Kristen Soltis Anderson.

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A New Model of Aspirational Leadership

No matter what our political views, few people believe our country is as united as it should be. Whether in the media, politics or even in our personal relationships, we all recognize that the country is increasingly defined by a culture of contempt — in which people treat others with whom they disagree as defective or worthless. Within this distressing reality, however, there lies an opportunity for our nation. Drawing on history, social psychology, behavioral economics and the counsel of ancient wisdom, Arthur Brooks addresses the divisions that plague America and finds a set of strategies to help us disagree better, forge a new model of aspirational leadership and unite the country. 

Watch the series

Polarization and Civic Disagreement
Patrick J. Deneen, Joshua Mitchell, Cheryl Welch and Paul A. Rahe
Polarization and Civic Disagreement
Ross Douthat, Amy Sullivan and Kathryn Jean Lopez
Polarization and Civic Disagreement
Jonah Goldberg
Polarization and Civic Disagreement
Arthur Brooks
Polarization and Civic Disagreement
Kristen Soltis Anderson and Margie Omero
Polarization and Civic Disagreement
Jonathan Rauch
Polarization and Civic Disagreement
Teresa Bejan, Tom Kelly and Harvey Mansfield. Moderated by Daniel Cullen
Polarization and Civic Disagreement
Jay Cost, Joanne Freeman and Norman Ornstein
Polarization and Civic Disagreement
Michael Zuckert, Musa Al-Gharbi, Shikha Dalmia and Manu Meel. Moderated by James Stoner

Arizona PBS


The School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership has partnered with Arizona PBS to broadcast The Civic Discourse Project to the greater Arizona community. In its third year, the show has reached thousands of viewers across the Valley. Previous episodes can be viewed online on Arizona PBS' website

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In the news

Finding common ground

January 31, 2019 ASU Now

Nadine Strossen, Judge Michael Mukasey debate abortion, discuss how to speak civilly across the political divide at ASU event.

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Factionalism and the Cultural Left

March 4, 2019 National Review

Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend a conference on political polarization at Arizona State University, sponsored by the School for Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership (SCETL).

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The Right's Identity Politics Is More Dangerous Than the Left's

March 17, 2019 | Reason

I spoke last month at a conference organized by Arizona State University's School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership, titled "Polarization and Civil Disagreement: Confronting America's Civic Crisis." I was on a panel dis

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