Academics Bridging the Divide

This event is a unique opportunity to hear from professors running polarization labs and programs at universities in the DC area, including:

• George Mason University
• Georgetown University
• American University
• George Washington University
• Johns Hopkins University

Join us at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center (formerly the Newseum) for panel discussions and Q&A, moderated by Isaac Saul, editor-in-chief of the independent media outlet Tangle.

Learn about the latest research and strategies to address polarization in society. Find out how students can chart a path in academia and their careers that lets them contribute to bridging the divide.

1. Building awareness: This field of study is still nascent, and many students don’t know about chances to study polarization and the plummeting levels of interpersonal and institutional trust in the U.S., and to build a career helping to strengthen our democracy.
2. Building community: Not every lab leader knows all the details of the remarkable work happening elsewhere. We’re bringing them together to share insights on various aspects of polarization, create collaborations and foster a community of practice.

9:30 AM
Coffee and Networking
10:00 AM - 10:05 AM
Opening Remarks / Introductions
10:05 AM - 11:00 AM
Media and Personal Narratives in a Hyper-Polarized Environment

Daniel Brumberg - Democracy & Governance Studies/In Your Shoes Project, Georgetown University

Rabbi Rachel Gartner - The Laboratory for Global Performance & Politics (The Lab), Georgetown University

Rabbi Seth M. Limmer - Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL), American University

Solon J Simmons - The Narrative Transformation Lab (TNT Lab), The Carter School at George Mason University
11:05 AM - 11:20 AM
Break
11:20 AM - 12:20 PM
Preventing Political Violence This Election Season and Beyond

Babak Bahador - Media and Peacebuilding Project, George Washington University

Katy Collin - Conflict Resolution Masters Program, Georgetown University

Lily Mason - SNF Agora Institute, Johns Hopkins University

Daniel Rothbart - Transforming the Mind for Peace Lab, The Carter School at George Mason University
12:20 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Building the Future: A Network Spanning Theory & Practice

Jeff Helsing – Better Evidence Project, The Carter School at George Mason University

Karina Korostelina – Reconciling Conflicts and Intergroup Divisions Peace Lab, The Carter School at George Mason University

Rachel Milner Gillers – Conflict Transformation Lab (CTL), Georgetown University

• The SNF Agora Institute at John Hopkins University
• The Carter School at George Mason University
• Independent news media outlet Tangle
• DOC: Depolarizing Organizational Cultures

Your support allows us to make the most of our time together. Here’s how to make a tax-deductible donation in support of this event through the Carter School’s Dean’s Fund.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Please email Randy Lioz ([email protected]) to inquire.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center, 555 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, United States