Donald Trump and American Populism

This book evaluates the presidency of Donald Trump from a comparative, historical approach to connect his populist style to his predecessors. It argues that Trump's approach to governance falls within a long tradition of populism dating to the 19th Century, drawing on themes such as disdain for elites, grassroots support, majoritarianism, anti-intellectual discourse, and nativism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 372 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This comprehensive book delves into the presidency of Donald Trump, taking a comparative and historical approach to explore the roots of his populist style. While Trump's communication through social media sets him apart from previous candidates and presidents with populist platforms, his themes of disdain for elites, grassroots support, majoritarianism, anti-intellectual discourse, and nativism draw inspiration from a diverse range of historical figures.

Spanning several decades, the tradition of populism can be traced back to figures such as Andrew Jackson, Huey Long, Barry Goldwater, and Ross Perot. In his assessment, Richard S. Conley examines various aspects of Trump's career, including his presidential campaign, post-campaign rallies, governance style, and reliance on executive unilateralism. Through this analytical framework, Conley seeks to unravel the unique characteristics of Trump's populist approach, placing him within the broader context of historical populism.

The book offers valuable insights into the political landscape and the challenges facing contemporary society. It sheds light on the appeal of populist rhetoric and the potential consequences of such policies on democracy, social justice, and the global order. By examining Trump's presidency through a comparative and historical lens, this book provides a deeper understanding of the forces shaping our political world and the challenges we face in the years to come.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474450072