Failed State? Crisis and Renewal in California Politics and Culture
Apr 16, 2010
UC Davis
What are the roots of our crisis? What are its implications for Californians and the world? And what hope do we have for reforming our way out of it? This conference explored causes, consequences, and prospects for renewal.California lurches through a severe global recession seemingly unable to address its emergency. Once a model of deliberative democracy, the state’s various levels of government now work at cross purposes until the institutions barely function. State revenues are in such poor condition that the Golden State verges on inability to sell its bonds—despite having the world’s eighth largest economy. How did we get here? Might there be tools and materials for building a new future amidst the experiences, stories, and visions of our vast cultural kaleidoscope? Can the state renowned for self-renewal renew itself? The event was organized by UCCSC grantee Louis Warren, History, UC Davis.
