Can American Government Institutions Respond to Current Threats to American Democracy?

Democracies around the world — in Brazil and Venezuela, Hungary, Turkey, and Great Britain, and elsewhere — have been challenged by popularly elected leaders who have acted far outside of traditional democratic norms. This year’s first Cotter Debate, sponsored by the Goldfarb Center, addresses whether American governmental institutions are capable of responding to the threats to decision-making norms seen during the first three years of the Trump administration.

Two Stanford professors, David Brady, the Bowen H. and Janice Arthur McCoy Professor of Political Science and Leadership Values, and Bruce Cain, the Charles Louis Ducommun Professor in Humanities and Sciences and the Eccles Family Director of the Center for the Study of the American West, are friends and colleagues, but hold different views on this most important topic. They will present these differences and engage in discussion with the audience on this important topic.

Moderated by Professor of American Government Sandy Maisel.

A dessert and coffee bar will be offered.