Augustana College will host the 2026 O. Fritiof Ander Symposium on Friday, Oct. 23, bringing together scholars, journalists and public figures from Sweden and the United States to discuss democracy, public policy and the political forces shaping both countries.
The event runs from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at the Wilson Center, 3750 7th Ave., Rock Island, on the Augustana campus. A keynote address and panel discussion are set for 2 to 4:30 p.m., followed by a public reception from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
The symposium follows Sweden's Sept. 13 parliamentary elections and comes ahead of the U.S. midterm elections on Nov. 3. According to the college, speakers will examine how political institutions, public debate and shifting voter priorities are shaping democracy in both countries.
Speakers
The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Joakim Palme, professor of political science at Uppsala University.
- Dr. Benjamin R. Teitelbaum of the University of Colorado Boulder
- Journalist and author Karin Henriksson
- Dr. David Loebsack, former U.S. representative for Iowa's 2nd Congressional District and professor emeritus at Cornell College
How to attend
Registration is available online at swensoncenter.org/ander-symposium-2026.
Source: the original release