2025-04-30T00:00:00Z

---

The Center for Revitalizing American Institutions (RAI) is excited to announce an engaging event titled More Than Red vs. Blue: Stories, Struggles, and Strengths in Rural America, scheduled to take place on May 30, 2025, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. PT.

Rural America often finds itself trapped within the confines of political discussions, portrayed merely as red states and blue states amidst ongoing culture wars. However, this limited narrative fails to capture the rich tapestry of life in these regions, which is intricately woven with the threads of place, community, and history. To shed light on this often-overlooked aspect, Nicholas Jacobs, who co-authored the insightful book The Rural Voter: The Politics of Place and the Disuniting of America, aims to provide a deeper understanding of rural life by examining its unique characteristics and intrinsic values. In todays divisive political climate, understanding these dynamics is more crucial than ever.

This event is part of the People, Politics, and Places Fellowship, an initiative by RAI aimed at fostering authentic engagement between Stanford University students and the experiences, challenges, and contributions of rural communities. The fellowship not only seeks to celebrate the uniqueness of these areas but also reinforces the responsibility of higher education institutions to serve and uplift all segments of American society.

Following Nicholas Jacobs' presentation, there will be a thought-provoking conversation featuring Jonathan Rodden, a distinguished Professor of Political Science and Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution. Rodden's expertise lies in the comparative political economy of institutions, fiscal decentralization, and the complex world of political geography. He has authored multiple scholarly articles and two influential books, including Why Cities Lose: The Deep Roots of the Urban-Rural Political Divide. His work has garnered international attention, and he frequently advises global organizations such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund on matters of fiscal decentralization and electoral districting.

As the digital landscape continues to expand, the event will also be available for live streaming, allowing a wider audience to engage with the critical discussions surrounding rural America.

This is a unique opportunity for individuals interested in American politics, community resilience, and the socio-political dynamics of rural areas to gain valuable insights and contribute to an ongoing dialogue about the importance of understanding these communities on their own terms.