Looking Forward from the 2026 Elections

In this course, we explore the implications of the 2026 midterm elections, which have set the stage for a dramatic two-year political cycle. We examine the "lame duck" conclusion of the Trump presidency, providing an opportunity to assess the influence of his decade-long dominance on the U.S. political scene. The elections also raise expectations for the role of a potentially divided Congress—or even a checks-and-balances government in which the executive and legislative branches are split. Furthermore, the wake of the 2026 elections is likely to determine the long-term future of the judiciary, including the makeup of the Supreme Court, as well as the conduct of American foreign policy. Finally, we look at the growing role of artificial intelligence in American electoral politics and look ahead to the 2028 presidential election contest, now just two years away. This course will be recorded. Students will have access to videos for 30 days.