UC Irvine School of Social Ecology, Aspen Institute launch speaker series as political divisions deepen
Is American pluralism our greatest strength — or the force tearing us apart?
As shifting demographics reshape the nation and political polarization reaches historic highs, UC Irvine’s School of Social Ecology and the Aspen Institute present “Tackling the Nation’s Identity Crisis,” the first in a new speaker series taking on how to manage in America when everything seems to be changing.
With election season intensifying and social divisions widening, the inaugural “Dialogues During a Time of Disruption” event promises the kind of substantive, cross-partisan conversation that’s become increasingly rare — and increasingly essential, organizers promise.
“Unlike typical political panels, this conversation focuses on finding common ground rather than scoring points — exactly what audiences are craving in our fractured partisan landscape,” says Jon Gould, dean of the School of Social Ecology. “This is the conversation America needs to have.”
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 21, 4-6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Beckman Center of the National Academies of Sciences and Engineering, 100 Academy Way, Irvine
THE SPEAKERS:
- Mike Madrid, UC Irvine School of Social Ecology senior fellow and GOP strategist who predicted the Latino vote shift
- Mona Charen, The Bulwark policy editor and syndicated columnist known for bridging conservative-liberal divides
- Shamil Idriss, CEO of Search for Common Ground and expert in conflict resolution
- Erika D. Smith, Bloomberg Opinion’s West Coast politics columnist covering demographic transformation
RSVP: Members of the public who wish to attend should reserve a seat.
MEDIA INFORMATION: Members of the media wishing to cover this event are asked to contact Mimi Ko Cruz at mkcruz@uci.edu or 714-932-8589. Media opportunities include: pre- and post-event interviews with speakers and audience reaction.