Realignment, Region, and Race: Presidential Leadership and Social Identity

The Trump presidency may be the first phase of a new American political alignment rooted in identity politics. George R. Goethals' book "Realignment, Region, and Race" explores the role of racial dynamics in American politics, from Abraham Lincoln to Donald Trump, and how the politics of racial justice and needs for positive social identity have led to different regions in the US changing party affiliation. It is essential reading for students of politics, history, and psychology, and anyone concerned with the power that identity politics has taken on in recent American elections.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2018
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

The Trump presidency is likely to mark the beginning of a new political era in the United States, deeply entrenched in identity politics. Understanding how leaders compete to engage diverse human motivations, such as economic well-being, safety, self-esteem, and a sense of significance, is crucial in this context. It is time to acknowledge the roles of race and region in shaping US political history.

In his book "Realignment, Region, and Race," George R. Goethals delves into this complex issue, examining the role of racial dynamics in American politics from Abraham Lincoln to Donald Trump. He integrates psychology and historical insights into presidential leadership and politics to explain how the politics of racial justice and the need for positive social identity have led to different regions in the United States shifting their party affiliations. Goethals meticulously traces the realignment of the two major political parties, the Democrats and Republicans, between the Civil War and the present day, highlighting how these parties have offered distinct social identities, often tied to race, that resonate with powerful motives for self-esteem and significance.

Through his findings, Goethals unveils profound contexts for understanding how current political leaders engage with experiences and attitudes towards African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans to shape specific narratives about American and regional identities. This book is a valuable resource for students of politics, history, and psychology, as well as anyone interested in the growing influence of identity politics in contemporary society.

Weight: 228g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787437920