Divided politics, divided nation : hyperconflict in the Trump era / Darrell M. West.

Author/creator West, Darrell M., 1954- author.
Format Book
PublicationWashington, D.C. : Brookings Institution Press, [2019]
Descriptionix, 222 pages ; 24 cm
Subjects

Contents Preface. Upheaval -- 1. Mistrust: The Reagan revolution; the Clinton period; Bush and the war on terror; the Obama years; shock and awe under Trump -- 2. Economic frustrations: The decline of agriculture; lost manufacturing jobs; wage stagnation and inequality; a rise in public anger -- 3. The decline of opportunity: Growing up poor; advancement through education; obstacles for the current generation; destruction of the american dream -- 4. Identity politics: Conservative tribalism; liberal tribalism; power tribalism; mistrusting other tribes -- 5. Religious tensions: Fundamentalism; secularization; religious exemptions. -- 6. The backlash against globalization and immigration: Opening borders; cross-cultural tensions; tough enforcement; ultranationalism -- 7. Undue influence: Overt corruption; college admissions; philanthropy -- 8. Overcoming hyperconflict: Widespread polarization; diverging identities; mistrust and intolerance; opponents as enemies; political sorting; the decline of facts; reconciling differences; take a conservative or liberal to lunch.
Abstract "The United States is caught in a partisan hyperconflict that divides politicians, communities—and even families. Politicians from the president to state and local office-holders play to strongly-held beliefs and sometimes even pour fuel on the resulting inferno. This polarization has become so intense that many people no longer trust anyone from a differing perspective. Drawing on his personal story of growing up as a fundamentalist Christian on a dairy farm in rural Ohio, then as an academic in the heart of the liberal East Coast establishment, Darrell West analyzes the economic, cultural, and political aspects of polarization. He takes advantage of his experiences inside both conservative and liberal camps to explain the views of each side and offer insights into why each is angry with the other. West argues that societal tensions have metastasized into a dangerous tribalism that seriously threatens U.S. democracy. Unless people can bridge these divisions and forge a new path forward, it will be impossible to work together, maintain a functioning democracy, and solve the country's pressing policy problems. " -- Amazon.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references and index.
Issued in other formOnline version: West, Darrell M., 1954- author. Divided politics, divided nation Washington, D.C. : Brookings Institution Press, 2019 9780815736929
LCCN 2019001457
ISBN9780815736912 hardcover alkaline paper
ISBN0815736916 hardcover alkaline paper
ISBNelectronic book

Availability

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Joyner General Stacks JK1726 .W4 2019 ✔ Available Place Hold