Creating a More Perfect Union

Editor's Note

William McKenzie

A look at how Americans can create a more perfect union.

Courageous Leadership and Common Sense Can Make Washington Work

Will Hurd, Joe Lieberman

Joe Lieberman and Will Hurd each have authored new books that make the case for how Washington can work better. They also apply their beliefs to the international arena in this Catalyst conversation.

Congress Can Break Through Polarization. Here's How.

Holly Kuzmich

We may think of Congress as the last place to see collaboration, but lawmakers can break through the current polarization. Lessons from the past show us the way.

Healing Starts with Leadership — Including Our Own

Ken Hersh

Our democratic institutions may frustrate us, but they are able to adjust, change, and help us move past a zero-sum politics. They also work best when we ourselves step forward to lead them.

Creating Common Good: Agree to Disagree

Eva Chiang

As it turns out, research shows that disagreeing can be a good thing among people. But those disagreeing need to have a shared goal in mind – or at least some form of commonality.

Why Are We Friends?

Chris Walsh, Farhat Popal

Yes, we can be friends with people who see the world differently from us. Two such friends share how we can disagree agreeably and live out the pluralism our society needs as an antidote to so much polarization.

Combating Political Violence

Rachel Kleinfield

Political violence is rising across the world, including here in the United States. But proven strategies can help curb such violence, including domestic abuse and the acting out of ideological extremism.

The Catalyst Review: Strategies for Working Through High Conflict

Anne Wicks

Author Amanda Ripley offers new ideas for working through intense conflicts in her recent book. Her recommendations are not your standard self-help book boilerplate; instead, they could build the skills of grumpy old-timers and young activists alike.

Changing How We View and Use Social Media is Key in Fighting Polarization

Peyton Webb

Changing how we use social media, including how we analyze and assess media messages, can close the gaps in our divided country.

Creating Common Ground in Tense, Difficult Situations

David O. Brown

Chicago’s Superintendent of Police, David Brown, considers listening and collaboration as must-haves in breaking through community conflicts. They also matter as the nation faces an epidemic of gun violence and a renewed struggle against racial discrimination.

Achieving Large Goals

Mayors from cities in Oregon, Texas, and Oklahoma explain how they move their communities toward achieving large goals.

Universities Can – and Should – Strengthen the Common Good

Mitch Daniels

Mitch Daniels, President of Purdue University and the former Governor of Indiana, explains how universities can promote the common good by being bastions of free speech, exemplifying democratic behaviors, and preparing students with civics education as well as practical skills.

Rebuilding Local Social Capital Will Help Repair America's Divisions

J.H. Cullum Clark

Strong social capital promotes opportunity and prosperity. That starts by building connection among people locally, expanding community trust, and strengthening civic life.

Stopping Violence Against Women Stabilizes Nations and Communities

Natalie Gonnella-Platts

Violence against women is a scourge that undermines the common good. Here are ways to stop the violence and stabilize families, communities, and even nations.