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Shaping Belonging: Race, Identity, and Citizenship in France and the United States

Join us in Paris for the essential conversation of our times as we delve into how liberal societies in the West navigate belonging in an increasingly divided world.
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05.20.2025
American Cathedral | Paris, France

This Capita Seminar invites participants to explore the complexities of belonging and national identity in the United States and France—two nations whose histories, policies, and ideals offer a lens into the broader challenges facing liberal societies today. Through each country’s historical, cultural, and political landscapes, we will examine how these two nations grapple with questions of race, identity, social cohesion and citizenship.

The themes we explore are deeply relevant to anyone navigating questions of belonging in the UK, Europe, and other Western democracies.

Both the U.S. and France are founded on ideals of equality and inclusion—manifested in the U.S. commitment to multiculturalism and France’s principle of universalism—yet they continue to wrestle with the legacies of systemic inequities, colonialism, racism, and cultural assimilation. These shared challenges, alongside their distinct approaches to belonging, make the U.S. and France compelling contexts for exploring identity in diverse, globalized societies.

At a time when many Western societies face crises of meaning, purpose, and loneliness, revisiting the principles of belonging and solidarity has never been more urgent. 

This seminar will engage leaders, thinkers, and practitioners in an interdisciplinary, cross-ideological dialogue, rooted in the tradition of the Socratic seminar to examine critical questions such as:

  • How do the U.S.’s multicultural model and France’s commitment to universalism compare, and why do their differences matter to belonging and identity?
  • What roles do immigration, race, and citizenship play in defining who belongs in each society?
  • What is the role of the countries’ colonial pasts in current cultural tensions? 
  • How can we recover the bonds of connectedness, solidarity, and fraternité central to early democratic ideals in France and the United States?

Why attend the seminar? 

Join us in Paris at the historic American Cathedral for a transformative leadership development experience. .”This Capita Seminar brings together professionals from diverse sectors to examine identity, belonging, and social cohesion in liberal societies. 

Through rich dialogue, reflection, and skill-building, participants will gain fresh insights and practical strategies to navigate complex societal challenges in their communities and organizations—all while engaging with a global cohort in one of the world’s most iconic cities.

Our facilitator

We are delighted that Cordell Carter will facilitate the seminar. Formerly with the Aspen Socrates Program, Cordell leads the Aspen Project on Belonging for the Institute and the Festival of the Diaspora. In January 2025, he was appointed CEO of the Carson Scholars Fund. In May 2024, he moderated another Capita seminar, Becoming an Inclusive Republic, in Greenville, South Carolina.

Tickets

Tickets are available on Give Lively.

  • Early Bird Price: $1,950 (Reserve by March 31st, 2025)
  • Capita Forward Members: Access tickets at a 20% discount.

Included in your ticket:

  • Evening Reception (May 20)
  • Breakfast and Lunch (May 21 & 22)
  • A walking tour designed to highlight and connect with the seminar’s themes.

Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot ASAP.

Find out more about our seminars.

Why Paris?

Paris needs no introduction and provides the perfect backdrop for exploring the themes of belonging, identity, and solidarity. As a hub of art, philosophy, and political thought, Paris has long been a place where transformative ideas are born and exchanged. The city’s rich history—ranging from its role in the Enlightenment to its influence on modern democratic ideals—makes it a compelling location to examine the intersections of race, identity, and citizenship.

Hosting the seminar at the historic American Cathedral, located in the heart of Paris’s 8th arrondissement, offers participants a unique opportunity to engage with these critical conversations in an inspiring setting. With its vibrant blend of tradition and modernity, Paris invites participants to reflect on both historical legacies and contemporary challenges in fostering belonging and solidarity in our societies.

The venue and neighborhood

The  American Cathedral in Paris is located at 23 Avenue George V in the 8th arrondissement and is surrounded by a wealth of cultural and historical landmarks. 

  • Just a short walk away lies the Champs-Élysées, leading to the iconic Arc de Triomphe, a monument honoring those who fought for France. Nearby, the Seine River offers picturesque walks and access to the Pont Alexandre III, a masterpiece of Belle Époque architecture. 
  • History enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to the Grand Palais and Petit Palais, both home to remarkable art collections and exhibitions. 
  • For a glimpse into French cultural heritage, the Musée Jacquemart-André, housed in a 19th-century mansion, provides an intimate look at fine art and period interiors.
  • Adjacent arrondissements include the 7th to the south and the 16th to the west, both within walking distance. 
  • The nearest métro stations are Alma – Marceau (Line 9) and George V (Line 1).

Hotel Suggestions

Here are some suggested hotels near the venue. Paris is a compact city that offers plenty of opportunities to stay and explore other arrondissements as well.

Hôtel La Trémoille – 5 stars
Distance: 3 minutes’ walk to/from the American Cathedral
Address: 14 Rue de la Trémoille, 75008 Paris, France

Hotel de Sers – 5 stars
Distance: 2 minutes’ walk to/from the American Cathedral
Address: 41 Avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie, 75008 Paris, France

Hotel Chambiges Elysées – 4 stars
Distance: 4 minutes’ walk to/from the American Cathedral
Address: 8 Rue Chambiges, 75008 Paris

Elysees Regencia Hotel – 4 stars
Distance: 6 minutes’ walk to/from the American Cathedral
Address: 41 Avenue Marceau, 75116 Paris, France

Hotel Marceau Champs-Elysées – 3 stars
Distance: 6 minutes’ walk to/from the American Cathedral
Address: 37 Avenue Marceau, 75116 Paris, France

Numa Paris Champs-Élysées – 3 stars
Distance: 7 minutes’ walk to/from the American Cathedral
Address: 37 Rue Marbeuf, Paris, France

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