Citizenship After Trump: Democracy versus Authoritarianism in a Post-Pandemic Era

In Citizenship After Trump, political theorists Bradley S. Klein and Scott G. Nelson examine the meaning of community in the context of political polarization, far-right nationalism, and the coronavirus pandemic. The book argues that all Americans should consider the claims of citizenship amidst the forces consolidating around narrow conceptions of race, nation, ethnicity, and religion, which imperils the institutions of democracy and strikes at the heart of the country's political culture.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 142 pages
Publication date: 22 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In the aftermath of the Trump administration and the profound challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, political theorists Bradley S. Klein and Scott G. Nelson delve into the intricate and evolving concept of community in the context of intense political polarization, the rise of far-right nationalism, and deepening divisions within American society. Recognizing the profound impact of these events on American democracy, the authors examine the political, economic, and cultural challenges that persist after the Trump administration's inadequate leadership response. They explore the promise and limitations of democracy in the face of longstanding traditions of American political thought, challenging the notion that narrow conceptions of race, nation, ethnicity, and religion can undermine the foundations of democracy and threaten the very fabric of the country's political culture.

The book is organized into several chapters, each addressing different aspects of the post-Trump landscape. Chapters on the media, political economy, fascism, and social democracy examine the political errors that have led the country into a dangerous impasse, offering insights into what needs to be corrected to move forward. The authors argue that all Americans should consider their citizenship in the face of these consolidating forces, recognizing that each of these conceptions threatens the institutions of democracy and undermines the core values of the nation.

Citizenship After Trump serves as a valuable and timely resource for self-critical analysis, stimulating focused discussions about unexplored regions of American political history. It encourages readers to reflect on the past and present, and to consider what kind of vision can guide the country out of the current crisis and toward a more inclusive and democratic future. By examining the challenges and opportunities facing American society, the book offers a roadmap for rebuilding trust, promoting unity, and fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the well-being of all citizens.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032214825