Coursera Spring Sale
40% Off Coursera Plus Annual!
Grab it
Explore the intersection of charismatic leadership, populist movements, and religious heritage in American politics through this comprehensive forum discussion. Delve into Dr. Molly Worthen's research from her book "Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump" as she examines why populist leaders succeed and what they appeal to in contemporary society. Analyze whether America's Christian heritage creates a unique susceptibility to charismatic leadership or if this phenomenon reflects more universal human tendencies. Investigate the media's role in amplifying political charisma and understand how spiritual needs migrate to the political sphere when traditional religious institutions fail to provide meaning and purpose. Join Dr. Worthen, professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in conversation with Jonah Goldberg, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and editor-in-chief of The Dispatch, as they discuss how charismatic figures bring perceived order and meaning out of societal chaos. Gain insights into the historical patterns of American charismatic leadership from the Puritans to modern political figures, and understand the complex relationship between religious conviction, political power, and public life in shaping contemporary American society.
