As the United States heads into a high-stakes presidential election, this seminar series explores the structural problems and political challenges behind the headlines. We examine why American politics is so polarised and ask: what is at stake in the 2024 elections?

The seminars will open with a short presentation by an expert, followed by questions and discussion. Everyone with an interest in US politics is welcome. Lunch will be available.

Week 1: The Urban-Rural Divide
Did the election results reinforce the partisan divide between cities and rural areas? How, in the wake of Covid and BLM protests, did a critique of cities as dysfunctional and radical play out in this election?