A Tradition of Dissent: Protest and Pluralism in America

​Protest remains one of the most visible and contested expressions of American democracy. From the petitions and boycotts of the founding era to the mass movements of the 20th century and today’s digitally networked activism, dissent has served as both a catalyst for reform and a test of the nation’s commitment to pluralism.

​This webinar explores the role of protest in shaping the American political tradition, placing contemporary debates within a broader historical and civic context. Rather than focusing narrowly on moments of crisis, the conversation will examine how diverse groups have used dissent to expand participation, assert rights, and negotiate the boundaries of citizenship.

​Drawing on insights from historians, legal scholars, and social scientists, the discussion will consider how protest movements succeed or fail, how they interact with institutions, and what they reveal about the health of a pluralistic society. At a moment when Americans disagree not only on policy, but on the legitimacy of dissent itself, this program asks: What role should protest play in the next chapter of the American experiment?

​Panelists

​· Jillian Snider, Resident Senior Fellow, Criminal Justice and Civil Liberties, R Street Institute

​· Laura Walls, Professor Emerita, English, University of Notre Dame

​· Ilya Shapiro, Senior Fellow and Director of Constitutional Studies, Manhattan Institute

​· [Moderator] Sabrina Schaeffer, Vice President, Public Affairs, R Street Institute