Declaration of Independence at 250:
The United States and the Fight for/against Democracy
organized by the Department of American Studies, University of Innsbruck
On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence, this event series offers three events that provide an opportunity to engage critically with the US anniversary in and beyond the seminar room. Although the Declaration of Independence proclaimed in 1776 that “all men are created equal,” the United States has never fully lived up to this promise. In light of ongoing challenges to democratic norms, particularly during the second term of Donald Trump, it is crucial to reflect on both the country’s history and its current political climate.
Following the tradition of previous event series organized by the Department for American Studies (e.g., on the 2020 and 2024 US presidential elections), “Declaration of Independence at 250” uses the anniversary as a lens for scholarly reflection on historical and contemporary contexts. The series explores historical, political, social, cultural, and aesthetic dimensions of the Declaration, with a focus on the democratic values it articulates, from multiple perspectives.
The program includes two (online) guest lectures and a trivia night all about US history and politics.
We cordially invite you to join us online and at the University of Innsbruck! The lectures are open to the public.
(Online) Guest Lectures
“How Democracies Don't Die Overnight: Polarization and the Collapse of Democratic Guardrails in America”
Online lecture by Phillip Ardoin, Professor of Political Science, Department of Government and Justice Studies, Appalachian State University
Abstract: For much of the last 250 years, the United States stood as democracy's most powerful advertisement. Today, it may be its most consequential cautionary tale. This lecture examines how structural changes – media fragmentation, the nationalization of local politics, and a campaign finance and candidate selection process that rewards extremism – produced a climate so defined by partisan distrust that democratic norms became optional. The rise of Donald Trump did not cause this crisis. It revealed how far the erosion had already gone.
Introduction by Cornelia Klecker
May 12, 2026, 3:30 pm | Join the event with this Zoom link.
“TBD”
Lecture by Tracy K. Smith, Pulitzer-Prize-winning poet, Boylston Professor of Rhetoric and Oratory, Professor of African and Afrian American Studies, Harvard University
Introduction by Matthias Klestil
No registration required. This guest lecture is followed by a small reception. | May 20, 2026, 6 pm, Hörsaal 6 (Innrain 52e)
US History and Politics Trivia Night
Co-organized by the student representatives of English and American Studies / Teacher Training Program Subject English.
We invite you to join us for an evening all about US history and politics (and we'll include some pop culture, too). And yes, the guest lectures may just inspire some questions as well. Test your knowledge during the topical 'pub' quiz hosted by Cornelia Klecker. Snacks and drinks will be provided. We will also have a costume contest. All participants are invited to dress up. This is optional but the three groups with the best team-coordinated outfits (however you interpret that) will score extra points.
To secure a spot, please sign up as a group (max. 5 people) by having one group member send an email that includes the group name as well as the names of all group members to amerikastudien@uibk.ac.at. Registration deadline is May 17, 2026. Please note that spaces are limited. We can only accept a certain number of groups. Registrations will be processed on a first come, first served basis. Therefore, we encourage you to sign up as soon as possible to ensure your participation.
We look forward to seeing you!
May 21, 2026, 6:00 to 10:00 pm, Seminar Room 4U102b (Geiwi-Turm, U1)
Organization
This event series is organized by Cornelia Klecker and Matthias Klestill with the Department of American Studies.
Sponsors
This event series is generously funded by Land Vorarlberg and the University of Innsbruck's Network of Areas (NoA), Faculty of Language, Literature and Culture, International Relations Office, and the Research Area "Cultural Encounters – Cultural Conflicts."
Department of American Studies
University of Innsbruck
Innrain 52d
6020 Innsbruck, Austria
Tel: +43 (0)512 507 41601 (Secretary’s Office)
www.uibk.ac.at/amerikastudien/
