Jonathan Turley: Rage and the Republic

Jonathan Turley writes, “From redcoats to robots, our challenges have changed. Yet, we have remained. Our greatest danger is not forgetting the history detailed in this book, but forgetting who we were in that history.”

On the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, law professor, legal analyst, and bestselling author Jonathan Turley shares his exploration of how the unique origins of American democracy set it apart from other revolutions, whether it can survive and thrive in the 21st century, and how the unfinished story of the revolution will play out in our rapidly changing world.

Like many nations, the United States was born from revolution. At the birth of this country, the Founding Fathers faced the quintessential question of self-governance: How do you keep democracy from devolving into anarchy or despotism?

As the nation enters a new era marked by artificial intelligence, robotics, and profound economic shifts, Turley says America is again faced with the pressure of radical forces that seek to curtail natural liberties under the guise of popular reform. In this mix, there are many politicians and pundits who are questioning the very principles of American democracy, and some law professors are even calling for scrapping the Constitution.

Turley, author of the new book Rage and the Republic: The Unfinished Story of the American Revolution, draws on everything from history to philosophy to the arts to offer a hopeful account of how the lessons of the past can guide us through today’s “crisis of faith” in democracy and see us into the future. Join us in person or online to hear what he has to say.

 
Notes

This program is supported by the Ken & Jaclyn Broad Family Fund.

 

Ken & Jaclyn Broad Family Fund

 

Photo courtesy the speaker.

Speakers
Image - Jonathan Turley

Jonathan Turley

Shapiro Chair for Public Interest Law, George Washington University Law School; Author, Rage and the Republic: The Unfinished Story of the American Revolution

Image - Greg Dalton

In Conversation With Greg Dalton

Host and Vice President, Commonwealth Club World Affairs