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Title:
Divided politics, divided nation : hyperconflict in the Trump era / Darrell M. West.
Author:
West, Darrell M., 1954- author.
Publication Information:
Washington, D.C. : Brookings Institution Press, [2019]

©2019
Call Number:
JK1726 .W478 2019
Abstract:
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 analyses the economic, cultural, and political aspects of polarization. He uses his experiences to offer insights into why each side is angry with the other.

Why are Americans so angry with each other? 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.
ISBN:
9780815737858
Physical Description:
ix, 222 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm
Contents:
Preface. Upheaval -- Mistrust: The Reagan revolution; the Clinton period; Bush and the war on terror; the Obama years; shock and awe under Trump -- Economic frustrations: The decline of agriculture; lost manufacturing jobs; wage stagnation and inequality; a rise in public anger -- The decline of opportunity: Growing up poor; advancement through education; obstacles for the current generation; destruction of the American dream -- Identity politics: Conservative tribalism; liberal tribalism; power tribalism; mistrusting other tribes -- Religious tensions: Fundamentalism; secularization; religious exemptions. -- The backlash against globalization and immigration: Opening borders; cross-cultural tensions; tough enforcement; ultranationalism -- Undue influence: Overt corruption; college admissions; philanthropy -- 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.
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