2025-04-30T00:00:00Z

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The Center for Revitalizing American Institutions (RAI) is set to host an important event titled More Than Red vs. Blue: Stories, Struggles, and Strengths in Rural America on May 30, 2025, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. PT. This event aims to delve deeply into the complexities of rural America, which is often oversimplified in political discourse as merely red states versus blue states, or through the lens of culture wars.

However, the narrative of rural America is far richer and more nuanced. It is woven from the experiences of individuals and communities, shaped by history and impacted by socio-economic factors. Nicholas Jacobs, a notable political scholar and co-author of the forthcoming book The Rural Voter: The Politics of Place and the Disuniting of America, will lead the discussion. His research emphasizes the importance of understanding rural life on its own terms, highlighting the significance of such comprehension in our current political climate.

This event is part of the People, Politics, and Places Fellowship, an initiative designed to foster genuine engagement between Stanford students and rural communities. The fellowship aims to bridge the gap between higher education and rural experiences, reinforcing the responsibility of educational institutions to serve every part of the nation, not just urban areas.

Following Jacobs presentation, the conversation will evolve into a dialogue with Professor Jonathan Rodden, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution and a distinguished professor of political science at Stanford University. Roddens extensive research focuses on the comparative political economy of institutions, fiscal decentralization, and political geography. He has authored numerous articles and two influential books, including Why Cities Lose: The Deep Roots of the Urban-Rural Political Divide. Beyond academia, Rodden provides consultation to international organizations such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), particularly on matters related to fiscal decentralization and electoral districting.

The discussion promises to shed light on the various political and cultural dynamics that shape rural America today, making it a timely and essential exploration for anyone interested in the current political landscape. The event will be livestreamed, allowing a wider audience to participate in this critical dialogue.

In addition to the insights offered by the speakers, this event reflects a broader commitment to understanding the diverse American experience and the intricate web of factors that influence rural life and politics.