Customer Reviews: Read 2 more reviews...
 Why are Americans so right-wing? April 16, 2006
Martin Akiyama (Slough)
12 out of 12 found this review helpful
The authors are British and cover America for The Economist magazine. The book attempts to explain how and why America has become such a conservative country. Their point of view is that of moderate conservatives who like America but find some aspects of American conservatism a bit strange.
It is divided into four parts:
The first part, History, is a history of American conservatism from 1952 until 2000, showing how we went from "Eisenhower Republicanism" to George W Bush.
The second part, Anatomy, goes into more detail about the modern-day conservative movement in America.
The third part, Prophecy, looks at the future of conservatism in America: why America is likely to become more rather than less conservative, what could go wrong for the Republicans, and how the Republican party might change due to the increasing influence of young people, ethnic minorities and women.
The fourth part, Exception, looks at why America has such a different political climate from Europe, both in being more conservative and in having such a different flavour of conservatism. There is a fascinating chapter on the historical reasons why America is so right-wing.
Finally the conclusion discusses how America and Europe might get along with each other despite their differences.
If this is sort of thing you find interesting, I would also recommend George Lakoff's books.
The long and broad view - surprisingly comprehensive. October 12, 2004
Dr. V. Stewart (Somerton,, Somerset United Kingdom)
10 out of 11 found this review helpful
One wouldn't think that it was possible to so clearly analyse the rise of the New Right from so many viewpoints, and with a compelling mixture of regard for what really happened and a clear eye for ethics and consequences: but these writers have done it. Partly it's because they take the long view - way back to LBJ and the Great Society; partly because they really do treat the USA on its own terms (e.g. it's big. So if you dislike your neighbour, you could move - at least, that's the folk memory. The book is the work of loving friends; about a country which 'has come early into its full inheritance' and isn't quite sure what to do about it or even to talk to itself about it. Quite a read.
The Right Nation March 17, 2005
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
Written by the Economist's US correspondents, this book is a perfect way to start exploring a better understanding of American society today. The book charts the history of the conservative movement from its origins in the southern Democratic Party, through the perceived failures of President Johnson's social policies, to the emergence of the modern Neo-conservative consciousness. The book's main thesis is that American society itself is significantly more conservative than UK/European societies: in order to understand the foreign and domestic policies of the White House under George W Bush, we must first understand that the 'Average American Joe' is likely to view the world and the role of government in society very differently from us. The truly comprehensive scope of the book is enhanced by an easy to read style and lot of humour. Overall, The Right Nation is undeniably academic, yet I enjoyed it on a beach holiday. Thoroughly recommended.
Balanced, Objective and Right on the Money July 26, 2006
Mr. M. T. Pearson (Liverpool, UK)
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
This is an extremely impressive work that combines a strong central argument with an array of supporting details and examples. It is thoughtful, lucid and never strays from objectively describing the current American political landscape. It is refreshing to read a book that is thoroughly divorced from partisanship and committed to accurate political analysis. I thoroughly recommend this lively and prophetic text.
Excellent Analysis August 26, 2007
LearnedViking
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Excellent read for anyone outside the USA who wants to understand political issues in the US. Better coverage of issues than you will conventionally get on European News channels. 10/10
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