In Trumpism, Bigotry, and the Threat to American Democracy, Gerston examines the historical aspects of Trump's bigotry. According to Gerston, Trump's bigotry is a divide-and-conquer strategy directed at undermining the rule of law and establishing Trump as a dictatorial authority. Gerston describes in detail how Trump's hatred is destructive to the various social segments that make up American democracy. An important underlying point in Gerston's analysis is how Trump has been able to mobilize and direct a social segment that is willing to embrace his irrationality. The book concludes by evaluating the lingering threat of Trumpism to American democracy and how to safeguard the American experiment. A concise history of Trump and Trumpism. Highly recommended. All readership levels, but especially general readers.

Choice Reviews

By placing Donald Trump’s presidential campaigns in the broader context of comparative democracies and American political history, Larry Gerston shows how they fit within larger processes that threaten the stability of democracy at home and abroad. Gerston makes the case that the American political system will be dealing with the consequences of Donald Trump for many years to come.

Benjamin Highton, University of California, Davis

Gerston has produced a monumental work that considers Trump’s blatant racism and authoritarian populism as imminent threats to democracy. This highly readable, carefully researched, and compelling work goes a long way in helping us to understand how Trumpism has taken hold and why it persists. It is a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of the American polity.

Diana Owen, Georgetown University