Eric M. Patashnik

An essential look at how and why backlash movements are inherent to US policymaking. The most successful policies not only solve problems; they also build supportive coalitions. Yet, sometimes, policies trigger backlash and mobilise opposition. Although backlash is not a new phenomenon, today’s political landscape is distinguished by the frequency and pervasiveness of backlash in nearly every area of US...

Reforms at Risk is the first book to closely examine what happens to sweeping and seemingly successful policy reforms after they are passed. Most books focus on the politics of reform adoption, yet as Eric Patashnik shows here, the political struggle does not end when major reforms become enacted. Why do certain highly praised policy reforms endure while others are...