World-Renowned Political Scientist & Acclaimed Author Dr. Robert Pape to Speak at the PV Democrats November 2025 Meeting
Join us for our hybrid (In-person and Zoom), club meeting which will be held at the Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Road. Our featured speaker will be Dr. Robert Pape who will join us via Zoom. Please scroll to the bottom of this page to register for our meeting.
The Palos Verdes Democrats is honored to present Dr. Robert Pape, one of the world’s most respected and widely cited political scientists, in a live Zoom presentation followed by audience Q&A. Dr. Pape, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Chicago Project on Security and Threats (CPOST) at the University of Chicago, has become one of the most important voices analyzing political violence, nationalism, and the future of democracy in America.
His recent New York Times op-ed, “We May Be on the Brink of an Extremely Violent Era in American Politics,” electrified readers nationwide and was featured across major media outlets. As a frequent commentator on CNN, PBS, ABC, and Face the Nation, Dr. Pape brings data-driven clarity and fearless analysis to the most pressing questions of our time.
Presentation Overview
Dr. Pape has crafted an exclusive three-part presentation for the PV Democrats:
Trump’s Domestic Agenda – including the potential deployment of U.S. military forces against civilians in violation of the Posse Comitatus Act, suppression of voting rights, economic and tax policies favoring the wealthy, and attacks on American universities.
Trump’s Foreign Policy Plans – exploring prospective moves such as U.S. military escalation in Venezuela, isolationist immigration lockdowns, destabilizing trade wars, possible withdrawals from NATO, and alignment with authoritarian regimes.
Winning the Future – practical strategies for Democrats to counter Trump’s authoritarian momentum and preserve democracy.
About Dr. Robert A. Pape
Dr. Pape is internationally known for groundbreaking research on terrorism, military strategy, and political extremism. His books — including Dying to Win: The Strategic Logic of Suicide Terrorism, Cutting the Fuse, and Bombing to Win— are required reading in universities and policy circles around the globe. He has advised U.S. policymakers, including President Barack Obama during his 2008 campaign, and his research is regularly cited by the Department of Homeland Security and members of Congress.
A graduate summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Pittsburgh and a Harry S. Truman Scholar, Dr. Pape earned his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. His scholarship combines intellectual rigor with real-world urgency, addressing issues of political violence, security, and the health of democracy both in the U.S. and abroad.
His recent publications include:
“The Political Geography of the January 6 Insurrectionists” (2024)
“Hamas is Winning: Why Israel’s Failing Strategy Makes the Enemy Stronger” (Foreign Affairs, 2024)
“Understanding Campus Fears After October 7 and How to Reduce Them” (CPOST, 2024)
Dr. Pape’s work has appeared in The New York Times, Washington Post, Foreign Affairs, Los Angeles Times, and The Atlantic. His television appearances and congressional briefings have made him a leading national authority on the causes and prevention of political violence.
Why You Should Attend
This is a rare opportunity to hear from and interact directly with one of the most influential political minds of our era — a scholar whose insights shape national dialogue on democracy, extremism, and America’s future. Dr. Pape’s presentation promises to challenge assumptions, illuminate realities, and inspire strategic action.
Register now for the Palos Verdes Democrats November 16 meeting featuring Dr. Robert Pape. Peninsula Center Library Community Room, 2:30pm.
Join us after the meeting for a Social Get Together
Fuego Craving
550 Deep Valley Dr.
Rolling Hills Estates