Larry M. Bartels Książki

A surge in support for right-wing populist parties has raised alarms about the state of liberal democracy in Europe, prompting fears of a crisis reminiscent of the 1930s. However, this book reveals that the true crisis originates from political leaders who exploit or mishandle the inherent vulnerabilities of democracy, rather than from a populist public. The author dismantles the myth of a populist wave in contemporary European sentiment, showing that while populist feelings exist, trust in politicians and parliaments remains stable compared to two decades ago. Enthusiasm for European integration and satisfaction with democratic processes have not diminished, and anti-immigrant sentiment has actually declined. The modest rise in electoral support for right-wing populist parties can be attributed to the unique successes of populist figures, failures of mainstream parties, and sensational media coverage. Notably, instances of democratic backsliding in Hungary and Poland stem not from voter desire for authoritarianism, but from conventional conservative parties consolidating power once in office. By challenging traditional bottom-up interpretations of the political crisis, this work reshapes our understanding of democratic politics in Europe.

Using extensive data from the past six decades, this work debunks myths about contemporary American politics, highlighting the widening gap between the rich and poor as a lens to examine American democracy. The author reveals that income inequality has significantly increased under Republican administrations while slightly decreasing under Democrats, resulting in a grossly unequal society. This disparity is attributed not only to economic forces but also to policy choices influenced by partisan ideologies and the interests of the wealthy. Elected officials tend to prioritize the views of affluent constituents, neglecting those of poorer citizens. Notably, Republican presidents have generated less income growth for middle-class and working-poor families compared to affluent families, exacerbating inequality. The text includes case studies of pivotal policy shifts, such as the Bush tax cuts and the decline of the minimum wage, that have contributed to this inequality. It also challenges conventional beliefs about voter behavior, arguing that working-class voters are not swayed by values issues like abortion and gay marriage, but rather that Republican leaders have effectively timed income growth to appeal to short-sighted voters. This analysis provides a profound examination of the political causes and consequences of America's growing income gap, questioning the ability of the political system to uphold its democratic ideals.