This edited volume investigates America’s transforming democracy as it faces the challenges and developments of the 21st century―challenges and developments that have brought deep dissatisfaction, cultural fragmentation, and economic indignation. Although political power remains in the hands of the people, a fundamental incapability to compromise has locked policymakers in a permanent stalemate. In this legislative paralysis, grassroots movements build more and more momentum amidst regular protests and civil disobedience. This new political vigor and dynamism is dualistic, portending either a future of falsehoods and authoritarianism or a more empowering and direct form of democracy. This book ultimately seeks to understand how the US government is frantically adjusting to these sharp cultural, technological, and economic changes. Review “Just a few months into the Trump administration, it was clear US democracy was facing a crisis that threatened the foundations of the republic. Political institutions, the rule of law, and the liberal principles on which they have stood have been uprooted. While it will be some years before analysts have a complete understanding of the causes and consequences of this crisis, the essays in this volume identify and explore several of the underlying factors and dynamics that are sure to be part of scholarly examinations and explanations over the long term.” (Kerry L. Haynie, Associate Professor of Political Science, Duke University, USA) “This volume yields tremendous insight into the exceptionally polarized state of American politics today. Authored largely by experts who work outside the United States, the volume presents a unique and valuable perspective and benefits from the inclusion of essays from scholars who are simultaneously able to think carefully and deeply about American politics while being able to do so from a step removed. Mobilization, Representation, and Responsiveness in the American Democracy is recommended for undergraduate and graduate studies alike, as well as for any thoughtful reader who seeks to know more about contemporary American politics from a particularly European perspective.” (Justin S. Vaughn, co-author of Czars in the White House: The Rise of Policy Czars as Presidential Management Tools (2015)) From the Back Cover This edited volume investigates America’s transforming democracy as it faces the challenges and developments of the 21 st century―challenges and developments that have brought deep dissatisfaction, cultural fragmentation, and economic indignation. Although political power remains in the hands of the people, a fundamental incapability to compromise has locked policymakers in a permanent stalemate. In this legislative paralysis, grassroots movements build more and more momentum amidst regular protests and civil disobedience. This new political vigor and dynamism is dualistic, portending either a future of falsehoods and authoritarianism or a more empowering and direct form of democracy. This book ultimately seeks to understand how the US government is frantically adjusting to these sharp cultural, technological, and economic changes. About the Author Michael T. Oswald is Assistant Professor and the Chair for Political Science at the University of Passau, Germany, Research Associate at the John F. Kennedy Institute, Free University of Berlin, Germany, and Visiting Scholar at Harvard University, USA.
