The times, they are a changing. But not for the better. Terms like “authoritarian” and “fascist” have been used to describe Donald Trump’s second term for good reason. There are startling parallels between Trump’s consolidation of power and targeting of an “enemy within” and numerous authoritarian regimes over the last 100 years. One of the tools available to both better see the current political crisis and develop strategies to respond to it is the science of sociology.
Sociology both builds critical thinking skills and instruct how to build social movements to respond to power.
Led by Dr. Randall Blazak, an internationally recognized expert on right-wing extremism, this four-part series of 90-minute classes explores how to unmask authoritarianism, explores the attraction to right wing political movements, and discusses how local communities can best respond to and restore democracy. The series is designed to be interactive with participants engaging in exercises and discussion.

Session schedule: 10am (PT)/1pm (ET) (Zoom)

Session 1 (April 30) – Fascist Creep: Sociology as a Lens on Power
Session 2 (May 7) – Authoritarianism Then and Now: Structures, Symbols, and Analysis
Session 3 (May14) – Anomie, Identity, and the Authoritarian Appeal
Session 4 (May 21) – Building Democratic Resilience: Community Capacity and Mindfulness