Active Citizenship and Our Democratic Future: A Conversation Between the Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown and Robert Putnam

People have fewer friends, join fewer clubs and volunteer less compared to previous generations. Growing isolation contributes to political polarization and social distrust, weakening democracies worldwide. On September 23, political scientist Robert Putnam joins former United Kingdom Prime Minister Gordon Brown, chair of the Center for Civic Society at the USC Schaeffer Institute, for a conversation about how to rebuild the social and community bonds that support healthy democracies. More than 25 years after his influential book Bowling Alone captured the stark consequences of America’s fraying social fabric, Putnam will draw on research from his most recent book, The Upswing, to explore how communities and civic institutions can overcome deep societal divisions to foster connection. Brown will share insights from his decades of global leadership to connect the research to policy and practice.

Featuring

Program

10:30am	Check-in and Refreshments
10:45am	Opening Remarks Anna Saavedra Director, Center for Civic Society; Scholar, USC Schaeffer Institute
11:00am	Fireside Chat Robert Putnam Malkin Professor of Public Policy, Emeritus, Harvard Kennedy School; Author, The Upswing, Bowling Alone In conversation with:  The Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; Steel Chair, Center for Civic Society, USC Schaeffer Institute Audience Q&A
11:50am	Closing Remarks Dana Goldman Founding Director, USC Schaeffer Institute

This event is hosted by the Center for Civic Society at the USC Schaeffer Institute and the Center for the Political Future at USC Dornsife. 

About the Center for Civic Society

Established in 2025, the Center for Civic Society works to assess, strengthen and promote democratic values around the world through research, civic engagement and global dialogue. The Center is chaired by former United Kingdom Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who also holds the Ronald L. Steel Chair in Foreign Policy and International Affairs, and unites scholars from across USC to identify the roots of polarization, address complex societal challenges, conduct rigorous analysis and develop actionable solutions. It is a flagship program of the USC Leonard D. Schaeffer Institute for Public Policy & Government Service.

Guests needing accommodations in order to participate in this event may contact Geovanna Quiroz, Events Manager, at [email protected].