Review of Stress Test: How Donald Trump Threatens American Democracy

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Zainab Wasif
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Review of Stress Test: How Donald Trump Threatens American Democracy

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[Following is a volunteer review of "Stress Test: How Donald Trump Threatens American Democracy" by William Cooper.]
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5 out of 5 stars
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William Cooper's book Stress Test: How Donald Trump Threatens American Democracy is a compilation of his previously published columns about the state of American democracy during the presidency of Donald Trump. The book covers the period from 2019 to early 2022 and provides a thought-provoking and well-written analysis of Trump's actions and rhetoric, which posed a significant threat to the fundamental institutions of American democracy.

The book highlights how Trump-era politics have challenged and tested four fundamental principles of American democracy, including fidelity to the Constitution, respect for the rule of law, commitment to rational government, and the notion that government officials are chosen by the people in free and fair elections. The main highlight of the book is its exploration of how Trump's presidency threatened American democracy. Cooper argues that Trump's attacks on the media, his disregard for democratic norms and institutions, and his willingness to undermine the rule of law posed a significant threat to the democratic fabric of the United States. His book provides a timely warning about the dangers of authoritarianism and the importance of defending democratic values in times of crisis.

Cooper employs clear and accessible prose, making complex political concepts and legal terminology easy to understand for the general reader. The book is well-organized and structured, with a logical progression of ideas that builds a compelling case against Trump's leadership. The author presents a detailed analysis of Trump's behavior and policies, drawing on a wide range of sources, including media reports, government documents, and academic studies. The book is well-researched and provides a comprehensive overview of the issues at stake. In terms of bias, it is clear that the author is critical of Trump and his administration. However, this is not surprising given the book's premise and the evidence presented. The author's arguments are based on facts and evidence, rather than personal opinion or ideology.

I liked the fact that Cooper firmly believes in the endurance of American democracy and his approach to rebuilding America after the destructive regime of Trump. He quoted an inspiring quote from the French political philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville: “The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation but rather in her ability to repair her faults.” Despite highlighting the challenges, Cooper remains optimistic and calls for a renewed commitment to the fundamental principles of American democracy. Cooper's call to action is both thoughtful and insightful. He urges readers to be vigilant, informed, and engaged in the democratic process, in the future, to ensure that democracy can continue to thrive and serve the interests of all Americans.

Overall, there is nothing to dislike about the book. It is a well-reasoned and sophisticated analysis of the Trump presidency and its effects on American democracy. The book is well-edited, with minor errors only. I would give this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

I would recommend this book to students, teachers, American citizens, and anyone interested in American politics and political science.

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Stress Test: How Donald Trump Threatens American Democracy
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