Zach Elwood talks about the responses he has received to a controversial article that he published in The Fulcrum on the consequences of cynicism.

Ashok Panikkar reflects on the "cognitive state" of the US citizenry, observing that it is "abysmal. " It "wouldn't be out of place in feudal and despotic societies where we would be proud serfs and well-behaved subjects."

From the Philanthropy Roundtable, guidelines for promoting more constructive ways of discussing controversial issues.

From David Beckemeyer, an examination of two significant conservative policy initiatives and their potential implications for democracy.

This 2022 article, by Maria Stephan and Julia Roig, is part of a series from leading experts with practical solutions to democratic backsliding, polarization, and political violence.

Authoritarian movements take hold because of the choices we make. While we can also make choices that that will reverse these trends, we have to recognize what is happening first.

A conversation about how misinformation shapes our reality -- and what we can do about it.

Starts with Us explains that examining polarizing behaviors from people across the political spectrum helps people on all sides see that they have an important role to play in healing our divisions and helping solve problems.

This social trust index, available for every US zipcode, looks at three measures of trust in neighborhoods across the country, and provides info on how to build more trust.

This summer, the Narratives of America project has been part of important conversations with organizations and individuals who share a common goal: creating a new vision of social well-being where everyone can thrive. 

Samantha Hardy argues that mediators need to be very careful to use an honest and accurate approach to marketing, to develop credibility and maintain the legitimacy of the field.

A podcast series with experts delving into our nation’s division, threats that arise from this division, and how we can all engage in healthier, more productive political discourse.

Zach Elwood argues that avoiding highly pessimistic and certain interpretations of Trump is the right thing to do, on its own — but it’s also something politically passionate people should do for purely practical reasons.

A video outlining a strategy for getting beyond partisan animosities and actually debating the issues.

A commentary from our colleague Shamil Idriss observing that the spring's turmoil on campuses highlights what’s not on the curriculum: Young people need conflict resolution skills to lead us to a better future.

Exploring tactics and strategies employed by key pillars throughout history and around the world in support of a pro-democracy agenda; notably faith-based organizations, businesses, unions and professional associations, and veterans groups.

From Starts with Us, thoughts for Trump supporters and Harris supporters on the danger of dehumanizing language and what to do when it is uttered.

This set of essays was compiled by the US Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs, and the Aspen Institute which collaborated on this collection of essays from people of many faiths in the U.S.

Weave  tackles the problem of broken social trust that has left Americans divided, lonely, and in social gridlock. Weave connects, supports, and invests in local leaders stepping up to weave a new, inclusive social fabric where they live.

Zach Elwood reflects on a book on the causes of war, and wonders how many of those mistakes apply to the U.S. hyper-polarized society as well.

A conservative take on outrage and polarization with Michel Anderson

This excerpt from Zachary Elwood's book Defusing American Anger, explores the complexity of our polarized society and why that complexity should make us question our certitude about the nature of our divides and our "enemies"

In an age of increasing polarization and division, how can we build bridges? This episode explores the challenges and opportunities of building solidarity in our current social and political climate.

The dance between Israel and Iran continues -- sometimes escalating, sometimes receding. This article is a bit dated now -- things change so fast in that region -- but it still has useful content.

An article on "fusion voting." Under this system, third party-nominated candidates won’t just appear on the ballot under the new party, but also as either a Democrat or a Republican. The hope is this will encourage multi-party dialogue.