Talk- Illiberal America

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Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Steven Hahn will discuss his new book on the powerful illiberalism, as deep-seated in the American past as are the founding ideals.

The Capitol insurrection of January 6, Protected content , led many to recoil, thinking, “That’s not us.” But now we must think again, for Steven Hahn shows that illiberalism has deep roots in our past. To those who believe that the ideals announced in the Declaration of Independence set us apart as a nation, Hahn shows that Americans have long been animated by competing values, equally deep-seated, in which the illiberal will of the community overrides individual rights and often protects itself by excluding perceived threats–whether on grounds of race, religion, gender, economic status, or ideology. Today, with illiberalism shaping elections and policy debates, it is urgent to understand this long history and how it bears on the present crisis.

Hahn will discuss his book with award-winning historian Linda Gordon.

Please be sure to register for an In-Person Ticket. Doors will open 30 minutes before the program begins. For free events, they generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. All registered seats are released shortly before start time, and seats may become available at that time. A standby line will form shortly before the program.