Democracy under Fire: Donald Trump and the Breaking of American History

The rise of Donald Trump is the culmination of nearly 250 years of political reforms that have weakened democracy, widened political inequality, and rewarded toxic political polarization. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell declared that Trump is practically and morally responsible for January 6th. Lawrence Jacobs' book "Democracy under Fire" provides a history of political reforms since the late-eighteenth century and recommends restraining the unbridled ambition of politicians who thrive on division.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The presidency of Donald Trump served as a stark reminder to Americans about the fragilities of their democracy, but the threat extends far beyond that. The events of January 6th, marked by a disgraceful attack on the U.S. Capitol, further underscored the depth of the problem. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made a solemn statement at the conclusion of Donald Trump's second impeachment trial, asserting that there is no doubt that President Trump holds both practical and moral responsibility for the actions that transpired.

It is worth noting that Trump's disdain for the rules, procedures, and norms of American democracy and the U.S. Constitution was well-known even before he embarked on his presidential campaign. Leading Republicans had already rejected him as unfit for the GOP nomination due to his lack of adherence to democratic principles.

However, the question remains: why did the Republican Party nominate Trump as its presidential candidate in 2016 and then support him for the next four years? Much of the attention has been focused on Trump's corrosive personality and divisive style of governing, but it is important to recognize that he is not the sole cause of the vulnerability. The problem is much broader and deeper.

The rise of Trump can be traced back to nearly 250 years of political reforms that gradually ceded party nominations to small cliques of ideologically-motivated party activists, interest groups, and donors. This trend accelerated in the last few decades, resulting in the ascendance of a candidate who defied conventional political norms and expectations.

In his book "Democracy under Fire," Lawrence Jacobs provides a highly engaging and disturbing history of political reforms since the late-eighteenth century. Jacobs meticulously documents how these reforms have dangerously weakened democracy, widened political inequality and racial disparities, and rewarded toxic political polarization. His searing indictment of political reformers concludes with a warning that the current state of American politics poses a significant threat to the very foundations of the nation.

The consequences of this vulnerability are far-reaching and potentially catastrophic. If left unaddressed, it could lead to the erosion of democratic norms, the further polarization of society, and the decline of trust in institutions. It is crucial for Americans to recognize the depth of the problem and take action to address it. This requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, including politicians, citizens, and media, to promote democratic values, uphold the rule.

Weight: 418g
Dimension: 148 x 219 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190877248