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Strengthen Relationships: Local Solutions To America's Growing Societal Fragility

Today, in yet another of our ProHuman Foundation advisors series, I have the distinct privilege of speaking with someone who’s not only a thought leader but also a seasoned expert in understanding the complex dynamics of fragile states, societies, and communities.

Seth D. Kaplan is the author of Fragile Neighborhoods: Repairing American Society, One Zip Code at a Time. His work focuses on an issue that’s been at the forefront of my mind for quite some time—the fragility of American society, not in terms of political collapse, but in terms of the erosion of social cohesion and interpersonal connections. Seth is a Professorial Lecturer at Johns Hopkins University’s prestigious SAIS program, a Senior Adviser at the Institute for Integrated Transitions, and a visiting fellow at the Mercatus Center’s Program on Pluralism and Civil Exchange. Beyond academia, he’s consulted for organizations like the World Bank and the U.S. State Department, tackling challenges in fragile communities worldwide.

In our conversation today, we’ll explore what makes communities thrive—or falter—and why local action and community engagement are vital to restoring our social fabric. We’ll also delve into how technology and cultural narratives play a role in shaping, or fracturing, those connections. If you’ve ever felt that society is growing more polarized, more disconnected, and less respectful, you’ll find this conversation enlightening—and maybe even empowering.
 

Takeaways

• Fragile states are politically or socially unstable with low social cohesion.
• American society is fragile due to declining interpersonal relationships.
• Technology has contributed to the isolation and atomization of society.
• Local engagement is crucial for rebuilding community connections.
• Individuals can make a difference by participating in local organizations.
• Cultural change is necessary to address societal issues.
• Constructive narratives should be amplified over polarizing ones.
• People often feel marginalized and disrespected in society.
• Restoring social fabric requires active participation in communities.

Who is Seth Kaplan?

Seth D. Kaplan, author of "Fragile Neighborhoods: Repairing American Society, One Zip Code at a Time", is a leading expert on fragile states, societies, and communities. He is a Professorial Lecturer in the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University, Senior Adviser for the Institute for Integrated Transitions (IFIT), visiting fellow with the Mercatus Center’s Program on Pluralism and Civil Exchange, and consultant to international organizations such as the World Bank, U.S. State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development, and OECD as well as developing country governments and NGOs.

Learn more about and connect with Seth Kaplan online:

Website: https://sethkaplan.org

LinkedIn: @sethkaplan28

What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!

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