by E. J. Dionne
First published 2017
Trump's presidency represents an existential crisis for American democracy. Journalists E.J. Dionne, Thomas Mann, and Norman Ornstein examine how his campaign, election victory, and early presidency threaten the country's democratic foundations. The authors, who have observed government for nearly fifty years, argue that Trump's rise stems from decades of eroding political norms and Republican Party transformation. They identify Trumpism as an ideology mixing authoritarianism, nationalism, and racial backlash that extends beyond Trump himself. The book traces the systematic decay in American politics and connects it to global challenges facing liberal democracy. Rather than viewing Trump as an isolated phenomenon, the authors place his presidency within historical context and identify the deeper roots of democratic breakdown. They conclude with a roadmap for restoration, arguing that engaged citizens can organize to rebuild democratic norms and prevent further erosion of republican self-rule.
Genres: american, political-science, non-fiction, 21st-century, current-affairs, american-history
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: current-events, political-commentary, social-issues
Setting: United States
Period: 21st Century
352 pages · Hardcover · St. Martin's Press