Polarization Research Lab is Studying How to Reverse Political Animosity

With support from CKF, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and New Pluralists, researchers at Dartmouth, Stanford, and the University of Pennsylvania launched the Polarization Research Lab in August 2022 to study the causes, consequences, and solutions to Americans’ growing political animosity. We sat down with the three scholars leading the effort — Sean Westwood, … Continued

Charles Koch Foundation updates giving standards

The Charles Koch Foundation (CKF) has updated its giving standards. While the principles that guide the standards remain the same — our partners call the shots and provide the environment for open inquiry and new ideas that benefit society — the language within the standards has been revised to reflect the foundation’s growing partner network.  For … Continued

Ben Klutsey on food, fusion, and how the Mercatus Center helps citizens disagree more peacefully

The Mercatus Center at George Mason University’s Program on Pluralism and Civil Exchange inspires students, writers, and scholars to foster an open and pluralistic society. It invites visiting scholars to explore specific aspects of pluralism; hosts a Pluralist Lab to encourage courageous conversations; and provides grants to people developing solutions to help citizens coexist peacefully despite deep divides. … Continued

What we’re reading: With students getting ready to return to campus, more Americans are questioning high college costs

According to a recent article in the Winston-Salem Journal, when adjusted for inflation, the total cost of college, including tuition, room and board, and other fees, has risen approximately 160 percent since 1980.  Are today’s colleges and universities producing results that justify the higher prices? Several new public opinion polls echo what past Charles Koch Foundation … Continued

“How may I help you?”: Andreas Widmer on The Art of Principled Entrepreneurship

Andreas Widmer is an associate professor in entrepreneurship at Catholic University of America’s Busch School of Business, where he also is founder and director of the Art and Carlyse Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship. A seasoned entrepreneur and business strategist, Widmer is author of The Art of Principled Entrepreneurship: Creating Enduring Value, a practical guide for … Continued

Strong employer leadership needed to upskill Americans

By Peter Beard Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast region are a microcosm of the forces transforming U.S. regional economies. These forces have profound implications for a region’s ability to grow its economy and compete globally.  The dynamic transformation from industrial economies to technology-enabled, knowledge, and innovation-based economies is accelerating the shift in the skills … Continued

Harmel Academy of the Trades: Inspiring Young Men to Transform the World Through Skilled Work

Léon Harmel, a successful 19th century French industrialist, recognized the dignity of workers — all workers. As an employer, he provided just wages, safe working conditions, housing, and retirement and health benefits when neither regulations nor competition for labor required them. His example inspired a papal encyclical that explored the connection between humanity and work. … Continued

Closing the jobs awareness gap

By Roy Spence In the United States, every generation is called to do whatever it takes to leave the next generation with a country that is safer, stronger, and more united. These days, it can certainly feel like we are on the path to not living up to that calling. At a moment when Americans … Continued