The McCourtney Institute for Democracy

10/13/2026

We're thrilled to co-sponsor this presentation from investigative journalist Julia Harte, who explores the rich and hidden history of American citizens who fought against imperialism and dictatorship abroad, only to be excoriated at home.

Harte will present "Americans Without Borders: The Radical Activists Who Fought for U.S. Ideals Abroad While Facing Political Persecution at Home" October 22 at 3:30 p.m. in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library.

10/12/2026

It was a privilege to have Joy Mayer and Mollie Muchna from Trusting News on campus last week to accept the 2026 Brown Democracy Medal. The recording of their lecture on "Journalism, Trust, and the Future of an Informed Democracy" is now available on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/ni7IWOQAMOU?si=_Bp6papxEmmsZkEt

And their book, written with Lynn Walsh, is now available from Cornell University Press: https://cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9781501794377/the-transparency-imperative/ =1

10/07/2026

Are periods of political instability inevitable? Or can they be predicted and prevented?

The USC Center for the Political Future invites you to a conversation and book talk with Evan Barker, author of "Nothing Left: Confessions of a Democratic Operative." This discussion will be moderated by Ken Broad, a member of the USC Center for the Political Future Board of Councilors and a Founding Member of Jackson Square Partners.

This conversation will take place on Wednesday, October 7 from 4-5:30PM in SOS B46. It will explore Evan's career as a Democratic campaign strategist, during which she raised tens of millions of dollars for candidates across the party's establishment and progressive wings, and what led her to break with the party she once helped build. The first 15 attendees will receive a signed copy of the book. Free pizza will be provided.

About "Nothing Left: Confessions of a Democratic Operative": Drawing on her years inside Democratic campaign politics, Evan Barker argues that hyper-progressive donors, radicalized staff, and an activist base captured the party from within, pulling it away from the working-class voters it once represented.

Panelists Include:
- Evan Barker: Writer, Podcaster, and Former Democratic Campaign Strategist; Author, "Nothing Left: Confessions of a Democratic Operative"
- Ken Broad: Member, USC Center for the Political Future Board of Councilors; Founding Member, Jackson Square Partners

This event is held in partnership with the Heterodox Academy.

IN-PERSON REGISTRATION: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nothing-left-book-talk-with-evan-barker-tickets-2001406311153?aff=oddtdtcreator

10/06/2026

We're thrilled to have our colleague Mitchell Smith from the Penn State School of International Affairs on the podcast this week to talk about his new book "The Great Perceptual Divide: Identity and Democracy in the U.S. and Britain." d

The book examines he role of identity in fostering deep divides in and asks how we can make sense of this divisive political landscape. It's available now from Bloomsbury U.S.

Listen to the episode: https://pod.link/1358363335

10/02/2026

Please join us in congratulating Trent Ollerenshaw, assistant professor of political science, on being named the inaugural Center for Research on Democratic Resilience (CRDR) Junior Faculty Fellow!

Ollerenshaw received his Ph.D. in Political Science from Duke University in 2024. His research examines American public opinion and political psychology, with additional interests in research design, quantitative methodology, and replication. His research has been published in the American Political Science Review, Journal of Politics, Political Behavior, Public Opinion Quarterly, and Political Science Research and Methods, among other journals. Prior to joining Penn State, he was an assistant professor at the University of Houston.

As the Junior Faculty Fellow, Ollerenshaw will: present his research in progress at a CRDR-sponsored talk, attend CRDR's inaugural research conference, and more.

09/29/2026

New from our Mood of the Nation Poll: A large majority of Americans across the political spectrum support upholding the rule of law and agree with the phrase "All presidents have a duty to enforce all the laws, with no exceptions."

The key takeaway from these results is that more than nine in ten Americans expect their presidents – current and future – to faithfully enforce the laws they inherit when they take the oath of office.

Read the poll report to learn more: https://democracy.psu.edu/poll-report-archive/americans-weigh-in-on-presidential-and-citizen-responsibilities-to-the-rule-of-law/

09/28/2026

Coming up on Thursday: Join the Penn State Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications and the Uncanny Valley Film Club for a screening of the documentary "Crime and Parody," which follows an Ohio comedian arrested for creating a page parodying his local police department. After the film, professors Gustavo Rosa and Sophia McClennen will participate in a Q&A with director Will Thwaites.

09/24/2026

"The Transparency Imperative: Journalism, Trust, and the Future of an Informed Democracy," the book written by 2026 Brown Democracy Medal recipients Trusting News, is now available for pre-order from Cornell University Press. Get your copy here: https://cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9781501794377/the-transparency-imperative/ =1

Joy Mayer and Mollie Muchna from the Trusting News team will be on campus to accept the Brown Medal on Thursday, October 8 at 4:00 p.m. in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library. Join us to learn about their important work with journalists and newsrooms across the country.

09/22/2026

Our latest Democracy Works podcast episode explores the role that taxation has played in American democracy going back to the Boston Tea Party through Reconstruction and the anti-tax movement of the 20th century. It's a very rich history and much more interesting than it seems at first glance! We highly encourage you to give this episode a listen.

Our guest is Vanessa S. Williamson, a senior fellow in governance studies at The Brookings Institution and author of "The Price of Democracy: The Revolutionary Power of Taxation in American History," published last year by Basic Books.

🎧 Listen to the episode: https://www.democracyworkspodcast.com/episodes/vanessa-williamson

05/28/2026

Please join us in congratulating Jenna Spinelle on being named a 2026-27 Visiting Fellow at SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University!

11-member cohort will bring fresh perspectives to the institute while exploring big questions about democracy, citizenship, and community