David Rubenstein Forum, Friedman Hall

Rising Illiberalisms will interrogate the increasing intolerance of dissent and ideological difference from both ends of the socio-political spectrum. Political, social, and cultural discourse on the extreme right lionizes ‘free speech’ while seeking to suppress the expression of ideas from the left. Ron DeSantis’s Stop WOKE Act, now Florida state law, is only the most prominent legislative manifestation of this trend. Book bans and culture wars in schools are other examples. On the left end of the spectrum, we see demands for ideological conformity, evidenced for example in increasing willingness to shut down speakers on campus in the name of harm prevention. The commitment to genuine discussion across disagreement seems to be in decline. One way to characterize this is the rise of multiple illiberalisms, which may have diverse origins but can also reinforce each other. What is driving this trend, and what do the various illiberalisms have in common? Who do the ends of the spectrum actually speak for? What is at risk, and where might we find hopeful solutions that could break the fever?

Day 2 - Friday, October 6, 2023