Divided We Fall: How we can resist polarizing pressures and strengthen our identity as citizens
Book launch and discussion with author Max Cameron, moderated by Kathryn Gretsinger.
Author Max Cameron explores the dangers of polarization in our country, as well as the forces, both internal and external, that threaten Canadian unity, and offers lessons to strengthen Canada’s democracy.
About the book:
This book offers an analysis of the forces driving polarization in Canada, and a path forward in rebuilding civic community and finding common ground in politics. Rising inequality, regional discontent, and growing distrust of democratic institutions are fuelling divisive rhetoric and misinformation, problems that are amplified by social media. But Canadians have rallied around the flag in response to Trump’s threats to our sovereignty. What can we learn from this critical moment in our history? Cameron draws on firsthand experience working with Canadians of a wide range of political outlooks who are entering public life. In this book, he suggests how we can rebuild civil discourse based on our common citizenship and restore a shared sense of purpose in our politics and civic community.
About the author:
Dr. Maxwell A. Cameron is a Professor in the Department of Political Science and the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at UBC. Max is a specialist in comparative politics and has published extensively on problems of democratization. He co-founded the Institute for Future Legislators, a program to prepare citizens for public service. In 2022, Max was the recipient of the 2022 Guillermo O’Donnell Democracy Award and Lectureship by the Latin American Studies Association (LASA) for his work on democracy in Latin America, and in 2024 he was elected President of LASA. He lives in Vancouver.
