On U.S. Democracy, Belonging, and Power

On U.S. Democracy, Belonging, and Power

June 12, 2026 · 57 min

About this episode

Panelists discuss the achievements and shortcomings of American democracy regarding equality, access, and opportunity.

In this episode, panelists discuss what American democracy has and hasn't delivered on equality, access, and opportunity, and whether that internal reckoning is now inseparable from the country's standing and credibility as a world leader. Host: Meena Bose, Executive Dean, Public Policy and Public Service Programs and Director, Peter S. Kalikow Center for the Study of the American Presidency, Kalikow School of Government, Public Policy and International Affairs, Hofstra University; CFR Member Guests: Jamelle Bouie, Opinion Columnist, New York Times Jane Kamensky, President and Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello; Jonathan Trumbull Professor of American History Emerita, Harvard University Elizabeth Rule, Assistant Professor of Critical Race, Gender, and Culture Studies, American University; Author, Indigenous DC: Native Peoples and the Nation's Capital Introductory Remarks: Michael Froman, President, Council on Foreign Relations; CFR Member Want more comprehensive analysis of global news and events sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to CFR’s Daily News Brief newsletter. To keep tabs on all CFR events, visit cfr.org/event. To watch this event, please visit it…

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the CFR On the Record podcast page.