The Unitarian Church of Lincoln is hosting a series of virtual lectures at 7 p.m. on Sunday evenings. The lectures are free via Zoom and will be posted on YouTube afterwards. For more information about receiving the Zoom link and viewing the lectures, visit the Virtual Winter Lecture Series website.

It has been often noted that in recent decades America has become a deeply polarized society, a condition translated into its political system.  Yet on some current issues like views toward Russia and China, two important states, there seems to be considerable bipartisan consensus in Washington—at least for now.  The old question thus arises again:  does partisanship stop at the water’s edge?  Should it?  Does it really do so now? This Winter Lecture Series program will explore some perspectives on this subject.  It starts with an overview of bipartisanship in American diplomatic history, moves to views toward China regarding Taiwan and other issues, then takes up the topic of views toward Russia regarding Ukraine and NATO.  The program closes with a deeper look at polarization in American society and politics.

Feb. 19 – Professor Thomas “Tim” Borstelmann, Thompson Professor of Modern World History, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “An Overview of Bipartisanship in American Diplomatic History.”

Feb. 26 – Professor J. Megan Greene, Department of History, University of Kansas. “China, Taiwan, and American Politics.”

Mar. 5 – Professor James M. Scott, Herman Brown Chair and Professor, Texas Christian University. “Polarization in America and Foreign Policy:  the Case of US Policy toward Russia.”

Mar. 12 – Professor Kevin Smith, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “Political Polarization in the United States and What It Means.”