Liberalism & Democracy: Past, Present, Prospects

Liberal democratic values seem embattled as never before in the United States, and around the world. The time is right for a serious and wide-ranging exploration of the prospects for liberal democracies in a context that acknowledges the historical and contemporary tensions between democracy and liberal values, both in theory and in practice. This conference convenes a varied group of scholars, journalists, policy experts,  and veteran public servants, we hope to stage a real meeting of the minds, not the usual partisan sniping that occurs at most academic events – and we are trying to be as inclusive as possible, by inviting thoughtful representatives from the left, right, and center.

At this public seminar, participants will make brief remarks and then engage in dialogue.  Over the course of our conversations, we will examine the prospects for liberal democracies against the backdrop of the historical and contemporary tensions between democracy and liberalism.

The second of two conferences organized by James Miller (Professor of Politics, New School for Social Research) and Helena Rosenblatt (Professor of History, CUNY Graduate Center). Sponsored by The New School in partnership with City University of New York, Graduate Center.