Arkansas Times Presents: Alan Elrod on Nationalism in the Heartland 

"I believe very strongly that we are in a moment of complete change in terms of philosophical and political categories. I don’t even really think right and left are super applicable to this moment. They’ve been completely blown apart."  - Alan Elrod

Join Alan Elrod, a leading Arkansas based public intellectual and writer, at the Arkansas Times Lunch and Lecture Series, Thursday, July 24th at Copper Grill in Little Rock. Elrod’s articles on nationalism and democracy have appeared in  Foreign Policy Magazine, The Bulwark, MSNBC and Liberal Currents. Elrod is the founder and CEO of The Pulaski Institution, which operates as a think-tank based in Arkansas, focusing on political and cultural issues found in the 'heartland', areas that are far from the political and financial centers of their respective countries.  Elrod’s work has covered topics of nationalism, concerns for the heartland of America, and living under what he describes as a fascistic administration.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, July 24, 2025

Time: Lunch served at 11:30 AM | Lecture begins at 12:00 PM

Location: Copper Grill, Little Rock

Bio

Alan Elrod is the co-founder of the Pulaski Institution. He was raised in Searcy, Arkansas and received his undergraduate degree in history at Harding University. Alan received his master’s at New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study, where he designed his degree around nationalism and submitted a thesis on the comparative role of territorial currencies in the national identities of Scotland and Hungary. Alan is a former faculty member at The Arkansas Governor’s School and currently teaches courses in political science and history at Arkansas State University-Beebe. He is interested in economic institutions, their social and cultural roles, and understanding the dynamics of modern national identity and nationalism. This organization is the fruit of his passion for the flourishing of all places and people and his abiding hope in the promise of a better tomorrow.

About this Series

Our monthly speaker series brings newsmakers, policymakers, and seasoned political observers together for a behind-the-scenes look at the most pressing issues facing Arkansas. These lunch lectures raise money for the Arkansas Times Investigative Journalism Project. 100% of the proceeds will support expanding our newsroom, ensuring our capacity to hold leaders accountable and keep Arkansans informed.

With a shifting political landscape and critical decisions looming, the need for in-depth, unbiased reporting has never been greater. Your support enables us to grow our staff and strengthen our investigative capacity, making the Arkansas Times a vital journalistic watchdog.

In-person tickets are $100 and include lunch in the private dining room at the Copper Grill. Attendance is capped at 75, and previous events have sold out—so please don’t wait to secure your seat.

Doors open at 11:30, and the Copper Grill buffet begins immediately afterward. Alan will start shortly before noon, followed by a Q&A session. We will wrap up by 1 p.m.

Virtual tickets are $50, providing you with Zoom access to the event and the opportunity to stay informed, no matter where you are.