Higher Ed Now John Hillen: American Civics and Student Leadership
Apr 25, 2025
John Hillen, a distinguished fellow at Duke University and former U.S. assistant secretary of state, discusses vital topics in civic education and leadership. He emphasizes the role of higher education in fostering American civics to unite a divided society. Hillen advocates for experiential learning and strategic thinking as essential for future leaders. He also highlights the importance of understanding American grand strategy and the need for informed patriotism to cultivate a strong narrative of governance for future generations.
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Civic Education Needs Shared Meaning
- Civic education requires shared facts and shared meaning about American history and government.
- Honest, non-weaponized study can lower political division and unite citizens around common understanding.
Foster Civil Political Dialogue
- Teach students to engage civilly in political discourse while keeping their own opinions.
- Develop habits of citizenship that embrace diversity and avoid hatred for differing views.
Organic Commitment Fuels Intellectual Diversity
- Organic commitment from administration, faculty, and students is vital for true intellectual diversity.
- Top institutional leadership must support change to overcome dominant orthodoxies on campuses.
