What just happened? Reflections on the US Presidential election

Bringing together experts on policy and communications, gender and party politics, American political history, and grassroots political activism, this roundtable offers a range of perspectives on the 2024 US presidential election. A little over a week after polling day, the speakers will unpack what we know about the nature and drivers of the election, the implications of the result, and comparisons with previous presidential elections. There will be plenty of time set aside for audience questions, and the roundtable will give attendees the opportunity to hear a range of expert opinions and take stock of one of the key electoral events of our time. The roundtable will be followed by refreshments.

The Fennell Forum is an annual event made possible through the generosity of Simon Fennell, a history graduate of the University.

Speakers:

Prof Elizabeth Bomberg. Elizabeth Bomberg is Professor of Environmental Politics at the University of Edinburgh. Originally from California, Elizabeth is particularly interested in comparative environment policy, multilevel politics, mobilization and activism. She has published widely on US presidential politics, and environmental policy in the US, UK, Scotland, and the EU. She is also a keen teacher and is currently working closely with students on projects to address environmental sustainability.

Prof Frank Cogliano. Frank Cogliano is Professor of American History at the University of Edinburgh where he serves as the University’s Dean International (North America). A specialist in the history of the American Revolution and the early United States, he is the author or editor of eleven books. In February 2024 Harvard University Press published his latest book: Revolutionary Friendship: Washington, Jefferson and the American Republic. Along with Patrick Griffin, Christa Dierksheide and Eliga Gould he edits the Revolutionary Age series for the University of Virginia Press. Frank Cogliano is committed to engaging a wide audience with the study of history. He co-hosts the American history podcast The Whiskey Rebellion and has made numerous media appearances, commenting on U.S. history, politics and international relations, for the BBC and other outlets. He has made multiple appearances on the BBC’s flagship In Our Time Program.

Prof Meryl Kenny. Meryl Kenny is Professor of Gender and Politics at the University of Edinburgh. She has published widely on political representation, gender politics, political parties and institutional change, including her forthcoming book (with Elin Bjarnegard) on Gendering Party Politics with Oxford University Press.

Ms Lauren Vicary. Lauren Vicary is a senior think tank communications strategist, veteran of political journalism and newsroom management, including at Bloomberg News and NBC News/Microsoft, and former Edinburgh student (1987-1988). In her public policy work, she tackles a range of subjects including the advancement of women's prosperity, the shift to net-zero, and building inclusive economies. She has extensive experience engaging with politics and policy in practice in Washington, DC, and helps experts message and communicate their research and ideas to shape historic legislation, including the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

Chaired by: Dr Joe Greenwood-Hau, Politics & IR, UoE

Please note: this event may be recorded.

The Fennell Forum 2024: Reflections on the US Presidential election