JSU Newswire
Jacksonville, Alabama
 

Glen Browder Expands Democracy Series into DC Area


November 18, 2002 -- Former Congressman Glen Browder, Eminent Scholar in American Democracy at Jacksonville State University in Alabama (and Distinguished Visiting Professor of National Security Affairs at Naval Postgraduate School in California), who this month presented his unconventional analysis of America's "Great Experiment" in a guest lecture at Independent University of Moscow, will now continue his lecture series at various educational institutions in the D.C. area during the next three weeks. Scheduled thus far are events at Georgetown University, American University, the Center for Democracy and Citizenship, and James Madison University.

It is a challenge, he admits, discussing his unusual thesis about the future of American democracy in the national capitals of Russia and the United States. "But these forums also provide opportunity to raise public discussion in global power centers that are undergoing tremendous democratic change."

The purpose of the series is to encourage debate about dramatic developments that challenge traditional notions of American public life. Drawing from his new book The Future of American Democracy: A Former Congressman's Unconventional Analysis (2002). Browder says that America is changing in important and unsettling ways that demand public dialogue.

Particularly at the beginning of the Twenty-First Century, he believes that we are undergoing a democratic metamorphosis that, for better or worse, is transforming our nation and the world. "The critical question for contemporary America is how our nation--a people of growing cultural diversity, with increasingly divergent ideals, values, and principles of governance--can continue the collective pursuit of freedom, equality, and justice through the historic framework of representative democracy."

For the past few months, Dr. Browder has been conducting American Democracy Forums throughout Alabama, and his unconventional analysis has been featured on public television and public radio programs in the state. A Democrat who has served as an Alabama State Legislator (1982-86), Alabama Secretary of State (1987-89), and U.S. Congressman (1989-96), he taught thousands of students the essentials of American democracy as a college professor before launching his political career.

Browder's unconventional analysis has received strong, positive reviews from public officials, academicians, and journalists. Former White House Chief of Staff Leon Panetta calls Browder's message "a wake-up call for our democracy"; Dr. Larry Sabato, Director of the University of Virginia's Governmental Studies Center, says that Browder "challenges every citizen, especially the young, to think anew about America's democracy"; and Governing Magazine's Alan Ehrenhalt asserts that "all of his recommendations are worth reading and paying attention to."

For additional information regarding this series and specific events, contact the JSU News Office at 256-782-5826 or the JSU Political Science Department at 256-782-5650; or consult Browder's website at www.futureofamericandemocracy.org.


 


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