Unfortunately, on October 19, 2017, this colloquy had to be cancelled.
American Democracy Threatened?: New  Forms of Dictatorship/Authoritarianism

Has the election of 2016 put America at a political and moral crossroad?  Can America’s gift of freedom survive into history?  Human politics has  been entwined with morality and balance including the social and common good.  Serious people say that America is desperately in need of moral, wise and prudent  leadership.  Claims are made that this is the age of post-truth politics  and “alternative facts” explaining away an unchecked grasp for power and disregard for the rule of law. There seems little inclination to compromise in Congress or in society. American democracy and the dignity and freedom  of the individual human seem at risk. How dangerous are Donald Trump, his advisors, political parties and the present American moral and political mood?  Is the present American psyche tipped toward “populism” masking fascism or semi-fascism?  Institutions are only as good as the people who serve them. Current articles and accessible brief reading will focus our discussion.

Ronald JP Lesko is a retired Professor of Political Science and Philosophy, State University of New York.