America in Tailspin: Steven Brill with Philip Howard

The award-winning journalist and best-selling author turns to the past in an effort to understand our troubled present—and discovers the people who are quietly struggling to create a brighter future.

Over the past half century, argues Steven Brill, values at the heart of American democracy have transformed themselves from national strengths into forces powering our decline. Major American institutions don’t deliver as they should; rifts between the vulnerable majority and the protected few grow wider; and principles such as meritocracy, innovation, due process, free speech, and the rule of law are weaponized against the people they were intended to serve.

In his new book, Tailspin, Brill asks how we ended up this way, finding answers in an erosion of responsibility and accountability, an epidemic of shortsightedness, an increasingly hollow economic and political center, and millions of Americans gripped by apathy and hopelessness. But among it all, there are people fighting for change, those working quietly and effectively to repair the damages. Brill will discuss this and more with civic leader and author, Philip Howard.

FIRST COME, FIRST SEATED
For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. All registered seats are released shortly before start time, and seats may become available at that time. A stand by line will form one hour before the program.

PRESS 
Please send all press inquiries (photo, video, interviews, audio-recording, etc.) at least 24-hours before the day of the program to Ayofemi Kirby at ayofemikirby@nypl.org.