Rorty's Prophetic Predictions About American Politics

Richard Rorty's book of essays, Achieving Our Country, published in 1998, made accurate predictions about the current state of American politics. Rorty predicted the rise of a Trump-like figure, a strong man leader, and the backlash against gains made by marginalized groups. He argued that a shift in focus from improving laws and public policies to changing culture had negative consequences, such as the increase in economic inequality. His predictions during a time of post-1960s US were remarkably prophetic and shed light on the challenges to democracy and social equality faced by Americans today.