Inside the Book

Join Travis Ruddle, Ph.D. and Brad Agle Ph.D. in their journey across the United States to understand the perspectives and landscape that led to a Trump victory.

"The ideal subject of totalitarian rule is not the convinced Nazi or the convinced Communist, but people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction (i.e., the reality of experience) and the distinction between true and false (i.e., the standards of thought) no longer exist."

- Hannah Arendt, The Origins of Totalitarianism

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FASCINATING INSIGHTS ON

Authoritarianism

Studies and historical recordings of the rise of authoritarian leaders, combined with focus group data from Trump supporters, reveals the dynamics of a society lacking trust, and vulnerable to the rise of an authoritarian leader.

Cognitive Dissonance

Themes of cognitive dissonance arose repeatedly as participants discussed Trump's moral failings, and what Americans should expect from their President.

Fact vs. Fiction

Distrust of the media, institutions, and those on the other side of the political spectrum arose as key themes in the research. This common theme of distrust has historically facilitated the rise of authoritarianism and polarization.

Comparisons

Both historically and contemporarily, the world sees its fair share of authoritarian leaders. What patterns do we see? What can we learn?

“Does he bully people? Yes. Name a politician that doesn't.”

Focus Group Participant

Richfield, UT