Institute of Politics

Are Liberals Now Illiberal?

While Democrats and Republicans have been deeply divided for a century and the right has largely coalesced around Trumpism, the newest political rift has formed within the political left. The latest, and perhaps most politically consequential battle has formed around the war in the Middle East, but several years of internal culture wars sparked the fire. Is the “woke left” dismantling democratic values such as free speech and pluralism, or are centrists neglecting the most marginalized Americans by upholding elitist institutions? Is the left now illiberal?

Featuring Osita Nwanevu, contributing editor at The New Republic and columnist at The Guardian and James Bennet, senior editor for The Economist. Moderated by Franklin Foer, staff writer at The Atlantic.

This event is a part of our ongoing Counterpoint series, focused on featuring civil discourse on opposing views – bring your questions and come see where you fall on the spectrum of stances.

  • Osita Nwanevu (AB'15, MPP'16) Staff Writer, The New Republic, Former Staff Writer, The New Yorker. AB'15, MPP'16
  • James Bennet Fall 2020 Resident Fellow, Former Editorial Page Editor, The New York Times, Former Editor-in Chief, The Atlantic
  • Franklin Foer Staff Writer at The Atlantic

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