Date: August 24, 2020 Time: 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. EDT
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In the United States as well as around the globe, democratic institutions have begun to deteriorate, while authoritarian movements continue to gain traction. Anne Applebaum, journalist and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, argues that this trend should come as no surprise given the “seductive lure of authoritarianism.” In her new book, Twilight of Democracy, Applebaum focuses on the surrogates who enable autocracy.

What role do writers, academics, journalists, and other members of the cultural elite play in the ascent of nationalist rule? To what extent are these figures propelled by ideology versus their own financial or political gain? And what patterns emerge when we observe weakening democracies across the world from the U.S. to Poland? This conversation will be moderated by Washington Post columnist and military historian Max Boot.

Speakers: Anne Applebaum, Staff Writer at The Atlantic; Senior Fellow of International Affairs and Agora Fellow in Residence at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies; author, Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism; Moderator: Max Boot, Columnist at the Washington Post; Global Affairs Analyst for CNN; Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Senior Fellow in National Security Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations

Date: August 20, 2020 Time: 7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m. MDT,
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m. PDT, 9:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m.EDT
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For three decades, Montana has been represented by a single seat in the House of Representatives. But this could soon change: population projections suggest that the state may gain a second seat after the 2020 Census is completed. Montana is one of the few states with a redistricting commission. This bipartisan commission, which draws state legislative maps once a decade, would also be charged with the task of dividing the state into two congressional districts.

What impact could this have on the future of Montana and its residents? How might the state be fairly divided into two districts? How effectively have Montana’s redistricting commissions accomplished this task and the drawing of legislative districts in the past? And what can we learn from redistricting controversies in other states? Join redistricting expert Peter Miller — who grew up in Billings, Montana — as he explores these questions in a virtual presentation. Following the presentation, members of Montana’s 2020 Districting and Apportionment Commission will join Miller to answer questions submitted by attendees.

This event is produced in partnership with The League of Women Voters Montana.

Speakers: Peter Miller, PhD, Researcher, Democracy Program, Brennan Center for Justice; Members of Montana's Districting and Apportionment Commission; Moderator: Nancy Leifer, President, League of Women Voters Montana