Polemic for Democracy

by Zane Gustafson

232 pages, Paperback

Published October 28, 2024

Reviews

[Keith Trnka · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book covers a number of US government reforms to improve representation of the people and modernize the system of checks and balances. I found that it's a useful book to prepare for conversations on the topic, especially in contrast with the excess of shallow content out there.

If you're curious but not sure if you want to commit, check out the author's YouTube talk "How to Rebuild American Democracy in 20 Minutes". The book covers the same topics but in more depth.

[chance nelson · Rating 1 out of 5]

this is a DNF from me. this book isn't for me and I don't think it's for the causal audience this book was marketed to. the proposals are all very simple and more mainstream than gustafson thinks. one of the most telling things about this book, of what I read, was that it didn't mention lobbying (capital), which is the root of most of the problems with our democracy. “the governing party may not always be able, if willing, to prevent the injustice meditated, or to punish the aggressors.” [John jay]. the vast majority of this book is overly technocratic and he doesn't make the case for proposals as he assumes liberalism as default. what does Zane have to say to a libertarian like Brennan, a Leninist like myself, or a Plato type when they cite mill's argument that a proper democracy would give its populace 'a quality of mind that will help them to use information and to develop reason in order to achieve lucid summations of what is going on in the world' , and make the case that our democracy has failed in doing so? I want to engage with this book but their is little to engage with beyond part one of this book.

[Noah Tang · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sheer amount of data and maps this map went through to overhaul the US government is mind-boggling. give Zane the keys to the country and we'll be out of this anti-democratic death spiral soon enough.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Cynicism to Hope: A Review of Polemic for Democracy

Polemic for Democracy is a compelling and invigorating read. Although Gustafson identifies as a cynic, his writing is buoyed by a persistent current of optimism. Don’t be intimidated by the presence of tables and figures—this book is both accessible and engaging. Gustafson presents big, bold ideas with clarity and conviction, grounding his proposals in well-reasoned arguments. While acknowledging the inevitable obstacles ahead, he reminds us not to let the perfect be the enemy of the better.

One of the book’s central themes is fair representation, and Gustafson lays the groundwork for his proposed reforms effectively. He contextualizes the problem by revisiting historical injustices, such as the 3/5 compromise and the disproportionate political power held by slave states. He also touches on contemporary issues like voter suppression—some of which, he argues, is now self-inflicted through apathy, uncompetitive districts, and the perception that one’s vote doesn’t matter.

Importantly, Polemic for Democracy offers actionable ideas. By the final chapters, I found myself not only convinced but inspired. Change feels possible. Read this book, share its message, and take its call to action seriously.