32516

WiSe 19/20: Political Polarization in the United States: Causes and Consequences

Michael Oswald

Comments

This seminar is intended as an introduction to issues, concepts and relevant models appropriate to understanding the ongoing divide in American politics and society. We will lead off the seminar with some details intended to get everyone on the same page with respect to some basic ideological principles that are found within the US, some considerations of core beliefs held within the political culture and the strategic use of them. These issues pertain fundamentally to complexities of managing the inevitable conflict and decision that will characterize a large, diverse, pluralistic democracy designed intentionally to fragment political authority and disperse power, with a cultural tradition of anti-authoritarianism and severe distrust and skepticism of active government and centralized political leadership (in normal times). Following this, we will move to a consideration of some examples of original research that has recently looked at a few dimensions of these conflicts – or at least, the social dynamics pushing some of these conflicts. Finally, this will bring us to a consideration of some of the major challenges facing the American democracy today. close

Additional appointments

Mon, 2019-10-14 10:00 - 12:00

Lecturers:
Dr. Michael Oswald