The Catalyst: A Journal of Ideas from the Bush Institute
The State of American Democracy

In the Winter 2024 edition of The Catalyst: A Journal of Ideas from the Bush Institute, contributors examine the evolution of American democracy and its current state. President George W. Bush ([link removed]) weighs-in on the state of the union and why Americans should remain hopeful. Utah Senator Mitt Romney ([link removed]) discusses the importance of generational leadership and Kansas Governor Laura Kelly ([link removed]) explores bipartisanship.
Read The Full Edition of The Catalyst ([link removed])
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This issue of The Catalyst creates constructive and civil conversations. In that vein, on Feb. 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CT, a virtual Engage at the Bush Center conversation presented by NexPoint will focus on this moment in American history to contextualize the struggles faced by American society and democracy today. The discussion will feature a live Q&A with experts Ryan Streeter ([link removed]) , Executive Director of Research at Civitas Institute at the University of Texas at Austin, and Dr. Jane Dailey ([link removed]) , Professor of American History at the University of Chicago.
Register for the webinar ([link removed])

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The Correction is Coming: A Conversation with President George W. Bush ([link removed])

The former president shares his perspective on why Americans should remain hopeful.
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How We Got Here ([link removed])
Ryan Streeter, Executive Director of Research at the Civitas Institute at the University of Texas at Austin

None of the flaws in the U.S. political system are especially new. So why do things seem to be breaking down now?
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Still in the Fight ([link removed])
Senator Mitt Romney

The Utah Senator explains why he thinks he can get more done outside Congress than within it.
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The Winding Road to Justice ([link removed])
Dr. Jane Dailey, Professor of American History at the University of Chicago

People’s fears about the state of the country are intensified by the tendency to see history as linear. But the fight for racial justice shows that bad times sometimes lead to breakthroughs.
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The People Aren’t the Problem ([link removed])
Todd Conner, Co-Founder of Veterans for All Voters and Founder of Bunker Labs

Americans aren’t as polarized as we seem, but our system gives politicians no incentive to compromise. Here’s how to fix that.
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Point/Counterpoint: Do America’s institutions still work? ([link removed])
Jesse Wegman, The New York Times editorial board, and Jay Cost, the Gerald R. Ford Nonresident Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute

How the Founders viewed elections – and what that vision means for American democracy today.
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Minority Parties ([link removed])
Former U.S. Representative Will Hurd

By focusing on the most extreme primary voters, the Republicans and the Democrats have lost touch with the majority of Americans. To fix themselves, and the country, both parties must broaden their appeal.
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Rebuilding Trust in Government ([link removed])
Governor Laura Kelly

The Democratic governor of Kansas on how to govern for all ([link removed]) your constituents – no matter who they voted for.
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Commonsense Solutions ([link removed])
Governor Glenn Youngkin

The Republican governor of Virginia on the path to progress ([link removed]) in a politically divided state.
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Protecting Those Who Protect Us ([link removed])
Audrey Adams, Director and Distinguished Engineer at the MITRE Corporation

Disinformation campaigns often target U.S. military veterans, increasing the threat of extremism. Here’s how to keep them – and the rest of us – safe.
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Truth, Trust, and the Art of Conversation ([link removed])
Jason Galui, Director of Veterans and Military Families at the Bush Institute

How one small town in Texas is helping people talk, and listen, to one another again.
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Book Review: A Question of Respect: Bringing Us Together in a Deeply Divided Nation ([link removed])
William McKenzie, Senior Editorial Advisor at the Bush Institute

Two old friends – one Democrat and one Republican – offer strategies for bringing Americans back together.
Book Review: Riding the Tiger: Vladimir Putin’s Russia and the Uses of War ([link removed])
Igor Khrestin, The Bradford M. Freeman Managing Director of Global Policy at the Bush Institute

Russia’s president has built his power on a dark form of nationalism he may struggle to control – especially if he seems to be losing the war in Ukraine.
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About the George W. Bush Institute
The George W. Bush Institute is a solution-oriented nonpartisan policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies. Housed within the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the Bush Institute is rooted in compassionate conservative values and committed to creating positive, meaningful, and lasting change at home and abroad. We utilize our unique platform and convening power to advance solutions to national and global issues of the day. Learn more at bushcenter.org. ([link removed])

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