Full Description
The main claim of this book is that President Donald Trump's political approach, which embraced radical views of executive power, paved the way for an authoritarian 'semi-democratic' regime. The analysis argues that there is a real possibility that such a regime could arise when, in around 2050, the present 'white' majority of voters, currently holding most of the nation's wealth and power, will become a minority. From this perspective, the book examines the reckless use of the U.S. Constitution made by Trump's presidency through use of executive orders as a strategy to bypass the legislative process and, more generally, the rule of law, as typified by the use of so-called defence funds for the construction of the border wall with Mexico; the travel ban; and the attempt to undermine the institutions that are at the heart of any functioning democratic society. In so doing, this piece sheds light on several weaknesses of the U.S. democracy, due to inadequate mechanisms of 'defence' (its 'antibodies'), and points out some bolsters that may reinforce the democratic system.
Contents
Part One. The Erosion of Liberal Democracy: A Phenomenon that Concerns the United States Too?
I. Fukuyama's Prophecy and the Great Illusion
II. 2050: A Turning Point in the American Democracy?
III. What Good Trump Has Left Behind Him
IV. Donald Trump, a Bolt from the Blue or the Harbinger of a Storm?
V. Populism, Political Communication, Trumpism
Part Two. Signs of the Breaking of Democratic Rules and Practices
I. Trump and the U.S. Constitution, One Premise and Four Events
II. A Premise. The Presidency according to Trump
III. Trump, the Mueller Report and the (Truly Phantasmagorical) Theory that Sees Obstruction of Justice as a Legitimate Weapon of Self-Defense against an Unfair Trial
IV. The Plan to Stop the Entry into the Country of Muslim Citizens (and Citizens of Muslim Countries). The So-Called (Muslim) Travel Ban Tested against the First Amendment
V. The Attempt Made to Tightly Seal the South-West Border: The Mexican Wall
VI. The Executive and Legislative Power in the Age of Trump
VII. A Blood-Drenched Offence to the Temple of Democracy: The Attack of the 'Patriots' on Capitol Hill
VII.1. A Digression on Impeachment
VII.2. The Sword of Damocles Looms on the Horizon for Trump
Part Three. Some Potential Bolsters to Insert (or Restore) in the American Democratic System
I. The Fragility of American Democracy
II. The President: Roi Soleil of the Executive Branch?
III. Trump on the Chess-Board of Power, a Game in Three 'Moves'
Part Four. The Constitution, Interpretation of the Constitution, Democracy
I. The Twenty-Second Amendment
II. Two Redlines and a Conclusion
III. A More Comprehensive View
