Cooling down American politics

People need to leave their bubbles.

By John Paul Lederach
The Washington Post
August 15, 2024

"The divisions in our country are not new. But in recent years, we have witnessed a significant fraying of our social fabric…

"We talk a lot about those we don’t like. We rarely talk with them. To feel safer, we engage only with people who agree with us…

"Achieving and sustaining an end to conflict requires a web of people who, despite their differences, are willing to confront the forces of violence where they live…

"Reaching out frequently starts with a few people who have the imagination to take a small risk; daring to open a conversation with perceived enemies in their own community. This small step can be the start of a meaningful journey…

"We must have the courage to confront dehumanizing language and behavior, especially when it comes from within our closest circles…"

John Paul Lederach is professor emeritus of international peacebuilding at the University of Notre Dame.

About Heart of a Nation

Empowering the next generation of American, Israeli, and Palestinian change-makers to embrace better, together.

אנחנו מכנסים הוגים מובילים, פעילים חברתיים, ומחוללי שינוי לעתיד, אמריקאים, ישראלים ופלסטינאים, המחויבים לשיפור החברות שלהם.

نحن أمريكيون وإسرائيليون وفلسطينيون نبني ونكوّن روابط من أجل التعلم والتفكير والمشاركة معًا حتى نشجع الحلول التقدمية بشأن القضايا التي تهمنا جميعًا.