Is It the End of the World As We Know It?: A Playbook for the Times
A timely talk on the escalating attacks on democratic norms in the U.S. and the global forces that echo them.
Date and time
Location
Glorya Kaufman Community Center at the Wende Museum
10858 Culver Boulevard Culver City, CA 90230Refund Policy
About this event
Is It the End of the World As We Know It?: A Playbook for the Times
This is a free event, but registration is required.
Free expression, due process, civil liberties—once cornerstones of American democracy—are under growing threat. From disinformation to institutional erosion, what once seemed unthinkable now feels dangerously possible. How do we respond—not with despair, but with strategy? In this urgent conversation Ben Rhodes, former Deputy National Security Advisor and author of After the Fall and The World As It Is; Lynn Vavreck, UCLA political scientist and co-author of The Bitter End: The 2020 Presidential Campaign and the Challenge to American Democracy; and Peter Hamby, journalist, host of Good Luck America, and contributor at Crooked Media, confront the escalating attacks on democratic norms in the U.S. and the global forces that echo them. With clarity, insight, and sharp analysis, they’ll explore how narratives are weaponized, what history teaches us about political fracture, and what a modern “playbook” for civic resilience might look like.
We are pleased to offer this event in partnership with The Wende Museum. 6pm Opening Night Reception, 7:15pm Program begins.
The 2025 PEN World Voices Festival is a celebration of world literature and free expression. The 2025 edition will be the 20th World Voices Festival. Over four days, over 80 writers from over 35 countries will be featured in engaging talks, panels, readings, and performances in New York City and greater Los Angeles
Visit https://pen.org/world-voices-festival/ for more information about the entire festival, as well as PEN America.
ACCESSIBILITY:
For detailed information on accessibility in this space, or to make a request, please contact publicprograms@pen.org
COVID-19 2025 Festival Policy:
While not required, per public health official guidelines, the World Voices Festival recommends being fully vaccinated, and wearing masks in all public indoor settings as a precaution against the spread of Covid-19, as well as around crowds.
If you are feeling unwell, please do not come to the event. Reach out to publicprograms@pen.org for assistance if you have already purchased a ticket.
We thank you for ensuring our speakers, guests and venue workers feel safe and comfortable at all World Voices Festival events. If you have questions or concerns please contact publicprograms@pen.org
Parking:
Free parking is available in the city lots adjacent to the museum. EV charging stations are available nearby at the Veterans Memorial Building (4117 Overland Blvd.) and Senior Center (4095 Overland Blvd.).
Frequently asked questions
This is a free event, but registration is required. Please complete the registration link at the top right of this page. Walk-up registration will only be available if capacity allows.
Registration and/or a RSVP for our free events does not guarantee your spot. Admission is granted on a capacity dependent basis. For popular events, we recommend arriving 15 to 30 minutes prior to event start to secure your seat.
All NYC venues are located in Greenwich Village and surrounding areas. They are within walking distance and/or easily accessible via public transportation. For more information, and to plan travel using subways and buses, visit MTA’s trip planning service.
Yes! Volunteers must be 18+, provide proof of vaccination, agree to wear masks, and be respectful of others’ space. All volunteers must attend a brief mandatory training session, which will be held virtually. To register, please visit: bit.ly/WorldVoicesFestivalVolunteer
This event is open to all ages. That said, please be mindful that not all subjects and conversations may be appropriate for all audiences. Please review the event description in detail. We ask all attendees to maintain a respectful and non-disruptive presence in the space, regardless of age.