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The Future of Political Parties

2021 Milken Institute Global Conference

The Future of Political Parties

Wednesday, October 20, 2021
12:45 PM - 2:00 PM PDT
International Ballroom
The 2020 elections brought to the fore crucial questions facing the nation's political parties and electorate. The coalitions underpinning each party's electoral strength, while never fixed, appear to be shifting more rapidly than at any point in the last 50 years. The balance between the primary drivers of voting outcomes—ideology, material considerations, and party and social identification—seems to be shifting. Equally important will be the role that specific personalities and candidates have in driving realignments and whether they persist longer term. Do these trends point to new allegiances within the electorate? Will electoral outcomes be determined more by the consolidation of existing coalitions, or by circumstances and personalities unique to any particular election? This panel will examine these important questions and more, including the relevance of third parties and the short- and medium-term trends most likely to shape the political parties of the United States.