Skip to main content

Institutionalists vs. Disruptors: Navigating the New Politics

Virtual Workshop

Institutionalists vs. Disruptors: Navigating the New Politics

January 22, 2026
1:30 p.m.−3:45 p.m. ET

From domestic policy to the world stage, a new politics has emerged – not left versus right, but institutionalists versus disruptors.  Experts will share their real-world experiences and case studies as they walk us through the new chessboard of politics and what government relations professionals should know.

Read More

In this program, you’ll gain insight into:

    • Examples of how the new alignment is altering both major political parties and what the ramifications are for federal and state policymaking
    • What government relations professionals should know about navigating the new politics, including how to communicate your priorities
    • Why this phenomenon is occurring, if it’s happened before, and if it’s here to stay

1:30 PM

Welcome

1:35 PM

How We Got Here

Intra-party disagreements are nothing new in American politics – moderates vs. far left or far right has been a common refrain. However, a new frame to these disagreements has emerged, one that pits “institutionalists” vs. “disruptors.” Our expert will walk us through how the Republican and Democratic parties evolved to this new dynamic, whether it’s here to stay and why it’s important for government relations professionals.

In this session we will:

  • Walk through the history of intra-party fissures and the consequences
  • Discuss why the “institutionalist” vs. “disruptor” phenomenon is happening now and if it’s temporary or a long-term change
  • Explore if this dynamic is specific to the federal level, or if it’s being replicated at the state and local levels
Didi Kuo Center Fellow
Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University

2:30 PM

Break

2:45 PM

Real-World Ramifications

What does the “institutionalist” vs. “disruptor” dynamic mean for your government relations work?  Part two of the workshop will focus on the real-world consequences, including implications for this year’s midterms and what government relations professionals should be looking for.

In this session, we will:

  • Share examples of the “institutionalist” vs. “disruptor” dynamic at play and its effects in the policymaking arena
  • Speculate about what this trend could mean for November’s midterms elections
  • Highlight the key indicators to watch when it comes to this trend playing out for candidates and incumbents alike
Matthew Klink Partner
California Strategies

3:45 PM

Adjourn

Matthew Klink Partner
California Strategies
Didi Kuo Center Fellow
Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University

This program is eligible for 2 credits toward the Certificate in Government Relations and Lobbying and 2 Core credits toward the Certificate in Public Affairs Management.

Register

Membership Plus: FREE
Members: $339
Nonmembers: $449

More Registration Info

Additional discounts may apply to this meeting. These discounts may include:

For multiple registrants: A discount will apply to the standard member/nonmember rate for organizations that register two or more participants for the same meeting. The first registrant will pay full price, the second participant will receive a 10% discount and each additional registrant will receive a 15% discount. To register multiple participants, you may either register online or download the print and fax registration form.

Member discounts: Discounts for members are applied to all Public Affairs Council meetings.

Nonmembers: Join the Council today, and save by registering at the member rate and using the $300 new-member coupon you will receive. Contact our membership team for information about joining the Council.

Questions? Contact us at 202.787.5950.

Sign Up Now

Questions

Anna Platt
Senior Manager, Government Relations
202.787.5955 | [email protected]

Conference Policies