Programs

Center for Civic Society

The Center for Civic Society aims to assess, strengthen and promote democratic values around the world through research, civic engagement and global dialogue.

Leadership

The Right Honorable Gordon Brown

Distinguished Scholar, USC Schaeffer Institute
Ronald L. Steel Chair in Foreign Policy and International Affairs

Anna Saavedra, EdD

Scholar, USC Schaeffer Institute
Director, Center for Civic Society
Co-Director, CESR Center for Applied Research in Education, USC Dornsife

Bridging Divides

Rebuilding trust in democracy and civic institutions requires a shared understanding of today’s most urgent challenges and an engaged public. The Center for Civic Society, launched in 2026, is dedicated to bridging political, social and economic divides through evidence-based research that informs and promotes better public policy.

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Solving Civic Challenges

Political polarization, misinformation and dissatisfaction with economic conditions are straining democracies worldwide. The center’s nonpartisan research will help uncover the roots of these challenges and identify opportunities to build more resilient democracies. Key areas of inquiry for Schaeffer scholars include:

Civic Renewal

Exploring strategies for increasing civic participation, voter turnout and public trust

Tech & Democracy

Examining how AI and other emerging technologies affect democratic processes

Public Insights

Using behavioral science to better understand and inform public opinion

At a time when many democracies are being pulled apart by the politics of division, this center will stand for something different: the rigorous pursuit of understanding.
The Right Honorable Gordon Brown
Steel Chair, Center for Civic Society

Center Research View All

TV News Coverage of Severe Weather Can Boost Support for Climate Action Across the Political Aisle

Even brief segments about extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and wildfires, can increase climate concern and policy support among Americans, USC research shows.

Climate Change

Experts: Wändi Bruine de Bruin

Adults Know Little about Education Policy and Practice – This Should Worry Us

While Politicians Fight Over Civic Education, Most Parents and Adults Agree on the Subject

What Water Insecurity Teaches Us About Disaster Preparedness

Measuring What Drives Public Trust

Fostering a deeper understanding of the social and economic forces shaping public views can inform policies responsive to real-world challenges, strengthen communities and revitalize trust in democracy. Schaeffer scholars are developing tools to better measure how people perceive the health of the economy and democratic institutions:

Schaeffer Civic Compact Index

Evaluates markers of social and civic cohesion across G20 countries to inform practical policy ideas.

Featured View All Center Experts

Experts

Programs

Center for Civic Society