Can America avoid a new Civil War?

Folio: The Seattle Athenaeum invites you to our third Folio Dinner, an evening of conversation over great food and wine in the heart of the Pike Place Market. Each Folio Dinner is convened around one big table and one big question, this evening's question is “Can America avoid a new Civil War?” 

The conversation will be anchored by two experienced  journalists with deep understanding of American politics and government, author Robert Merry and retired political commentator Mort Kondracke. Merry’s forthcoming book Decade of Disunion: How Massachusetts and South Carolina Led the Way to Civil War, 1849-1861 examines the decade leading up to the last American Civil War. 

The question may seem extreme, but the Canadian government lists it as a risk that Canada itself should take seriously, and social media is full of chatter by MAGA followers arguing that red states should secede if Donald Trump is not returned to the White House in January. History is full of examples of civil societies succumbing to extreme events that seemed unimaginable to most until they happened—the rise of first Mussolini and then Hitler, the onset of World Wars I and II, the success of Castro’s revolution in Cuba, and the American Civil War serve as examples.

Folio Dinners are exceptionally enjoyable fundraisers, wherein a small number of people (no more than 20) come together over food, wine, and conversation, and in so doing help Folio fulfill our mission of fostering long-form thinking in a short-form world. Our goal for each dinner is to raise $10,000. Seats at the table are priced accordingly. Join us!

All guests will receive a signed copy of Decade of Disunion.

Special thanks to series sponsor Avennia for the remarkable wines we enjoy at every Folio Dinner.