Review of Stress Test: How Donald Trump Threatens American Democracy
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Diana Carolina P
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- Latest Review: Stress Test: How Donald Trump Threatens American Democracy by William Cooper
Review of Stress Test: How Donald Trump Threatens American Democracy
[Following is a volunteer review of "Stress Test: How Donald Trump Threatens American Democracy" by William Cooper.]
Stress Test. How Donald Trump Threatens American Democracy, compiles a set of columns by William Cooper, published from 2019 to 2022 in different relevant media, in which the author reflects on the challenges democracy in the United States has been facing as a consequence of Trump's presidency.
Demonstrating expertise in the law and history of the country, the author frames some of the most troubling events around the Trump administration given the institutional design of the United States. This doesn't imply that the book is a case against Trump, though it does describe in detail the lies used by the former president not only to acquire power but also in his unrealistic quest not to let it go. He describes his improper behavior towards some of his political adversaries, his "post-election litigation campaign", he discusses some of Trump's overreaching and unconstitutional objectives, his "incendiary rhetoric criticizing the judiciary", and his lack of understanding of the country's institutions and mechanisms.
Nevertheless, it goes beyond and, for this reason, subtitle and cover image can be misguiding. Bottomline, the book can be thought of as an analysis of the relationship that Americans hold with power. The author dissects the role that regular citizens, those who occupy government positions (both from the Republican and the Democratic parties), and the press, have had in violating the core principles of the world's most stable democracy. And, even more, he questions the accuracy of the usual interpretation that American democracy has been put in jeopardy by Trump's actions.
This book surpasses mainstream readings of Unites States politics: William Cooper manages to give order to a relevant portion of the country's history that has been a particular target of misinterpretations by party-line narratives. And even more importantly, it reminds us of the hybris that has accompanied rulers since the beginning of times, as can be seen in Trump, his Republican allies, and his Democrat adversaries. But it also depicts the stupidity and comfort of the people as the perfect ground to grow improper leaders and how it takes a set of very reasonable individuals and well-thought institutions to keep them in line. For these necessary insights, I give the book 5 out of 5 stars.
As much as I would have found it enriching for the book to include some columns on some of Trump's policies regarding other topics (war, economy, health, etc.), it is clear that this would be out of its scope. Let's just hope this book brings the author into the spotlight, so his voice becomes more accessible.
In the face of the next presidential elections and the weight that Trump, or at least his narratives, will have on the people, I recommend this book to anyone looking to make a thoughtful decision. In addition, given the worldwide relevance of the United States and its president, I think anyone interested in politics and power dynamics may find this book a critical read.
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Stress Test: How Donald Trump Threatens American Democracy
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Stress Test. How Donald Trump Threatens American Democracy, compiles a set of columns by William Cooper, published from 2019 to 2022 in different relevant media, in which the author reflects on the challenges democracy in the United States has been facing as a consequence of Trump's presidency.
Demonstrating expertise in the law and history of the country, the author frames some of the most troubling events around the Trump administration given the institutional design of the United States. This doesn't imply that the book is a case against Trump, though it does describe in detail the lies used by the former president not only to acquire power but also in his unrealistic quest not to let it go. He describes his improper behavior towards some of his political adversaries, his "post-election litigation campaign", he discusses some of Trump's overreaching and unconstitutional objectives, his "incendiary rhetoric criticizing the judiciary", and his lack of understanding of the country's institutions and mechanisms.
Nevertheless, it goes beyond and, for this reason, subtitle and cover image can be misguiding. Bottomline, the book can be thought of as an analysis of the relationship that Americans hold with power. The author dissects the role that regular citizens, those who occupy government positions (both from the Republican and the Democratic parties), and the press, have had in violating the core principles of the world's most stable democracy. And, even more, he questions the accuracy of the usual interpretation that American democracy has been put in jeopardy by Trump's actions.
This book surpasses mainstream readings of Unites States politics: William Cooper manages to give order to a relevant portion of the country's history that has been a particular target of misinterpretations by party-line narratives. And even more importantly, it reminds us of the hybris that has accompanied rulers since the beginning of times, as can be seen in Trump, his Republican allies, and his Democrat adversaries. But it also depicts the stupidity and comfort of the people as the perfect ground to grow improper leaders and how it takes a set of very reasonable individuals and well-thought institutions to keep them in line. For these necessary insights, I give the book 5 out of 5 stars.
As much as I would have found it enriching for the book to include some columns on some of Trump's policies regarding other topics (war, economy, health, etc.), it is clear that this would be out of its scope. Let's just hope this book brings the author into the spotlight, so his voice becomes more accessible.
In the face of the next presidential elections and the weight that Trump, or at least his narratives, will have on the people, I recommend this book to anyone looking to make a thoughtful decision. In addition, given the worldwide relevance of the United States and its president, I think anyone interested in politics and power dynamics may find this book a critical read.
******
Stress Test: How Donald Trump Threatens American Democracy
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
