Abstract

Not since 1787–89 has there been any temporary suspension or other setting aside of the United States Constitution. Yet such a setting aside is now in prospect, likely to coincide with the November 2026 midterm elections and their immediate aftermath. How might such a constitutional extinction event develop, with what broader characteristics, and with what near-term and longer-term consequences?

About the Speaker

Adam Garfinkle was founding editor of The American Interest magazine and served previously as both Executive Editor and Editor of The National Interest. Dr Garfinkle also served in 2003-05 as speechwriter to the Secretary of State (S/P, Policy Planning), before which he held appointment as professorial lecturer in American Foreign Policy at the School for Advanced International Studies (SAIS), the Johns Hopkins University. He has also taught at the University of Pennsylvania, Haverford College, and other institutions of higher learning. Dr Garfinkle also served as a member of the National Security Study Group (as chief writer) of the US Commission on National Security/21st Century (the Hart-Rudman Commission), and as principal investigator on studies for several government agencies. He was Distinguished Visiting Fellow at RSIS from 2019 to 2021.