The Erosion of Facts in U.S. Politics: Implications for Foreign Policy and International Cooperation

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Program Description

In an era increasingly defined by misinformation and ideological narratives, the role of facts in shaping U.S. politics—both domestically and internationally—is under scrutiny. The 2024 presidential election, marked by polarization and post-truthism, raises pressing questions about the state of truth in governance and diplomacy. To what extent do facts still guide U.S. politics? How do these dynamics influence global alliances, democracy promotion, and international cooperation?

This event explores these questions, examining how fact-based governance—or its decline—impacts NATO cohesion, U.S.-China relations, and human rights advocacy. We will consider the consequences for U.S. credibility and multilateral collaboration, as well as parallels in Europe, drawing lessons to bolster democratic resilience and institutional effectiveness.

Networking

Following the formal discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with speakers and participants during an informal networking session, including drinks.

Speakers 

Dr. William Michael Schmidli: A historian specializing in U.S. foreign relations, Schmidli examines the intersections of democracy promotion, human rights, and militarization. Schmidli has published in leading journals and published multiple books, receiving the  William M. LeoGrande Award for excellence in U.S.-Latin American relations. He held research fellowships at Princeton, Helsinki, and the Netherlands.

Dr. Jack Thompson: As a Lecturer in the American Studies department at the Universiteit van Amsterdam, his expertise covers modern U.S. history, foreign policy, democratic norms, rightwing politics, political culture, populism, and grand strategy. In his current research, he analyzes anti-Europeanism in U.S. strategic culture. He has authored and co-edited multiple books and won the 2020 Theodore Roosevelt Association Book Prize.

Dr. Brandon Zicha: An Assistant Professor in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Leiden University College (LUC), Dr. Zicha holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Binghamton University in the United States. His research focuses on information processing and collective decision-making, with expertise in institutional analysis, the policy process, agenda setting, political parties, and constitutional political economy. Dr. Zicha has published extensively in major academic journals.

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