Sarah Lawrence College Friends of the Library Presents David Peritz:The Power of Populism in Today’s Politics

As we witness the unanticipated success of outsider candidates like Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders, it seems clear that, for better or worse, populism has returned in American politics with a vengeance. Leading candidates are not just running against their party establishments as a rhetorical trope (a recurrent pattern in American politics)

They are disregarding the power structures of the party, going over the heads of established channels and brokers to speak directly to ‘the people.’ They vie to most effectively represent and channel popular discontent, anger and disgust with politics as usual, demanding systemic change or a return to simpler, better times. What changes in American society and politics are driving this populist resurgence? Is the left or the right more likely to benefit? Are there opportunities for systemic reform contained in our unsettled politics?

Politics faculty member David Peritz will examine the rise of populism in modern politics, how it happens and what it means for the present and future of politics. Coffee and conversation will follow.

This lecture is open to the Friends of the Sarah Lawrence College Library, only. Membership can be purchased at the event. For more information about membership, please contact Janet Alexander, (914) 395-2432 or alexand@slc.edu.