Extreme polarization--or intense division and distrust resulting from people’s opposing opinions on political issues--has become a prominent feature of our political landscape. While diverse perspectives and healthy debate are integral to a well-functioning democracy and the generation of good public policy, extreme polarization poses a serious threat to democracy. It can make us significantly less likely to talk with people who hold different perspectives than we do as we stick to our “bubbles” and end up in echo chambers. Polis's events and programs center on the theme of “Discourse for Democracy”--centering authentic and transformative political discussions that promote unity and collaboration.
Notable Research
Notable Events & Programs
Combating Hate & Bias November 6 – 7 The JB Duke Hotel In a two-day conference, Polis: Center for Politics considered the various ways that hate, and bias influence the lives and experiences of communities in North Carolina, the United States, and around the world. The conversations paid particular attention to…
Read More
Project Citizen 2023 Polis: Center for Politics serves as the Campus Partner for Project Citizen, an Experiential Orientation program designed to give students the skills to be informed, active, and compassionate citizens within Duke campus and our local, national, and global communities. With a special focus on discourse, finding common…
Read More
This year, Polis co-sponsored “Project Citizen,” an experiential orientation program that gave 118 first-year Duke students a unique opportunity to build new connections and to develop skills to become more active, global, and compassionate citizens through programming in Durham and Washington, DC. Student Reflections What Does it Mean to be…
Read More
Discourse for Democracy This year, the Polis Innovation Accelerator invited all Duke undergraduate, graduate, and professional students to put their creative talents to work offering original creations that reflect the theme: “Discourse for Democracy.” Extreme polarization–or intense division and distrust resulting from people’s opposing opinions on various issues–has become a…
Read More
Fostering economic development and revitalization in rural communities represents one of the most important challenges facing North Carolina and the nation. Scholars, practitioners, and advocates took stock of the current economic and political landscape, considered what a new economic strategy for rural North Carolina could look like, as well as…
Read More