Discussion Groups
Some of our most refreshing events are weekly discussion groups at the Dole Institute. Hosted by Dole Fellows, each weekly discussion focuses on a specific topic or issue and features an expert in that field. These events are oriented toward KU students, but are also open to the public.
These small discussion groups provide hands-on knowledge and direct interaction with experts.
Past Discussion Groups
Discussion Groups
Building Democracy in the 21st Century: The road ahead to maintaining a democracy
March 01, 2023
What are the main obstacles to maintaining a democracy? Is a sound legal system sufficient? We examine Kosovo and the Balkan region one year after the start of the aggression against Ukraine.With Dr. Enver Hasani, former President of the…
Building Democracy in the 21st Century: Inclusiveness in forming a democracy
February 22, 2023
Democracy beyond elections and plurality or majority rules. We discuss how to include minority and marginalized groups in decision making democratic processes, by looking at the example of Kosovo.With Atifete Jahjaga, former President of the Republic…
Building Democracy in the 21st Century: Kosovo's path to independence and democracy
February 15, 2023
As democracy undergoes significant challenges around the globe, we examine democracy building in the youngest country in Europe, Kosovo, together with its facets of peace-building, reconciliation and state-building.With Dr. Pëllumb Kelmendi,…
2022 FALL | Big Stakes, Big Consequences
September 14, 2022
Gerald F. Seib will lead this semester’s eight-part Discussion Group Series. Seib is a graduate of the University of Kansas and was a journalist with The Wall Street Journal for almost 45 years. He served as the Journal’s Executive Washington…
2022 SPRING | Giants of the Senate
February 16, 2022
This semester’s seven-part Discussion Group series, "Giants of the Senate," will be led by author and political consultant Robert Blaemire.The series will discuss former Democratic and Republican Senators, their accomplishments, and their…
2021 FALL | What’s the Matter with American Politics: How Fake News, Black Women, COVID-19, Presidents 45 and 46, and Protests Might Shape Politics in 2022
September 22, 2021
The fall 2021 discussion group series will examine how the political issues, leaders, and events of the past couple years have brought us to our current political climate and explore how these factors will impact the upcoming 2022 election…
2021 SPRING | The Modern American City: Past, Present, and Future
February 24, 2021
Dole Fellow Patrick TuoheyRead more about Dole Fellows >>This program is made possible through the generosity of Newman’s Own Foundation The Shifts that Shape Our Cities, Demographic…
2020 FALL | Politics, Pandemic and Protests
September 23, 2020
Unpacking the 2020 general election with the Dole Institute's fall fellow, Collen McCain Nelson, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and Vice-President of the Kansas City Star.Dole Fellow Colleen McCain NelsonRead more about Dole Fellows >>The…
2020 SPRING | Spying in the Cyber Age
February 12, 2020
Dole Fellow Ron MarksRead more about Dole Fellows >>The Dole Discussion Groups are made possible be a grant from Newman’s Own Recruiting in the Cyber World – Q or Bond or…
2019 FALL | Create Change: Women, Democracy and Global Politics
September 25, 2019
Dole Fellow Nancy BocskorRead more about Dole Fellows >>Do you dream of creating change in your community, state or country? Are you ready to become a more effective advocate, activist or even an elected official? This fall, Dole fellow Nancy…
2019 SPRING | International Trade in the 21st Century
February 13, 2019
Dole Fellow Ethan CorsonRead more about Dole Fellows >>Once considered an area of bipartisan consensus, support has eroded for the idea that free trade benefits the U.S. and that engagement with the global economy is essential to the nation’s…
2018 FALL | Political Campaigns, Top to Bottom: Data, Door Knocking and the 2018 Midterms
September 12, 2018
Dole Fellow Kelly DietrichTechnology has transformed every aspect of the modern political campaign, from polling to messaging to fundraising and beyond. Kelly Dietrich, founder of the National Democratic Training Committee (NDTC) and KU alumnus,…
2018 SPRING | Rise of the Independents: Candidates and Reform in 2018 and Beyond
February 21, 2018
Dole Fellow Jim JonasRead more about Dole Fellows >>In a partisan political environment, independent or unaffiliated voters now represent the largest voting bloc in many U.S. states. Can independent and third party candidacies seize upon this…
2017 FALL | The Elusive Quest for the Lacrosse Mom: How do Politicians, Corporations, Organizations and the Community Engage Women?
September 12, 2017
Dole Fellow Cherylyn Harley LeBonAn experienced campaign advisor, D.C. insider and media contributor, fall fellow Cherylyn Harley LeBon will lead a discussion group series examining how various organizations, corporations and political entities…
2017 SUMMER | Beyond the Border: U.S.-Mexico Relations
May 24, 2017
Dole Fellow Christina LuhnRead more about Dole Fellows >>For many, the U.S.-Mexico border presents a problem, for others, an economic opportunity. An expert in cross-border economic development, Christina Luhn will lead a summer discussion…
2017 SPRING | President Trump: The First 100 Days
March 01, 2017
Dole Fellows Henry “C.J.” Jackson and Johanna MaskaRead more about Dole Fellows >>Fresh off a dramatic election season, KU alums Henry “C.J.” Jackson and Johanna Maska will examine and interpret the first 100 days of the Trump…
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