Protests, Political Violence and Its Alternatives with Erica Chenoweth

In this book, Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt examine why American democracy has reached a breaking point while other Western democracies appear more stable. They argue that the U.S. Constitution, forged in the 18th century, has created a system that allows partisan minorities to consistently thwart and rule over popular majorities. The authors highlight institutions such as the Electoral College, the Senate's disproportionate representation of small states, and the filibuster as key factors. They compare the U.S. system to other democracies and propose reforms to address these issues, including reimagining the Senate, abolishing the filibuster, and eliminating the Electoral College. The book serves as a clarion call for reform, grounded in a deep understanding of the American political fabric and a visionary outlook for its transformation.

This book presents a comprehensive analysis of nonviolent resistance, demonstrating its strategic advantages over violent insurgency. Through statistical analysis and case studies, Chenoweth and Stephan show that nonviolent campaigns are more successful in achieving regime change and territorial independence. They highlight factors such as higher participation, tactical innovation, and shifts in loyalty among regime supporters as key to their success.

The Race Beat is a meticulously researched book that explores the pivotal role of journalists in the Civil Rights Movement. Gene Roberts and Hank Klibanoff detail how a dedicated group of reporters, both black and white, exposed the nation's racial injustices, contributing to the movement's momentum. The book won the Pulitzer Prize for History in 2007.