Summary in Seconds: Wealth and Democracy by Kevin Phillips examines how the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few has influenced American politics and democracy. Phillips argues that this growing inequality threatens democratic principles and creates corrupt political systems that lead to the decline and fall of past European empires. He traces this issue throughout the histories of Spain, the Netherlands, and Britain, from the founding of their massive empires to the day each of them was dismantled. In “Part One” of this book review, I will cover how I came across this book, its bibliographical information, followed by an introduction and a brief background of Wealth and Democracy. Then, I will introduce the criteria that I used for judging Kevin Phillips’ work.
How I Came Across This Book
A few years ago, I was reading an article about the decline of the British Empire. The author was making the point that the fall of empires, especially the powerful ones, does not happen because of an outside threat, but rather from problems within. The decline does not happen suddenly either; it takes decades and generations to unfold. What I found most interesting about the article was that the decline of an empire starts when people think they are living at the height of its power. The author of the article quoted Kevin Phillips, the author of Wealth and Democracy, who said that the British Empire began to decline at the end of the nineteenth century, during the Boer Wars in South Africa. Decades later, at the end of World War II, the British began to dismantle their empire.
Bibliographical information for “Wealth and Democracy,” by Kevin Phillips:
- Book Title: Wealth and Democracy: A Political History of the American Rich
- Author: Kevin Phillips
- Place of Publication: New York
- Publisher: Viking
- Date of Publication: 2002
- Languages Translated to: Translated into multiple languages, including Spanish and German
- Number of Pages: 528 pages
Introduction to Wealth and Democracy by Kevin Phillips
Kevin Phillips is an American political analyst, author, and strategist known for his insightful critiques of American politics and economics. With a background in history and politics, Phillips has written several books that explore the intersection of wealth, power, and government in the United States. His previous works, such as The Emerging Republican Majority, have made him a respected voice in political analysis. In Wealth and Democracy, published in 2002, Phillips turns his attention to the growing economic inequality and the influence of wealth on American democracy.
In this book, Phillips traces the history of wealth and its impact on the political landscape of the United States. He argues that the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few has led to the undermining of democratic principles, creating an economic and political system that favors the elite over the majority of Americans. Phillips explores the historical roots of this imbalance, from the founding of the nation to the rise of modern corporations, and analyzes how the wealthy have shaped policies that benefit them at the expense of the broader public.
The book is aimed at readers interested in political history, economics, and social justice. It appeals to anyone who wants to understand the historical and contemporary forces shaping the American political system, particularly those concerned with issues like inequality, corporate influence, and the health of democracy. While Wealth and Democracy is written with a scholarly approach, it is accessible to general readers.
Upon its release, Wealth and Democracy received a generally positive reception for its thorough research and compelling argument. Critics praised Phillips for his ability to connect historical trends with contemporary issues, offering a sobering look at the state of American democracy. However, some critics questioned his interpretation of certain historical events and his analysis of wealth distribution. Despite this, the book has sparked important conversations about the role of wealth in politics and the future of democracy in America, making it a relevant and thought-provoking read for anyone concerned with the state of American society.
Background Review of Wealth and Democracy by Kevin Phillips
Type of Work: Wealth and Democracy by Kevin Phillips is a non-fiction political analysis that explores the relationship between wealth, power, and democracy in the United States. The book is a historical and economic examination of how the concentration of wealth has influenced American politics, both historically and in the modern era. Phillips, a well-known political analyst and author, uses a combination of historical research, political theory, and economic analysis to argue that the growing inequality in wealth distribution threatens the fundamental principles of democracy. The work combines elements of political science, history, and economics, making it a scholarly yet accessible text aimed at a broad audience.
Setting: The book is set in the context of the United States, but its scope spans the entire history of the nation, from its founding to the early 21st century. Phillips looks at various critical moments in American history where wealth and democracy intersect, such as the colonial era, the Gilded Age, and the 20th-century rise of corporate power. The setting extends beyond just political institutions to include the influence of economic forces, businesses, and elite families that have shaped the country’s political landscape over time. Phillips also addresses the global implications of American wealth and power, especially in the era of globalization and the increasing dominance of multinational corporations.
Time: The book was published in 2002, which places it at a crucial point in U.S. history. The early 2000s marked a period of heightened economic inequality, with the wealth gap between the richest Americans and the rest of the population widening significantly. Phillips wrote this book in the aftermath of the dot-com boom, the rise of corporate influence, and the beginning of the George W. Bush administration, which was marked by tax cuts for the wealthy and increasing corporate influence in politics. Phillips’s analysis includes reflections on the political and economic climate of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, as well as insights into how historical trends have led to this moment in American politics. His argument serves as both a critique of the present and a warning about the dangers of economic concentration in the future.
Criteria for Judging the Book:
- Historical Accuracy and Depth: One criterion for judging Wealth and Democracy is the accuracy and thoroughness of Phillips’s historical analysis. The book draws on a wide range of historical events and economic data to support its thesis. Evaluating the quality of this research and its relevance to the issues discussed will be crucial in assessing the book’s effectiveness.
- Clarity and Accessibility: Another important criterion is how clearly Phillips communicates complex ideas. Although Wealth and Democracy deals with intricate political and economic concepts, Phillips’s writing style is accessible, making it suitable for both general readers and those with a background in politics or economics.
- Relevance and Timeliness: The book’s relevance to the political and economic issues of its time, especially concerning rising inequality and the role of wealth in American democracy, will be another factor in its evaluation. How well Phillips captures the state of American politics in the early 21st century and how his arguments resonate with current events can serve as a measure of the book’s lasting impact.
- Critical Reception: Finally, the response from critics and scholars will help determine the book’s significance. Wealth and Democracy has been praised for its comprehensive analysis and bold assertions, but it has also faced criticism for some of its conclusions and the framing of certain historical events. Examining the variety of opinions about the book will help in assessing its overall contribution to the discussion of wealth and democracy in America.
In sum, Wealth and Democracy can be evaluated based on its historical rigor, clarity in explaining complex issues, relevance to contemporary political and economic debates, and its ability to provoke discussion on the future of American democracy.