Professor Rogers Smith,Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professor of Political Science; Associate Dean for Social Sciences will deliver three Castle Lectures this year on the domestic politics of the global economy on October 23, 24, and 25th.
“That Is Not Who We Are! Populism and Stories of Peoplehood”
Lecture I. “A Cacophony of Stories”
As both right-leaning and left-leaning movements labeled “populist” have surged in countries around the globe, analysts have debated the definition of populism and the economic and cultural causes of this surge. Less attention has been paid to the role of proliferating, conflicting “stories of peoplehood” in generating the appeal of nationalistic populist narratives, or to the content of the stories of who the people are, and why they deserve to govern, that these populist movements advance.
Lecture II. “What Makes a Good Story?”
Authoritarian, repressive populist stories of peoplehood must be combatted by more egalitarian and inclusive narratives. To be effective, these stories must resonate with the existing identities and interests of the people they seek to persuade. They must also include respect for all the diverse members of that people, and be responsive to their different values and needs.
Lecture III. “Who Are We Americans Now?”
President Trump has advanced an “America First” narrative of national identity and purpose that millions find compelling. But American experience offers range of rival narratives, stressing democracy, the question for union, and the striving to secure rights for all, among others. These provide the potential for channeling American populist grievances in directions of constructive reform.