Donald E. Pease is an authority on 19th- and 20th-century American literature and literary theory. His work centers on American literature and cultural criticism, delving into its evolution and impact. Pease explores pivotal figures in American and British literature, examining their contributions to the literary landscape. Through his research and direction of the Futures of American Studies Institute, he fosters a deeper understanding of American culture and its literary heritage.
The narrative explores the enduring influence of the cold war on American society and culture for fifty years post-World War II, fostering a strong belief in national exceptionalism. Following the Soviet Union's collapse, this paradigm shifted, leading to new ideological frameworks that contributed to the emergence of the global war on terror, suggesting a cycle of conflict and ideological evolution in U.S. history.
Pease captures this life in full as he offers fresh insights into the sources of Geisel's creativity, from his surreal images to his anti-authoritarian stance and slapstick humor.
Until recently, populism was primarily associated with the radical right. However, left-wing populists in Spain's Podemos and the U.S. Democratic Party challenge the notion that populist sentiments are exclusive to reactionary factions. Historian Richard Hofstadter characterized right-wing populism in the 1960s as a manifestation of a "paranoid style" in politics, viewing it as a threat to democracy. In contrast, supporters of contemporary populist movements argue that they serve as a corrective to the contradictions within liberal democracy. This raises questions about the relationship between U.S. populist movements and American democracy. Can the concept of American democratic culture serve as a lens for interpreting and critiquing modern populisms? Have contemporary writers, artists, and activists envisioned democratic sociality that transcends existing populist narratives? Additionally, how has the fragmentation of media influenced Donald Trump's brand of populism? Are the analytical frameworks developed for understanding twentieth-century populism sufficient for grasping Trump's movement? The diverse yet interconnected perspectives of the contributors promise to deepen the understanding of these pressing issues.