POLITICS

Views from across the political spectrum at the Forum

Views from across the political spectrum were highlighted at Harvard Kennedy School’s John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum over the past week. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders addressed packed crowds at separate events offered by the School's Institute of Politics. Each spoke broadly about the issues they see on American voters’ minds. McCarthy, a California Republican who after only 10 months in office became the first speaker to be ousted, said he saw immigration, the economy, and inflation as issues that will drive voters and that he thought Donald Trump’s chances would be good if the presidential election were held today. Sanders, one of the country’s most prominent progressive politicians, spoke about corruption in a political system “dominated by big money” and described the country as approaching an oligarchy with little support for working families. Sanders praised Joe Biden, especially his support of labor.  

Also see: Earlier this week, former two-term Democratic governor of Louisiana and current Institute of Politics visiting fellow John Bel Edwards talked at the Forum about governing across ideological lines.  

DEMOCRACY & GOVERNANCE

Is El Salvador moving in an undemocratic direction?

Earlier this year, Nayib Bukele secured a second five-year term as president of El Salvador. While his tough stance on gangs has been popular, scholars question the constitutionality of Bukele’s decision to seek a second term and whether it indicates a move towards authoritarianism. Harvard Kennedy School Assistant Professor Yanilda González was joined by guest scholars to discuss Bukele’s reelection and what it may mean for democracy in El Salvador at a recent Ash Center event. The speakers discussed gang violence, high levels of incarceration in the country, and why so many people voted for Bukele. González pointed out the tradeoffs at play: having to “give up some amount of freedom, civil liberties, human rights in order to have safety.” 

PUBLIC LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

Explore upcoming executive education programs at Harvard Kennedy School

Harvard Kennedy School provides executive education programs, both on campus and online, for senior-level leaders looking to sharpen their skillset, expand their leadership capabilities, and develop a global network of peers. A few programs currently open for applicants are Leading Successful Programs: Using Evidence to Assess Effectiveness, Cybersecurity: The Intersection of Policy and Technology, and Comparative Tax Policy and Administration. Kennedy School faculty members teach more than 40 executive education programs, covering a range of relevant and timely topic areas. 

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