Democracy In Our Time
Events
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Democracy in Our Time: A Discussion of It Can’t Happen Here
As part of our Democracy in Our Time series, we invite you to join us for a discussion of Sinclair Lewis’s novel It Can’t Happen Here. Written in 1935 during the rise of fascism abroad and economic despair at home, Lewis's work remains relevant today. Blending sharp political satire with a chillingly realistic scenario, the…
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Democracy in Our Time: A Discussion of Democracy Awakening
This month, we’ll discuss Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America by acclaimed historian Heather Cox Richardson. A New York Times bestseller and widely praised for its clarity and insight, this work explores the historical roots of America’s current political climate and the growing threats to democratic institutions. Drawing on over 150 years of…
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Democracy in Our Time: A Discussion of Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism
Join us for a community discussion of Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism by Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Anne Applebaum. A national bestseller praised for its sharp insight, this timely work explores why democracies around the world are faltering and why many political elites are embracing authoritarianism. Drawing from her experience as a journalist…
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Democracy in Our Time: A Community Discussion of How to Stand Up to a Dictator
Join us for a community discussion of How to Stand Up to a Dictator by Nobel Peace Prize–winning journalist Maria Ressa. A fearless defender of press freedom and democracy, Ressa chronicles her decades-long fight against corruption, disinformation, and authoritarian power in the Philippines and the growing global threat these forces pose to democratic societies everywhere.…
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Democracy in Our Time: Laughtivism & Dilemma Actions
Humor is a powerful tool of nonviolent protest that can create lose-lose situations for authoritarians. Join us as we discuss political humor in 2025, learn about dilemma actions, and discuss news from the past month.
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Democracy in Our Time: A Screening of The Librarians
Join us for a special screening of the documentary The Librarians, which follows librarians as unlikely first responders in the fight for democracy and the First Amendment. The film reveals how control over ideas can become control over communities, and how librarians are pushed to the front lines of that struggle. In Texas, the so-called…
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Democracy in Our Time: A Community Discussion of Orwell’s 1984
Democracy In Our Time is a monthly discussion series that explores timely topics related to democracy, freedom, and civic life through books, ideas, film screenings, and speakers. At our February gathering, we will discuss George Orwell’s classic novel 1984 and its lasting relevance in today’s world. First published in 1949, 1984 introduced concepts such as…
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Democracy in Our Time: A Year of Challenge and Change
The past year has tested democratic norms and institutions in significant ways, both at home and abroad. In this open forum, we’ll revisit key events, explore their broader implications, and discuss what they mean for the future of democracy. What worries you most? What gives you hope? Join us for a thoughtful, respectful conversation about…
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Democracy in Our Time: Mindful Democracy and a Declaration of Interdependence
Democracy is often framed as a contest between political candidates or parties competing for power. But it can also be understood as a shared system of self-governance—one in which everyone has a stake in protecting and sustaining it. In this month’s Democracy in Our Time program, we’ll listen to and discuss a podcast conversation with…
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Democracy in Our Time: Who is Curtis Yarvin?
Curtis Yarvin was once an obscure blogger, but his profile has moved into the mainstream after U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance expressed interest in his work. Today, Yarvin is read widely among young conservatives as well as in Silicon Valley, where he counts figures like Peter Thiel and Marc Andreessen as associates. His vision…