Powerhouse conference explores tribalism in America

Most Americans believe the country is more divided along racial, ethnic and political lines than at any point in modern history, according to a poll conducted earlier this year by Public Religion Research Institute and The Atlantic magazine. In fact, one rare point of near agreement for Democrats and Republicans is how politically divided we are: 74% of poll participants, regardless of party affiliation, say exactly that.

Why and how the country became so divided, the impact of rising tribalism, and the contributing role of media and social media — as well as ways to bridge the divide — will be the focus of “The Dis-United States of America.” The day-long conference, hosted by the USC Dornsife Center for Political Future, takes place Sept. 27 at USC’s Town and Gown on the University Park campus.

“We’re bringing together prominent politicians, academics and journalists from both sides of the aisle not just to discuss why our nation is more divided than it has been in recent memory, and how that’s impacting our country, but to propose solutions,” said Robert Shrum, director of the center.

Mark Sanford, South Carolina’s former governor and U.S. Representative, will provide the keynote address. Sanford, who recently announced he’s running for the 2020 GOP presidential nomination, will engage in a discussion with Mike Murphy, co-director of the Center for the Political Future.

The conference, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., includes lunch and is free for USC students, staff and faculty.

Tickets for USC alumni are $20, including admission to a VIP reception. For all others, tickets are $30.

Visit bit.ly/TribalismConference to register and to see the conference schedule and list of speakers.