Lee Drutman is a scholar dedicated to analyzing the intricacies of political reform and the state of democracy. His work delves into the complex mechanisms of political influence and the functioning of governance. Through his writing and teaching, Drutman seeks to illuminate the forces that shape policy and public decision-making.
The book examines the deep-rooted issues within American democracy, attributing the crisis not solely to partisanship but primarily to the two-party system. Political scientist Lee Drutman argues that this system fosters a harmful dynamic, compelling voters to choose between undesirable options, which exacerbates partisan division, undermines political legitimacy, and leads to widespread citizen disaffection. The analysis highlights the urgent need to reconsider the structure of American political representation.
American democracy is facing significant challenges, with increasing concerns about its stability. The popularity of books on tyranny and fascism reflects a growing anxiety, as parents worry about their children's future in a democratic society. Political humor about the potential collapse of the republic has become commonplace, signaling a shift from the U.S. as a global model to a more cautionary example. Experts agree that the nation is in decline; in late 2017, the Economist Intelligence Unit downgraded the U.S. from "full democracy" to "flawed democracy," placing it alongside Italy. Freedom House followed suit in January 2018, lowering its rating to 86 out of 100, just above Poland and Greece but below Latvia. A survey conducted in August 2018 revealed that political scientists perceive a consistent decline in the quality of American democracy since 2015. Furthermore, an "Authoritarian Warning Survey" indicated that democracy experts believe there is a one in six chance of democratic breakdown within four years, with a staggering 97.1 percent agreeing that American democracy has worsened over the past decade. This dire assessment underscores the fragility of the current democratic landscape, likening the situation to rolling a die and hoping it doesn’t land on Hungary.
With careful research and an unflinching eye for telling detail, Lee Drutman
shows beyond any doubt how big money is strangling our democracy, and why the
rest of us must take action before its last gasp. A vitally important book
everyone who cares about America must read. Robert B. Reich, Chancellor's
Professor of Public Policy, University of California, Berkeley, and former
U.S. Secretary of Labor
