UW to Host ‘Challenges to Democracy’ Lecture Series in Sheridan Oct. 1

As part of its "Challenges to Democracy" lecture series, the University of Wyoming School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies will host its second statewide event, "Crisis of Democracy Around the World?: From Polarization to Populism and Possible Solutions," at the Center for a Vital Community at Sheridan College's Broadway Center. The free public event is at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1.

The lecture series will feature more than 20 experts from the school's faculty, including experts on civic engagement around Wyoming, as well as international scholars in 10 programs.

Participants in the Sheridan event will feature Tom Dougherty, the 2024 Milward L. Simpson Visiting Professor of Political Science at UW and former U.S. ambassador to Burkina Faso; UW Professor Andrew Garner; UW Professor Jean Garrison; and Michael Thomas, a Sheridan High School American government teacher.

Dougherty was a U.S. Foreign Service officer for 27 years, serving in Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Australia.

Garner is a professor of political science at UW, and his main area of research and teaching involves the quality and nature of democracy. 

Garrison is a professor of political science and international studies and co-director of the Malcolm Wallop Civic Engagement Program at UW. Her research and teaching focus on U.S. foreign policy, conflict and civic engagement.

In addition to his teaching duties at Sheridan High School, Thomas directs its award-winning "We the People" program, and he is a Sheridan College adjunct instructor.

"We are grateful for the collaboration with the Center for a Vital Community, which allows us to bring this discussion to Sheridan County," Garrison says. "We hope people join us not only to hear about some of the trends common across the United States and other countries in the world, but also to share their perspectives and thoughts with us."

More information on the remaining events that will take place throughout the state in Casper, Cheyenne, Laramie and Park County are available here.

To learn more about the School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies, go to www.uwyo.edu/sppais.

For more information about the Sheridan event, email lecture series co-organizers Garrison at [email protected] or Garner at [email protected].

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