Center for the Study of American Democracy

About CSAD

Kenyon always has prided itself on a dedication to exploring the issues of the day, no matter how controversial, through deliberative inquiry and civil, probing conversation. Drawing on this tradition, the Center for the Study of American Democracy seeks open dialogue toward a subtle understanding of history, timeless questions and fundamental principles.

Located in O'Connor House, the center organizes conferences, lectures and seminars with the goal of stimulating nonpartisan civic and political discourse. The center also provides teaching and research opportunities for faculty and students and promotes student internships in Washington, D.C. Established in 2007, the center was funded through a “We the People” Challenge Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

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What We Are Reading

CSAD staff and student associates share their favorite books about democracy, politics and political theory. Check back throughout the year for new reviews.

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Looking Under the Hood of the November Election in Knox County

CSAD Student Associates Joseph Ferrari '24 and Andrew Nguyen '23 analyze the 2022 local elections.

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Sparking Conversation

CSAD's biennial conferences bring the Kenyon community together with national experts to analyze the pressing issues of today—no matter how controversial—through nonpartisan and civil discourse.

Howard Dean, political commentator and former chair of the Democratic National Committee, discusses the issues of free speech and civil discourse at a CSAD conference.

Former diplomat Nicholas Burns takes questions from the audience in the CSAD conference “Should America Promote Democracy Abroad?”

President of the Center for American Progress Neera Tanden answers the question “Rising Inequality: Where Do We Go from Here?” during her George L. Ohrstrom Jr. Lecture on Democracy.

Students meet with General Michael Hayden, former director of the National Security Agency, during CSAD's “Hill to Hill” event in Washington, D.C.

President of the American Action Forum and former director of the Congressional Budget Office Douglas Holtz-Eakinis shares insights at CSAD's conference on the politics of inequality.

CSAD's biennial conferences give students the opportunity to pose questions to leading experts about pressing local, national and global issues.

A Virtual Hill to Hill Panel Series

Kenyon grads working in politics, journalism, education and foreign service came together to explore a central question, "Is the American Experiment Still Viable?" Watch a two-minute recap of the series or follow the link below to learn more.