USM Forum on American Democracy concludes with an evening centered on the voices of students — our next generation of civic leaders. In this culminating event, our Forum Scholars will share their reflections on pluralism and democracy in today’s America. Forum Scholars are students nominated by USM’s three college deans for their interest in leadership and civic life. Over the course of the year, they participated in a seminar with President Edmondson, engaging deeply with the ideas presented throughout the Forum on American Democracy series. This event will showcase their perspectives, insights, and visions for a more inclusive and democratic future.
World Affairs Council of Maine – Andreas Waldkirch – Tariffs, Foreign Policy, & the Future of the World Economy
Are tariffs an effective tool of foreign policy, or do they undermine the global economic order that has underpinned American prosperity? Andreas Waldkirch is one of the nation’s top-ranked scholars in international trade, with expertise spanning foreign direct investment, multinational firms, NAFTA, and economic integration. His research has examined how trade policies affect everything from industry productivity to environmental outcomes. Join us for an economist’s clear-eyed assessment of where U.S. trade policy is headed—and what it means for America’s role in the world economy.
A Perspective on Pluralism in Southern Maine: A Discussion Led by USM Faculty
As our USM Forum on American Democracy continues, we turn our focus homeward. This evening brings together USM faculty from across disciplines to explore how the principles of pluralism — as discussed in previous events with Eboo Patel and Raj Vinnakota — apply right here in Southern Maine. Join Dr. Ron Schmidt (Political Science), Dr. David Kasdan (Sustainable Public Policy), Dr. Michelle Vázquez Jacobus (Social and Behavioral Sciences), and Dr. Adam Schmitt (History/Education) as they bring diverse academic perspectives to the ongoing conversation. Together, they will explore what pluralism means in this moment and in this place, grounding national themes in our regional experience. This discussion will reflect on how diversity, inclusion, and civic cooperation shape life in Southern Maine — from public institutions and education systems to our broader civic culture. The panel will highlight the distinctive dynamics of our community while examining how pluralism can foster meaningful engagement, responsive policy, and a deeper sense of belonging.
USM Forum For Democracy
University of Southern Maine’s Forum on American Democracy with Raj Vinnakota
On Wednesday, November 5, the University of Southern Maine’s Forum on American Democracy series continud in a conversation with Raj Vinnakota, President of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars. USM President Jacqueline Edmondson hosted a public dialogue with Vinnakota to explore the challenges and opportunities of pluralism in contemporary American society.