OPINION COMMENTARY:

As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, a troubling trend is emerging: children are losing their connection to history. In this compelling op-ed, Rob Waldron, former CEO of Curriculum Associates and a leader in civic education, explores how innovation, technology, and community action can reignite historical curiosity and strengthen democracy.

Professor Megan Hess of Washington and Lee University explores the recent wave of accounting ethics scandals and asks a deeper question: has the profession lost its moral foundation? Her argument points to professional identity as a critical path to rebuilding trust.

What gives music the power to move people from witness to action? Sociologist Ronald Eyerman reflects on protest songs, political memory, collective identity, and the enduring role of artists from Joe Hill to Bruce Springsteen in conversation with John Carroll (ALI ‘21).

OPINION COMMENTARY:

Drawing on his experience as former Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court, Thomas Phillips examines rising attacks on the judiciary in an era of political polarization. Cautioning against partisan assaults on judicial decisions and increased initiatives to change the way judges are selected and retained, he argues that safeguarding judicial independence is essential to preserving the rule of law.

What does it take to build power in communities long excluded from it? LaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter Fund, reflects on grassroots organizing, voting rights, belonging, and why lasting democratic change begins with activating people’s sense of agency in conversation with Carmel Shields (ALI ‘23).

OPINION COMMENTARY:

As polarization deepens, U.S. electoral systems result in the election of candidates who are not representative of a broad swath of their constituents. In this opinion commentary, election law scholar Edward Foley explains how partisan primaries sideline broadly preferred candidates and how all-candidate nonpartisan primaries and a consensus-based voting system for general elections could reduce polarization and strengthen democratic representation.

OPINION COMMENTARY:

Sudan’s war is often seen through a humanitarian lens, yet its resolution has vast global implications. Drawing on over 30 years of crisis leadership, former UN Assistant Secretary‑General Amin Awad (ALI ’20) reflects on why peace in Sudan matters far beyond its borders.

As voter turnout remains low and trust in democratic institutions weakens, mobile voting has emerged as a potential pathway to broader civic participation. ALI Fellows Sandra Kresch ’21 and Anthony Mohr ’21 explore the promise, security, and political realities of mobile voting in conversation with Linda Rebrovick (ALI ‘21) and Bradley Tusk.

OPINION COMMENTARY:

Drawing on decades of social justice leadership, Peter Williams (ALI ‘21) examines the enduring relevance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” in 2026. From voting rights restrictions to widening inequity, he argues that American democracy faces a defining moral crossroads demanding urgent action.

OPINION COMMENTARY:

As climate impacts intensify, public access to reliable climate information is being quietly restricted. The removal of National Climate Assessments from federal websites undermines informed decision-making. This article argues that state and local governments must step in to widely disseminate this critical data and keep it accessible to the public.

Democratic institutions are under sustained pressure, and lawyers alone cannot meet this moment using familiar tools. Yet experiences from across Europe show that creative lawyering, broader coalitions, and public-centered communication can strengthen resilience. This study tour offers practical lessons for adapting democratic practice to today’s challenges.

As the United States and its Western democratic allies scale back long-term support for core democratic institutions internationally, authoritarian regimes in crucial regions are using soft power tools to expand their influence and stall democratic progress. Former Georgian ambassador and Harvard fellow Khatuna Salukvadze outlines the challenge and recommends policies the West should adopt to meet this moment and reclaim lost ground.

False information spreads faster than truth on social media, and newsrooms across America continue to shutter at an alarming rate. Yet citizens aren’t helpless in democracy’s information crisis. By curating deliberate media diets, supporting local journalism, and advocating for anti-SLAPP protections, individuals hold real power to resist forces fracturing our shared reality.

Former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick reflects on leadership, equity, and rebuilding trust in America. In this powerful conversation with ALI Fellows Kevin Robinson ‘22 and Mary Jo Meisner ‘17, he shares lessons on race, gender equity, DEI, and civic renewal — reminding us that the American Dream thrives when communities act together.

As global supply chains face growing scrutiny, the textile sector is shifting toward greater responsibility. Vaude, a German outdoor company, is leading the way. Matthias Bosch (ALI ’23) speaks with CEO Antje von Dewitz on transforming supply chains and redefining responsible entrepreneurship.

Climate change and rising authoritarian threats put our future at risk. Bill McKibben discusses his book Here Comes the Sun and explains how solar energy, local action, and civic engagement can drive climate solutions, defend democratic values, and inspire hope for a sustainable future.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is reshaping tax incentives for charitable giving and creating new challenges for nonprofits. Henry and John Carroll of DonorSpring offer actionable strategies to help nonprofits adapt, engage donors, and sustain funding from major, corporate, and small donors.

The CDC’s leadership faced mounting challenges as trust faltered, disinformation spread, and vaccine confidence declined in a polarized environment. Communication missteps and evolving guidance weakened public understanding, while budget cuts constrained response capacity. Former CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky reflects on lessons in rebuilding trust, defending science, and restoring confidence through transparency, clarity, and steady leadership amid uncertainty and polarization.

OPINION COMMENTARY:

People-to-people exchanges — not governments — have long defined U.S.-China relations, writes Carla Dirlikov Canales. An acclaimed opera singer, academic and cultural diplomat, Canales shows how music, education, and shared experiences — from ping-pong diplomacy to choral festivals — bridge divides, proving that ordinary citizens are often the most enduring diplomats.

THE EMPATHY IMPERATIVE - ADDRESSING AMERICA'S HOMELESSNESS CRISIS SERIES:

EDITOR’S NOTE:

OPINION COMMENTARY:

Homelessness is a human and societal failure that demands shared responsibility — not judgment. It reflects how easily we turn away from suffering we no longer see. In his interview and opinion commentary, Dr. Brian Klausner calls for renewed urgency, compassion, and reform to address the complex realities behind this national crisis.