David Peritz to Give Lecture on the Power of Populism in Today’s Politics at Sarah Lawrence November 18

By Janet H. Alexander, Associate Director, Sarah Lawrence College Library

Nov. 2, 2016:  Sarah Lawrence College professor David Peritz will give a lecture titled “The Power of Populism in Today’s Politics” on November 18. The presentation will take place in the Wrexham Hall living room from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. Coffee and conversation will follow.

As we witness the unanticipated success of outsider candidates like Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders, it seems clear that, for better or worse, populism has returned in American politics with a vengeance. Leading candidates are not just running against their party establishments as a rhetorical trope (a recurrent pattern in American politics).

They are disregarding the power structures of the party, going over the heads of established channels and brokers to speak directly to "the people." They vie to most effectively represent and channel popular discontent, anger, and disgust with politics as usual, demanding systemic change or a return to simpler, putatively better times. 

What changes in American society and politics are driving this populist resurgence? Is the left or the right more likely to benefit? Are there opportunities for systemic reform contained in our unsettled politics?

This lecture will examine the rise of populism in modern politics, how it happens, and what it means for the present and future of politics.

The lecture is open only to the Friends of the Sarah Lawrence College Library--membership can be purchased at the event. For more information about membership, please contact Janet Alexander at 914-395-2432 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Pictured here:  Sarah Lawrence College campus in the fall.

Photo by N. Bower