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Legitimacy in Liberal Democracies
by Benjamin M. Studebaker • 2024
Democracies survive today not by solving problems but by multiplying stories about why they can't.
4.60
15
Legitimacy in Liberal Democracies Summary
Legitimacy in Liberal Democracies 90%
Democracies survive today not by solving problems but by multiplying stories about why they can't.
by Benjamin M. Studebaker 2024
4.60
15 ratings
Republic, Lost
by Lawrence Lessig • 2011
America's government answers to funders, not voters. The corruption is legal, and it's by design.
4.18
3k+
Republic, Lost Summary
Republic, Lost 89%
America's government answers to funders, not voters. The corruption is legal, and it's by design.
by Lawrence Lessig 2011
4.18
3k+ ratings
In Mistrust We Trust
by Ivan Krastev • 2013
More rights, more information, less collective power: the paradox at the heart of modern democracy.
3.96
73
In Mistrust We Trust Summary
In Mistrust We Trust 89%
More rights, more information, less collective power: the paradox at the heart of modern democracy.
by Ivan Krastev 2013
3.96
73 ratings
The Broken Branch
by Thomas E. Mann • 2006
Built to lead, Congress now defers to the president, skips debate, and legislates in the dark.
3.76
290
The Broken Branch Summary
The Broken Branch 89%
Built to lead, Congress now defers to the president, skips debate, and legislates in the dark.
by Thomas E. Mann 2006
3.76
290 ratings
It's Even Worse Than It Looks
by Thomas E. Mann • 2012
The debt ceiling as hostage, the filibuster as permanent veto: how one party broke democracy.
3.89
4k+
It's Even Worse Than It Looks Summary
It's Even Worse Than It Looks 89%
The debt ceiling as hostage, the filibuster as permanent veto: how one party broke democracy.
by Thomas E. Mann 2012
3.89
4k+ ratings
Trumpocracy
by David Frum • 2018
American democracy didn't fall; it was hollowed out by lies and a party that looked away.
3.88
4k+
Trumpocracy Summary
Trumpocracy 89%
American democracy didn't fall; it was hollowed out by lies and a party that looked away.
by David Frum 2018
3.88
4k+ ratings
Does American Democracy Still Work?
by Alan Wolfe • 2006
American democracy has morphed into a form that is democratic on paper but illiberal in practice.
3.57
21
Does American Democracy Still Work? Summary
Does American Democracy Still Work? 89%
American democracy has morphed into a form that is democratic on paper but illiberal in practice.
by Alan Wolfe 2006
3.57
21 ratings
The Last American President
by Thom Hartmann • 2025
Billionaire money, racial grievance, cruel politics: how the GOP became an authoritarian machine.
4.46
373
The Last American President Summary
The Last American President 89%
Billionaire money, racial grievance, cruel politics: how the GOP became an authoritarian machine.
by Thom Hartmann 2025
4.46
373 ratings
Democracy Rules
by Jan-Werner Müller • 2021
Losing is the skill democracy forgot, and without institutions to structure conflict, it unravels.
3.46
168
Democracy Rules Summary
Democracy Rules 89%
Losing is the skill democracy forgot, and without institutions to structure conflict, it unravels.
by Jan-Werner Müller 2021
3.46
168 ratings
Politics On the Edge
by Rory Stewart • 2023
Ten prisons, a promise to fix them or resign, and a system that punishes real accountability.
4.30
18k+
Politics On the Edge Summary
Politics On the Edge 89%
Ten prisons, a promise to fix them or resign, and a system that punishes real accountability.
by Rory Stewart 2023
4.30
18k+ ratings
No Democracy Lasts Forever
by Erwin Chemerinsky • 2024
The document Americans revere was built to thwart popular rule. Now it is breaking the country.
3.93
337
No Democracy Lasts Forever Summary
No Democracy Lasts Forever 89%
The document Americans revere was built to thwart popular rule. Now it is breaking the country.
by Erwin Chemerinsky 2024
3.93
337 ratings
How Democratic Is the American Constitution?
by Robert A. Dahl • 2001
No other advanced democracy ever copied our Constitution. What they all saw that we do not.
3.69
760
How Democratic Is the American Constitution? Summary
How Democratic Is the American Constitution? 89%
No other advanced democracy ever copied our Constitution. What they all saw that we do not.
by Robert A. Dahl 2001
3.69
760 ratings
The End of Power
by Moisés Naím • 2013
Power is crumbling everywhere at once. The three hidden forces dismantling every hierarchy.
3.63
4k+
The End of Power Summary
The End of Power 89%
Power is crumbling everywhere at once. The three hidden forces dismantling every hierarchy.
by Moisés Naím 2013
3.63
4k+ ratings
American Amnesia
by Jacob S. Hacker • 2016
America's wealth was built by government, not just markets. Forgetting that is undoing us.
4.14
674
American Amnesia Summary
American Amnesia 89%
America's wealth was built by government, not just markets. Forgetting that is undoing us.
by Jacob S. Hacker 2016
4.14
674 ratings
The Long Slide
by Tucker Carlson • 2021
A reporter's thirty-year tour: magazine adventures, foreign wars, and the slow death of free speech.
4.13
2k+
The Long Slide Summary
The Long Slide 89%
A reporter's thirty-year tour: magazine adventures, foreign wars, and the slow death of free speech.
by Tucker Carlson 2021
4.13
2k+ ratings
Tetralogue
by Timothy Williamson • 2014
A turnaround expert sees Rome's fate repeating in America and drafts a radical constitutional cure.
3.32
481
Tetralogue Summary
Tetralogue 89%
A turnaround expert sees Rome's fate repeating in America and drafts a radical constitutional cure.
by Timothy Williamson 2014
3.32
481 ratings
Broken Government
by John W. Dean • 2007
Nixon's White House counsel reveals how Republicans broke Congress, the presidency, and the courts.
4.06
331
Broken Government Summary
Broken Government 89%
Nixon's White House counsel reveals how Republicans broke Congress, the presidency, and the courts.
by John W. Dean 2007
4.06
331 ratings
The Revolt of the Public and the Crisis of Authority
by Martin Gurri • 2014
The digital revolution gave the public the power to destroy institutions but not to replace them.
4.19
2k+
The Revolt of the Public and the Crisis of Authority Summary
The Revolt of the Public and the Crisis of Authority 89%
The digital revolution gave the public the power to destroy institutions but not to replace them.
by Martin Gurri 2014
4.19
2k+ ratings
Trumpty Dumpty Wanted a Crown
by John Lithgow • 2020
A bulbous king demands a crown: satirical poems that rhyme the Trump years into infamy.
4.21
2k+
Trumpty Dumpty Wanted a Crown Summary
Trumpty Dumpty Wanted a Crown 89%
A bulbous king demands a crown: satirical poems that rhyme the Trump years into infamy.
by John Lithgow 2020
4.21
2k+ ratings
The Storm Before the Calm
by George Friedman • 2020
Every eighty years America's government breaks; every fifty, its economy. Now both arrive at once.
4.05
3k+
The Storm Before the Calm Summary
The Storm Before the Calm 89%
Every eighty years America's government breaks; every fifty, its economy. Now both arrive at once.
by George Friedman 2020
4.05
3k+ ratings
The Rise of the Outsiders
by Steve Richards • 2017
Outsiders took the West with three forces: globalization's losers, immigration fears, media rage.
3.69
150
The Rise of the Outsiders Summary
The Rise of the Outsiders 89%
Outsiders took the West with three forces: globalization's losers, immigration fears, media rage.
by Steve Richards 2017
3.69
150 ratings
End Times
by Peter Turchin • 2023
Ten millennia of data point to two conditions for state collapse. America now meets both.
4.06
3k+
End Times Summary
End Times 89%
Ten millennia of data point to two conditions for state collapse. America now meets both.
by Peter Turchin 2023
4.06
3k+ ratings
Butler
by Salena Zito • 2025
One bullet, one Rust Belt town, and the reckoning America's institutions could no longer postpone.
4.32
1k+
Butler Summary
Butler 89%
One bullet, one Rust Belt town, and the reckoning America's institutions could no longer postpone.
by Salena Zito 2025
4.32
1k+ ratings
The Assault on Truth
by Peter Oborne • 2021
Two leaders, one playbook: turn truth into a loyalty test, and watch democracy erode.
3.98
1k+
The Assault on Truth Summary
The Assault on Truth 89%
Two leaders, one playbook: turn truth into a loyalty test, and watch democracy erode.
by Peter Oborne 2021
3.98
1k+ ratings
Kill Switch
by Adam Jentleson • 2021
The filibuster was born to protect slavery, not debate. That sin still decides who governs.
4.24
3k+
Kill Switch Summary
Kill Switch 89%
The filibuster was born to protect slavery, not debate. That sin still decides who governs.
by Adam Jentleson 2021
4.24
3k+ ratings
Notes on Resistance
by Noam Chomsky • 2022
Four crises are converging. The institutions that caused them are now blocking every fix.
4.30
405
Notes on Resistance Summary
Notes on Resistance 89%
Four crises are converging. The institutions that caused them are now blocking every fix.
by Noam Chomsky 2022
4.30
405 ratings
The Divided States of America
by Donald F. Kettl • 2020
Federalism was meant to unite America. Now it divides, from your healthcare to your tap water.
3.48
64
The Divided States of America Summary
The Divided States of America 89%
Federalism was meant to unite America. Now it divides, from your healthcare to your tap water.
by Donald F. Kettl 2020
3.48
64 ratings
Against Democracy
by Jason Brennan • 2016
Voters are ignorant and participation corrupts them. The competent should rule instead.
3.68
1k+
Against Democracy Summary
Against Democracy 89%
Voters are ignorant and participation corrupts them. The competent should rule instead.
by Jason Brennan 2016
3.68
1k+ ratings
The Next Civil War
by Stephen Marche • 2022
One in four Americans support secession. A journalist models the scenarios that could tip the rest.
3.68
2k+
The Next Civil War Summary
The Next Civil War 89%
One in four Americans support secession. A journalist models the scenarios that could tip the rest.
by Stephen Marche 2022
3.68
2k+ ratings
The March of Folly
by Barbara W. Tuchman • 1984
From Troy to Vietnam, power makes governments ignore the warnings right in front of them.
4.03
7k+
The March of Folly Summary
The March of Folly 89%
From Troy to Vietnam, power makes governments ignore the warnings right in front of them.
by Barbara W. Tuchman 1984
4.03
7k+ ratings
Heroic Failure
by Fintan O'Toole • 2018
Brexit wasn't about economics. It was a culture of glorified defeat and shared self-harm.
4.11
2k+
Heroic Failure Summary
Heroic Failure 89%
Brexit wasn't about economics. It was a culture of glorified defeat and shared self-harm.
by Fintan O'Toole 2018
4.11
2k+ ratings
The New Leviathans
by John Gray • 2023
Humans kill for meaning, not markets. Liberalism forgot this. The leviathans remembered.
3.42
980
The New Leviathans Summary
The New Leviathans 88%
Humans kill for meaning, not markets. Liberalism forgot this. The leviathans remembered.
by John Gray 2023
3.42
980 ratings
Democracy in America?
by Benjamin I. Page • 2017
What most Americans want passes one time in three. The explanation isn't gridlock. It's wealth.
3.78
54
Democracy in America? Summary
Democracy in America? 88%
What most Americans want passes one time in three. The explanation isn't gridlock. It's wealth.
by Benjamin I. Page 2017
3.78
54 ratings
Legacy of Ashes
by Tim Weiner • 2007
Born to inform presidents, the CIA chose covert action instead, and its failures are fatal.
3.96
16k+
Legacy of Ashes Summary
Legacy of Ashes 88%
Born to inform presidents, the CIA chose covert action instead, and its failures are fatal.
by Tim Weiner 2007
3.96
16k+ ratings
In the Ruins of Neoliberalism
by Wendy Brown • 2019
The right-wing populism unraveling democracy didn't defeat neoliberalism. It built it.
4.11
480
In the Ruins of Neoliberalism Summary
In the Ruins of Neoliberalism 88%
The right-wing populism unraveling democracy didn't defeat neoliberalism. It built it.
by Wendy Brown 2019
4.11
480 ratings
Relic
by William G. Howell • 2016
Built for a small farm nation, the Constitution cannot equip a superpower. One reform can.
3.41
101
Relic Summary
Relic 88%
Built for a small farm nation, the Constitution cannot equip a superpower. One reform can.
by William G. Howell 2016
3.41
101 ratings
Original Sin
by Jake Tapper • 2025
A tight inner circle hid the president's decline until one debate shattered the illusion.
3.72
22k+
Original Sin Summary
Original Sin 88%
A tight inner circle hid the president's decline until one debate shattered the illusion.
by Jake Tapper 2025
3.72
22k+ ratings
The Myth of the Strong Leader
by Archie Brown • 2014
The forceful leader who centralizes power: admired today, but the historical record is brutal.
3.66
806
The Myth of the Strong Leader Summary
The Myth of the Strong Leader 88%
The forceful leader who centralizes power: admired today, but the historical record is brutal.
by Archie Brown 2014
3.66
806 ratings
Breaking the Two-Party Doom Loop
by Lee Drutman • 2020
The two-party system is a democratic death trap. The only way out is to add more parties.
4.15
450
Breaking the Two-Party Doom Loop Summary
Breaking the Two-Party Doom Loop 88%
The two-party system is a democratic death trap. The only way out is to add more parties.
by Lee Drutman 2020
4.15
450 ratings
After Utopia
by Judith N. Shklar • 1970
When political faith collapsed, every tradition fell into its own fatalism. Theory never recovered.
4.15
40
After Utopia Summary
After Utopia 88%
When political faith collapsed, every tradition fell into its own fatalism. Theory never recovered.
by Judith N. Shklar 1970
4.15
40 ratings
The Case Against Socialism
by Rand Paul • 2019
Why socialism always ends in bread lines and body counts, from Venezuela to Mao's China.
4.18
1k+
The Case Against Socialism Summary
The Case Against Socialism 88%
Why socialism always ends in bread lines and body counts, from Venezuela to Mao's China.
by Rand Paul 2019
4.18
1k+ ratings
Democracy
by Hans-Hermann Hoppe • 2001
A king owns the country and thinks in decades. Elected leaders just need four years.
4.13
3k+
Democracy Summary
Democracy 88%
A king owns the country and thinks in decades. Elected leaders just need four years.
by Hans-Hermann Hoppe 2001
4.13
3k+ ratings
Fight
by Jonathan Allen • 2025
Inside the Democratic implosion: a debate disaster, a party revolt, and the scramble that failed.
3.93
4k+
Fight Summary
Fight 88%
Inside the Democratic implosion: a debate disaster, a party revolt, and the scramble that failed.
by Jonathan Allen 2025
3.93
4k+ ratings
Laboratories of Autocracy
by David Pepper • 2021
How statehouses became the most dangerous threat to American democracy, and why nobody noticed.
4.48
338
Laboratories of Autocracy Summary
Laboratories of Autocracy 88%
How statehouses became the most dangerous threat to American democracy, and why nobody noticed.
by David Pepper 2021
4.48
338 ratings
Presidents, Populism, and the Crisis of Democracy
by William G. Howell • 2020
The Constitution was designed for inaction; that structural flaw now fuels populist demagogues.
3.87
82
Presidents, Populism, and the Crisis of Democracy Summary
Presidents, Populism, and the Crisis of Democracy 88%
The Constitution was designed for inaction; that structural flaw now fuels populist demagogues.
by William G. Howell 2020
3.87
82 ratings
The Dictator's Handbook
by Bruce Bueno de Mesquita • 2011
All politics comes down to one number: how many backers a leader must satisfy to survive.
4.25
11k+
The Dictator's Handbook Summary
The Dictator's Handbook 88%
All politics comes down to one number: how many backers a leader must satisfy to survive.
by Bruce Bueno de Mesquita 2011
4.25
11k+ ratings
How Do You Kill 11 Million People?
by Andy Andrews • 2011
A democracy dies the same way eleven million people did: one lie at a time.
4.06
4k+
How Do You Kill 11 Million People? Summary
How Do You Kill 11 Million People? 88%
A democracy dies the same way eleven million people did: one lie at a time.
by Andy Andrews 2011
4.06
4k+ ratings
Chaotic Neutral
by Ed Burmila • 2022
Democrats swapped the working class for Wall Street. The collapse started with Bill Clinton.
4.43
194
Chaotic Neutral Summary
Chaotic Neutral 88%
Democrats swapped the working class for Wall Street. The collapse started with Bill Clinton.
by Ed Burmila 2022
4.43
194 ratings
Politics by Other Means
by Professor of Political Science Benjamin Ginsberg • 1990
When elections can't resolve political conflict, investigations, prosecutions, and press warfare do.
3.29
38
Politics by Other Means Summary
Politics by Other Means 88%
When elections can't resolve political conflict, investigations, prosecutions, and press warfare do.
by Professor of Political Science Benjamin Ginsberg 1990
3.29
38 ratings
On Freedom
by Timothy Snyder • 2025
America's definition of freedom is broken. Less government has produced not liberty but oligarchy.
4.28
5k+
On Freedom Summary
On Freedom 88%
America's definition of freedom is broken. Less government has produced not liberty but oligarchy.
by Timothy Snyder 2025
4.28
5k+ ratings
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