Manfred Berg: Amerikas Demokratie

In the organizer's words:

A brief history from independence to Donald Trump

America's democracy is the oldest in the modern world and has an impressive continuity - but with Donald Trump's presidency, it has fallen into crisis. In his brilliantly written book, Manfred Berg traces the eventful and fascinating history of American democracy from its origins to our present day, which is characterized by extreme polarization in politics and society.

American democracy is the historical centerpiece of liberal values - its courage for self-determination continues to inspire democracies around the world today. From colonial self-government to the immediate present under Trump, Manfred Berg takes a critical look at the history of American democracy. One of the best experts on the USA in Germany shows how America's democracy unfolded between aspiration and reality, self-image and global impact - and how it is under pressure today. He sheds light on the contradictions, myths and global impact of a political model that oscillates between role model and warning. The book offers a historically grounded look at the political crisis of the present, which also affects Europe, and an initial assessment of Donald Trump's second term in office.

Manfred Berg holds the Curt Engelhorn Professorship for American History at the University of Heidelberg. From 1992 to 1997, he was a research fellow at the German Historical Institute in Washington.

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