The Future of US Democracy  Beyond the Trump Era? The 2026 Midterms and the Future of American Politics

Midterm elections in the United States usually produce consequential setbacks for the party occupying the White House, and this year's contests appear poised to follow that historical pattern. With Democrats potentially gaining control of Congress, the 2026 elections could mark a critical turning point in American politics. Or perhaps President Trump and the Republicans will pull off another surprise. Whatever the outcome, we will gather to analyze the results, place them in historical context, and look ahead to what they portend for Trump's final two years in office, the 2028 presidential election, America's place in the world, and the future of liberal democracy.