Matthew MacWilliams—scholar, award-winning practitioner of American politics and recognized expert on authoritarianism—delivered the convocation address at Carleton's Skinner Chapel on Friday, April 7. Among MacWilliams’ more prominent works are his articles published in Politico, the London School of Economics Blog, and Vox, which sparked an international political debate that defined Donald Trump and his political tactics as authoritarian. Before a vote had been cast in the 2016 presidential primaries, MacWilliams warned liberals, moderates, and conservatives alike that his polls revealed the near-unstoppable nature of Trump’s political campaign, attributing its power to Trump’s appeal to authoritarianism. 

MacWilliams has conducted qualitative research on issues surrounding the global rise of authoritarianism. He has also discussed the future of democracy implicated by his research with political officials and civil society members across the United States, Eurasia, and Europe. A long-time political professional, MacWilliams established a campaign and media strategies firm, MacWilliams Sanders Communications, over two decades ago.

MacWilliams’ work has been cited and reprinted in leading media around the world, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Atlantic, NPR, Der Spiegel, CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC, and MSNBC. He is the author of the 2020 book, On Fascism: 12 Lessons From American History, which centers his work on authoritarianism and Donald Trump, highlighting the authoritarian strain found throughout United States history. 

MacWilliams earned his BA at the University of Pennsylvania as a Benjamin Franklin Scholar and his PhD in political science from the University of Massachusetts. He lives in Baltimore with his wife and dog.

Learn more about Carleton Convos at go.carleton.edu/convocations