Why Nothing Works
Read by
David de Vries
Release:
02/18/2025
Runtime:
13h 32m
Unabridged
Quantity:
Why America can’t build is the central economic and political question of our time. In Why Nothing Works Marc Dunkelman asks progressives to reflect on how their own ideas have stymied the nation’s ability to address the housing and climate crises and slashed national ambition in public works projects. A fantastic thinker, Dunkelman has written an essential book for anyone seeking to understand how Americans have lost faith in democratic institutions that over-promise and under-deliver.
Jerusalem Demsas, The Atlantic
A provocative exploration of the forces that keep us from getting things done, and how we can restore confidence in government.
“Dunkelman summarizes the history perfectly.” —David Brooks, The New York Times
Named a Best Book of the Year by Financial Times • The Economist
America was once a country that did big things. But today, even while facing a host of pressing challenges—a housing shortage, a climate crisis, dilapidated infrastructure—we feel stuck. As Marc J. Dunkelman reveals, America is the victim of a vetocracy that allows nearly anyone to stifle progress. While conservatives deserve some blame, progressives have overlooked an unlikely culprit: their own fears of “The Establishment.”
A half century ago, reformers began to put speaking truth to power ahead of exercising that power for good. Now, the ensuing gridlock has pummeled faith in public institutions of all sorts and opened the door for MAGA-style populism. Why Nothing Works uncovers the roots of this predicament, and boldly shows how progressives can once again build a better future for all.
“Dunkelman summarizes the history perfectly.” —David Brooks, The New York Times
Named a Best Book of the Year by Financial Times • The Economist
America was once a country that did big things. But today, even while facing a host of pressing challenges—a housing shortage, a climate crisis, dilapidated infrastructure—we feel stuck. As Marc J. Dunkelman reveals, America is the victim of a vetocracy that allows nearly anyone to stifle progress. While conservatives deserve some blame, progressives have overlooked an unlikely culprit: their own fears of “The Establishment.”
A half century ago, reformers began to put speaking truth to power ahead of exercising that power for good. Now, the ensuing gridlock has pummeled faith in public institutions of all sorts and opened the door for MAGA-style populism. Why Nothing Works uncovers the roots of this predicament, and boldly shows how progressives can once again build a better future for all.
Release:
2025-02-18
Runtime:
13h 32m
Format:
audio
Weight:
0.0 lb
Language:
English
ISBN:
9781668651223
Publisher:
Hachette Book Group
Praise