Political Realism: How Hacks, Machines, Big Money, and Back-Room Deals Can Strengthen American Democracy
Jonathan RauchMay 2015
Brookings Institution PressA free eBook that asks hard questions about why politics once worked, and how today’s politics do not.
What if idealistic reform itself is a culprit?
In Political Realism, Jonathan Rauch argues that well-meaning efforts to stem corruption and increase participation have stripped political leaders and organizations of the tools they need to forge compromises and make them stick. Fortunately, he argues, much of the damage can be undone by rediscovering political realism. Instead of trying to
drive private money away out of politics, how about channeling it to strengthen parties and leaders? Instead of doubling down on direct democracy, how about giving political professionals more influence over candidate nominations? Rauch shows how a new generation of realist thinkers is using timetested truths about politics and government to build reforms for our time.
Rich with contrarian insights and fresh thinking, Political Realism is an eye-opening challenge to today’s conventional wisdom about what ails American government and politics.
What if idealistic reform itself is a culprit?
In Political Realism, Jonathan Rauch argues that well-meaning efforts to stem corruption and increase participation have stripped political leaders and organizations of the tools they need to forge compromises and make them stick. Fortunately, he argues, much of the damage can be undone by rediscovering political realism. Instead of trying to
drive private money away out of politics, how about channeling it to strengthen parties and leaders? Instead of doubling down on direct democracy, how about giving political professionals more influence over candidate nominations? Rauch shows how a new generation of realist thinkers is using timetested truths about politics and government to build reforms for our time.
Rich with contrarian insights and fresh thinking, Political Realism is an eye-opening challenge to today’s conventional wisdom about what ails American government and politics.
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About the author
Jonathan Rauch, a contributing editor with National Journal and The Atlantic, is the author of several books and many articles on public policy, culture, and government. He is winner of the 2005 National Magazine Award for columns and commentary and the 2010 National Headliner Award for magazine columns. His books include Government's End: Why Washington Stopped Working (PublicAffairs, 1999) and Gay Marriage: Why It Is Good for Gays, Good for Straights, and Good for America (Times Books, 2004).
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Additional Information
Publisher
Brookings Institution Press
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Seller
Google LLC
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Published on
May 1, 2015
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Pages
36
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ISBN
9780815727392
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Language
English
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Genres
Political Science / Political Process / Political Parties
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Content protection
This content is DRM protected.
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Available on Android devices
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