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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
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
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 88%
More rights, more information, less collective power: the paradox at the heart of modern democracy.
by Ivan Krastev 2013
3.96
73 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 88%
A turnaround expert sees Rome's fate repeating in America and drafts a radical constitutional cure.
by Timothy Williamson 2014
3.32
481 ratings
The Development of the Modern State
by Gianfranco Poggi • 1978
How the modern state, from feudalism to liberalism, created its own crisis of legitimacy.
3.48
86
The Development of the Modern State Summary
The Development of the Modern State 88%
How the modern state, from feudalism to liberalism, created its own crisis of legitimacy.
by Gianfranco Poggi 1978
3.48
86 ratings
The Problem of Political Authority
by Michael Huemer • 2012
No social contract was ever signed. Every argument for state authority collapses under scrutiny.
4.39
715
The Problem of Political Authority Summary
The Problem of Political Authority 88%
No social contract was ever signed. Every argument for state authority collapses under scrutiny.
by Michael Huemer 2012
4.39
715 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 88%
Power is crumbling everywhere at once. The three hidden forces dismantling every hierarchy.
by Moisés Naím 2013
3.63
4k+ ratings
A Lot of People Are Saying
by Russell Muirhead • 2019
Conspiracism changed. It no longer explains, only tears down, and it now occupies the White House.
3.60
784
A Lot of People Are Saying Summary
A Lot of People Are Saying 88%
Conspiracism changed. It no longer explains, only tears down, and it now occupies the White House.
by Russell Muirhead 2019
3.60
784 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 88%
The document Americans revere was built to thwart popular rule. Now it is breaking the country.
by Erwin Chemerinsky 2024
3.93
337 ratings
Popular Dictatorships
by Aleksandar Matovski • 2022
The ballot box is not a check on authoritarianism but its most powerful source of legitimacy.
3.56
16
Popular Dictatorships Summary
Popular Dictatorships 88%
The ballot box is not a check on authoritarianism but its most powerful source of legitimacy.
by Aleksandar Matovski 2022
3.56
16 ratings
What Is Populism?
by Jan-Werner Müller • 2014
Forget anti-elite anger. Populism's core is the claim that opponents are not the real people.
3.82
3k+
What Is Populism? Summary
What Is Populism? 88%
Forget anti-elite anger. Populism's core is the claim that opponents are not the real people.
by Jan-Werner Müller 2014
3.82
3k+ ratings
The Last American President
by Thom Hartmann • 2025
Billionaire money, racial grievance, cruel politics: how the GOP became an authoritarian machine.
4.48
321
The Last American President Summary
The Last American President 88%
Billionaire money, racial grievance, cruel politics: how the GOP became an authoritarian machine.
by Thom Hartmann 2025
4.48
321 ratings
Regime Change
by Maggie Haberman • 2026
The revenge presidency: when the DOJ became a personal weapon and the cabinet fell silent.
4.35
4k+
Regime Change Summary
Regime Change 88%
The revenge presidency: when the DOJ became a personal weapon and the cabinet fell silent.
by Maggie Haberman 2026
4.35
4k+ 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 87%
Nixon's White House counsel reveals how Republicans broke Congress, the presidency, and the courts.
by John W. Dean 2007
4.06
331 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 87%
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
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 87%
Two leaders, one playbook: turn truth into a loyalty test, and watch democracy erode.
by Peter Oborne 2021
3.98
1k+ 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 87%
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
Capitalizing on Crisis
by Greta R. Krippner • 2011
Financialization was no blueprint. It was the state’s accidental escape from a crisis of legitimacy.
4.35
181
Capitalizing on Crisis Summary
Capitalizing on Crisis 87%
Financialization was no blueprint. It was the state’s accidental escape from a crisis of legitimacy.
by Greta R. Krippner 2011
4.35
181 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 87%
Losing is the skill democracy forgot, and without institutions to structure conflict, it unravels.
by Jan-Werner Müller 2021
3.46
168 ratings
Autocracy, Inc.
by Anne Applebaum • 2024
A global network of dictators runs autocracies like for-profit firms. Democracies bankroll them.
4.16
19k+
Autocracy, Inc. Summary
Autocracy, Inc. 87%
A global network of dictators runs autocracies like for-profit firms. Democracies bankroll them.
by Anne Applebaum 2024
4.16
19k+ 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 87%
How statehouses became the most dangerous threat to American democracy, and why nobody noticed.
by David Pepper 2021
4.48
338 ratings
Becoming Brigitte
by Xavier Poussard • 2025
No photos before 40. A 53% face match. France jailed the people who asked why.
4.18
281
Becoming Brigitte Summary
Becoming Brigitte 87%
No photos before 40. A 53% face match. France jailed the people who asked why.
by Xavier Poussard 2025
4.18
281 ratings
Ungoverning
by Nancy L. Rosenblum • 2024
Shrinking government is one thing. Breaking it on purpose is another.
3.79
90
Ungoverning Summary
Ungoverning 87%
Shrinking government is one thing. Breaking it on purpose is another.
by Nancy L. Rosenblum 2024
3.79
90 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 87%
Ten millennia of data point to two conditions for state collapse. America now meets both.
by Peter Turchin 2023
4.06
3k+ 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? 87%
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
Hatred of Democracy
by Jacques Rancière • 2005
Democracy is not about elections. It is the scandal that no one is born to rule.
3.72
970
Hatred of Democracy Summary
Hatred of Democracy 87%
Democracy is not about elections. It is the scandal that no one is born to rule.
by Jacques Rancière 2005
3.72
970 ratings
Aesthetic Theory
by Theodor W. Adorno • 1970
Free isn't removed walls; it's a body, a fact, a road, and solidarity.
4.14
3k+
Aesthetic Theory Summary
Aesthetic Theory 87%
Free isn't removed walls; it's a body, a fact, a road, and solidarity.
by Theodor W. Adorno 1970
4.14
3k+ ratings
The New Rulers of the World
by John Pilger • 2002
The global economy was built on mass graves. A reporter shows you who filled them.
4.14
1k+
The New Rulers of the World Summary
The New Rulers of the World 87%
The global economy was built on mass graves. A reporter shows you who filled them.
by John Pilger 2002
4.14
1k+ ratings
Fault Lines in the Constitution
by Cynthia Levinson • 2017
Four times the Senate clout for small-state voters: the 1787 compromise still in charge.
4.00
614
Fault Lines in the Constitution Summary
Fault Lines in the Constitution 87%
Four times the Senate clout for small-state voters: the 1787 compromise still in charge.
by Cynthia Levinson 2017
4.00
614 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 87%
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
The Retreat of Western Liberalism
by Edward Luce • 2017
Western democracy's real threat isn't China. It's the voters who no longer believe it works.
4.01
3k+
The Retreat of Western Liberalism Summary
The Retreat of Western Liberalism 87%
Western democracy's real threat isn't China. It's the voters who no longer believe it works.
by Edward Luce 2017
4.01
3k+ ratings
The Project
by David A. Graham • 2025
A manual for capturing the state: gut the civil service, politicize the DOJ, and nullify Congress.
4.02
2k+
The Project Summary
The Project 87%
A manual for capturing the state: gut the civil service, politicize the DOJ, and nullify Congress.
by David A. Graham 2025
4.02
2k+ ratings
Tyranny of the Minority
by Steven Levitsky • 2023
Electoral College, Senate bias, filibuster: three 18th-century relics now delivering minority rule.
4.39
4k+
Tyranny of the Minority Summary
Tyranny of the Minority 87%
Electoral College, Senate bias, filibuster: three 18th-century relics now delivering minority rule.
by Steven Levitsky 2023
4.39
4k+ 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 87%
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
The China Model
by Daniel A. Bell • 2015
Voters are ignorant, money corrupts, and the future gets no vote. China's alternative explained.
3.60
290
The China Model Summary
The China Model 87%
Voters are ignorant, money corrupts, and the future gets no vote. China's alternative explained.
by Daniel A. Bell 2015
3.60
290 ratings
Four Threats
by Suzanne Mettler • 2020
The four forces that repeatedly broke American democracy are peaking together for the first time.
4.03
221
Four Threats Summary
Four Threats 87%
The four forces that repeatedly broke American democracy are peaking together for the first time.
by Suzanne Mettler 2020
4.03
221 ratings
Post-Truth
by Matthew d'Ancona • 2017
Truth is everywhere and irrelevant. How emotion replaced fact in public life, and the way back.
3.75
921
Post-Truth Summary
Post-Truth 87%
Truth is everywhere and irrelevant. How emotion replaced fact in public life, and the way back.
by Matthew d'Ancona 2017
3.75
921 ratings
Exit, Voice, and Loyalty
by Albert O. Hirschman • 1970
Organizations fail because those who care most leave first, silencing the pressure for change.
4.11
1k+
Exit, Voice, and Loyalty Summary
Exit, Voice, and Loyalty 87%
Organizations fail because those who care most leave first, silencing the pressure for change.
by Albert O. Hirschman 1970
4.11
1k+ ratings
Democracy and Solidarity
by James Davison Hunter • 2024
The American experiment was built on a fragile fusion of reason and faith. That fusion has run out.
4.32
122
Democracy and Solidarity Summary
Democracy and Solidarity 87%
The American experiment was built on a fragile fusion of reason and faith. That fusion has run out.
by James Davison Hunter 2024
4.32
122 ratings
How Democracies Die
by Steven Levitsky • 2018
Coups are relics. The new authoritarian wins the election first, then slowly silences the referees.
4.16
33k+
How Democracies Die Summary
How Democracies Die 87%
Coups are relics. The new authoritarian wins the election first, then slowly silences the referees.
by Steven Levitsky 2018
4.16
33k+ ratings
Predator Nation
by Charles Ferguson • 2012
The 2008 crash was no accident; it was a crime, and the perpetrators run the country.
4.11
491
Predator Nation Summary
Predator Nation 87%
The 2008 crash was no accident; it was a crime, and the perpetrators run the country.
by Charles Ferguson 2012
4.11
491 ratings
Network Propaganda
by Yochai Benkler • 2018
The internet did not polarize America; a lopsided propaganda machine built over decades did.
4.14
387
Network Propaganda Summary
Network Propaganda 87%
The internet did not polarize America; a lopsided propaganda machine built over decades did.
by Yochai Benkler 2018
4.14
387 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 87%
The right-wing populism unraveling democracy didn't defeat neoliberalism. It built it.
by Wendy Brown 2019
4.11
480 ratings
How to Lose a Country
by Ece Temelkuran • 2019
A democracy collapses step by step, and the playbook looks the same from Turkey to the West.
4.04
2k+
How to Lose a Country Summary
How to Lose a Country 87%
A democracy collapses step by step, and the playbook looks the same from Turkey to the West.
by Ece Temelkuran 2019
4.04
2k+ ratings
Why Liberalism Failed
by Patrick J. Deneen • 2018
Liberalism didn't fail despite its successes. Its successes broke it.
3.84
4k+
Why Liberalism Failed Summary
Why Liberalism Failed 87%
Liberalism didn't fail despite its successes. Its successes broke it.
by Patrick J. Deneen 2018
3.84
4k+ ratings
Kushner, Inc.
by Vicky Ward • 2019
A $1.8 billion building, a marriage of dynasties, and the White House roles that followed.
3.53
2k+
Kushner, Inc. Summary
Kushner, Inc. 87%
A $1.8 billion building, a marriage of dynasties, and the White House roles that followed.
by Vicky Ward 2019
3.53
2k+ 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 87%
A king owns the country and thinks in decades. Elected leaders just need four years.
by Hans-Hermann Hoppe 2001
4.13
3k+ ratings
Nation on the Take
by Wendell Potter • 2016
Six billion dollars bought the 2012 election. This is what the donors got for their money.
3.97
126
Nation on the Take Summary
Nation on the Take 87%
Six billion dollars bought the 2012 election. This is what the donors got for their money.
by Wendell Potter 2016
3.97
126 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 87%
Built for a small farm nation, the Constitution cannot equip a superpower. One reform can.
by William G. Howell 2016
3.41
101 ratings
Bring Back the Bureaucrats
by John DiIulio • 2014
Government grew. Bureaucracy didn't. The case for hiring federal workers to make it smaller.
3.22
32
Bring Back the Bureaucrats Summary
Bring Back the Bureaucrats 87%
Government grew. Bureaucracy didn't. The case for hiring federal workers to make it smaller.
by John DiIulio 2014
3.22
32 ratings
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