First published 2018
Goldberg argues that democratic societies face an existential crisis as they abandon the values that built their success. Drawing from political history, social science, economics, and popular culture, the National Review senior editor contends that America and other democracies are losing their commitment to defending freedom and prosperity. He traces the origins of liberal democratic capitalism to 18th century England, describing it as humanity's single escape from cycles of poverty and conflict over 250,000 years. Goldberg identifies four core American principles under threat: rights originating from God rather than government, government serving citizens rather than ruling them, individual sovereignty, and personal ownership of labor's rewards. He examines how populism, nationalism, tribalism, and identity politics attack these foundations from multiple directions. The author calls for renewed appreciation of Western civilization's achievements and rediscovery of the ideals that lifted humanity from historical suffering.
Genres: american, political-science, non-fiction, 21st-century, current-affairs, american-history
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: social-commentary
Setting: America, England
Period: 18th Century, 21st Century
464 pages · Hardcover · Crown Forum