Whither Parties in the (Second) Age of Trump? Perspectives from American Political Development

Session Submission Type: Roundtable Session

Abstract

This panel roundtable will explore the current state of political parties in through the lens of American Political Development. Panelists will pay particular attention to the ways in which party leaders attempt to fashion, and in some instances, reorient their parties institutionally and electorally. As scholars of political party development, panelists will discuss historical mechanisms, dynamics, and pathways that condition the two major parties’ contemporary responses (or lack thereof) to the second Trump administration. In addition, panelists will explore outcomes- how and to what extent political parties (and their leaders) may fashion, and possibly, reorient their developmental trajectories institutionally and electorally. The intent is to provide context for our understanding of parties today and tomorrow through an assessment and evaluation of their past.

Sub Unit

• American Politics

Chair

• Gwendoline Alphonso, Fairfield University

Participants

• Adam Hilton, Mount Holyoke

• Daniel Klinghard, College of the Holy Cross

• Sidney Milkis, University of Virginia

• Adam Silver, Emmanuel College

• Gwendoline Alphonso, Fairfield University