Study Group with Senator Jeff Flake: The Future of Conservatism

As its main focus, this study group will explore the recent past and ponder the future of conservatism. In addition, this study group will discuss the nature of compromise in our two-party system. While Barry Goldwater was best known for his declaration that “Extremism in pursuit of liberty is no vice…and moderation in pursuit of justice is no virtue,” he also declared “Politics is nothing more than public business, sometimes you make the best of a mixed bargain.” Is there room for bipartisanship in a hyper-partisan era?

Week 2: Bush 43 and the burden of conservative governance. 

The election of Barack Obama. The rise of the tea party, the failure of immigration reform and laying the groundwork for a populist movement.

Location: Littauer Building (L-150) at the Harvard Kennedy School, 79 JFK St.