As we move past the Trump Trauma, the Covid-19 pandemic, and a serious recession, what comes next? While national disasters often bring nations together, we are more divided than ever. Was our failed response to the pandemic a sign of the unraveling of our alleged “exceptionalism?” Or, is it possible that we can, in a fashion possibly similar to the Progressive movement of the early 20th century, overcome our divisions?

In this class we will focus on understanding the forces that divide us, especially the post-1970 increase in income and wealth inequality, and on the structural forces that divide us politically. We will ponder whether this national polarization and tribalism comes ground-up from the voters or top-down from the politicians. Is it possible that the disasters we are experiencing will prove to be “leveling” forces, as has occurred in the past, or will the economic and social divisions widen?

Discussions will focus more on reality, data, and history, less on what we might wish. We will be contemplating the future, but as Niel Bohrs (or was it Yogi Berra?) once said “predictions are very difficult, especially when they are about the future.”

Participants will be asked to read a chapter or more of Robert Putnam’s Upswing each week, along with selected articles posted on Google Drive. Come to engage and participate. This is not a lecture class.