Tom Eaton and Jim Simmons discuss the Supreme Court’s Citizens United v. FEC decision. They’ll offer differing viewpoints on whether the decision allows moneyed interests to corrupt our electoral politics or if it represents an important win for election-related First Amendment rights. There will be time for comments and questions from attendees.

Tom Eaton and Jim Simmons discuss the Supreme Court’s Citizens United v. FEC decision. They’ll offer differing viewpoints on whether the decision allows moneyed interests to corrupt our electoral politics or if it represents an important win for election-related First Amendment rights. There will be time for comments and questions from attendees.

Classical liberalism is not another term for left-wing politics but a moral and political philosophy based on individual rights, liberty, reason, science, and the rule of law. The American Constitution is based on classical liberal ideals: A system of representative democracy creating a marketplace of ideas for our various political parties. In this class, we follow historian Helena Rosenblatt as she guides us on a tour of the history of liberal ideas from ancient Rome, through the Enlightenment era, the U. S. Constitution, and the Progressive era. We explore how liberalism is currently being challenged by authoritarian leaders worldwide and share ideas about how the ideals of liberalism can still be made relevant in the modern era.

Classical liberalism is not another term for left-wing politics but a moral and political philosophy based on individual rights, liberty, reason, science, and the rule of law. The American Constitution is based on classical liberal ideals: A system of representative democracy creating a marketplace of ideas for our various political parties. In this class, we follow historian Helena Rosenblatt as she guides us on a tour of the history of liberal ideas from ancient Rome, through the Enlightenment era, the U. S. Constitution, and the Progressive era. We explore how liberalism is currently being challenged by authoritarian leaders worldwide and share ideas about how the ideals of liberalism can still be made relevant in the modern era.

Each year the Foreign Policy Association publishes a booklet analyzing eight topics related to foreign policy it believes offer opportunities and/or risks to the United States. This discussion course expects participants to buy the “Great Decisions 2026 Edition” briefing book ($35), read the assigned material, and come to class prepared to offer individual insights and opinions. The booklet is available from the Foreign Policy Association via its website (https://fpa.org/product/great-decisions-2026/).