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When America Stopped Being Great

A history of the present
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( 807 ratings, 111 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
When America Stopped Being Great by Nick Bryant explores the political and social changes in the United States over recent decades. The book examines how past events and leadership decisions have shaped the current landscape, offering insights into the decline of American influence and power. It provides a thorough analysis of the internal and external factors contributing to this phenomenon.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're interested in a thoughtful analysis of American politics and culture, exploring how historical events have led to the current state of the nation. It's a compelling read for those who appreciate in-depth examinations of social and political trends.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

When America Stopped Being Great by Nick Bryant delves deep into the complex interplay of political, economic, cultural, and technological elements that have led to America's perceived decline, setting the stage for Donald Trump's unexpected ascent to the presidency. Bryant, a seasoned BBC correspondent with decades of experience covering Washington, provides a highly personal and insightful account of how the United States reached this pivotal moment in its history.

The book meticulously examines how Trump exploited the missteps of his five predecessorsโ€”Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. Bryant argues that Trump is not merely a historical anomaly but rather the almost inevitable outcome of a series of deeply rooted systemic failures. These include a fragmented political landscape, an unequal economy, a weakened media, a superficial culture, disruptive technologies, and a transformed presidency that values spectacle over substance.

As Bryant unfolds this narrative, he articulates his concern that America is not just witnessing a decline in global influence but is also grappling with the emergence of a "post-American" America. The tumultuous aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, when Trump refused to concede and incited his supporters to storm the US Capitol, serves as a stark illustration of the nation's profound and chronic state of disunion.

When America Stopped Being Great is not just a story of Trump's rise but also a poignant reflection on America's fall. Bryant's writing is imbued with a genuine love for America, even as he dissects its many flaws.

An elegant and insightful dissection of how a great nation lost its footing and the world's respect. The tragedy is made all the more stark by the genuine love of America in Nick Bryant's writing. - Leigh Sales

Nick Bryant writes like a dream and is one of those very rare things on TVโ€”a man who makes you want to turn up the sound. His eye for description is sublime, and he has a way of showing you what you've been missing from the whole story, whilst never leaving you feeling stupid. - Emily Maitlis

Bryant is a genuine rarityโ€”a Brit who understands America. - The Washington Post

When America Stopped Being Great is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the current state of American politics and the forces that have shaped it. Drawing on his rich reservoir of experience and a multitude of voices from America's heartland and halls of power, Bryant offers a compelling and thought-provoking analysis that is both profound and accessible.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

When America Stopped Being Great by Nick Bryant explores the decline of the United States from a position of global leadership to internal strife and divisiveness. Reviews praise its thorough historical analysis and compelling narrative, although some feel it occasionally loses focus. Critics admire Bryant's deep research and accessible writing style, providing a clear depiction of America's political and societal changes over recent decades.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781760896232

Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 18 August 2020

Country: Australia

Imprint: Penguin Random House Australia

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 36.0mm

Width: 156.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 626g

Pages: 464

About the Author

During a career spanning almost thirty years, Nick Bryant came to be regarded as one of the BBC's finest foreign correspondents and was described as 'the new Alistair Cooke'. He has been posted in Washington, South Asia, Australia and, most recently, New York, where he covered the Trump years. His writing has appeared in The Economist, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Monthly and The New Statesman. He broadcasts regularly on the BBC and ABC. Nick studied history at Cambridge and has a doctorate in American politics from Oxford. He now lives in Sydney with his wife and children. His book, When America Stopped Being Great- A History of the Present, currently resides on Joe Biden's bookshelf in the Oval Office.

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