The January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol is a reminder that America is not the only country where elections can spark violent outbursts. From a comparative perspective, the U.S. can encounter the clash of opinions over policy and political preferences. From research, we have learned that polarized views and inequality breed grievances that can depress civil discourse and embolden civil unrest. Research indicates that violence erupts when citizens distrust the electoral process or disagree with the outcome of the vote. What can the United States learn from the rest of the world? What are the broader effects of these events on our political system? How can policymakers help heal discourse and restore trust? February’s Public Policy Forum will welcome a panel of speakers whose research spans international terrorism, communications and trends in political behavior
Panelist Biographical Information
- Sam Jackson, Ph.D., assistant professor, College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity, State University of New York at Albany.
- Jakana Thomas, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Political Science and Faculty Affiliate, Center for Gender in the Global Context, College of Social Science, Michigan State University.
- Dustin Carnahan, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Communication and affiliated with Health and Risk Communication in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, Michigan State University.
Read more panelist biographical information (.pdf)
Presentations
See Jackson's Presentation (.pdf)
See Thomas' Presentation (.pdf)
See Carnahan's Presentation (.pdf)
Video
Watch the February 25, 2021 forum on YouTube
Additional Information
House Committee on Energy and Commerce Hearing on Disinformation