Edward Ashbee

Donald Trump's ascendancy has seemingly transformed the US's relationships with both its allies and adversaries. How much, however, has been bluster and how far have realities changed? Has Trump ushered in, as he has so often claimed, a new era? This book looks back at Trump's first term of office and brings a new perspective to the debate. It considers Trump's impact on US foreign policy through the analytical lens of policy feedback and, on this basis, assesses the opportunities that were open to him and the constraints that reined in his administration, particularly in its dealings with Russia, Europe, the Middle East and East Asia. The book argues that Trump not only took strategic advantage of the opportunities open to him but changed policy in ways that bound his successor and set the stage for his second administration. Trump has, in other words, presided over changes in the trajectory of US foreign policy that, in certain arenas at least, has been genuinely transformative.

Edward Ashbee examines the globalizing processes of the past thirty years and considers the extent to which there has been “deglobalization” or “slowbalization” and the reasons for these apparent shifts. The book looks at the original promise held out by globalizing trends which became fully evident at the same time as the dot.com economy became part of everyday life. The book then charts the backlash against “globalism” and the ways in which it became pronounced across much of Europe, North America and Asia. And it asks how far has that backlash, together with the 2008 financial crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the rise of “techno-nationalism” led to a stalling or even reversal in globalizing processes. The analysis disaggregates the different trends that collectively constitute “globalization” and surveys competing perspectives on globalization and reviews the arguments of those who argue that the concept is either myth or hyperbole. The book reveals how globalization is being reconfigured in ways that weaken its former associations with neoliberalism and Americanization thereby laying the basis for a new economic and social settlement.

Edward Ashbee examines the globalizing processes of the past thirty years and considers the extent to which there has been “deglobalization” or “slowbalization” and the reasons for these apparent shifts. The book looks at the original promise held out by globalizing trends which became fully evident at the same time as the dot.com economy became part of everyday life. The book then charts the backlash against “globalism” and the ways in which it became pronounced across much of Europe, North America and Asia. And it asks how far has that backlash, together with the 2008 financial crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the rise of “techno-nationalism” led to a stalling or even reversal in globalizing processes. The analysis disaggregates the different trends that collectively constitute “globalization” and surveys competing perspectives on globalization and reviews the arguments of those who argue that the concept is either myth or hyperbole. The book reveals how globalization is being reconfigured in ways that weaken its former associations with neoliberalism and Americanization thereby laying the basis for a new economic and social settlement.

This timely and significant book provides a comprehensive overview of right-wing ideology and policy-making in the years since Ronald Reagan left office, and an explanation of the reasons why the Republicans, the 'party of Reagan', turned towards Donald Trump. The authors assess the ways in which the Reagan legacy, rather than the empirical realities of his tenure, has impacted economic, social and cultural policy formation and conservative efforts at reshaping the United States. They also evaluate the changing relationships between different ideological currents on the right. Against this background, The American Right after Reagan discusses Trump's insurgent populism and the profound tensions that have marked his presidency. This thought-provoking book will prove invaluable to scholars in political science and American Studies, in particular those studying US domestic or foreign policy during this period. It will also provide useful insights for those seeking to understand the recent rise of right-wing populism and Trump's ascendancy.

US politics today not only introduces the defining features of contemporary American politics but also considers the strengths and weaknesses of a system that is now under serious strain. The book is ideal for students, teaching staff and the general reader. It outlines the ways in which the Constitution shapes the politics of today, surveys the role of the presidency, Congress and the federal courts, and examines processes of political participation through elections, organized interests and parties. It pays particular attention to Barack Obama and Donald Trump’s turbulent years in office and the ways in which recent decades have reshaped the US political landscape. US politics today also places the US in a comparative context and considers key theoretical perspectives. In sum, the book not only provides an indispensable introduction to contemporary American politics but establishes a basis for informed commentary and further study.

This book considers the reasons for Donald Trump’s surprise victory in the 2016 presidential election. It charts the prolonged campaign and the realigning processes that took place, analysing the ideas that defined the Trump platform, the electoral shifts in states regarded as solid ‘firewalls’ for the Democratic Party and the responses of Republican Party elites. Although he is subject to contradictory pressures, the book places Trump firmly within the right-wing populist tradition. However, it argues that the sentiments that drove his campaign were not only a response to economic fears, high levels of inequality and racial resentment – they were also shaped by the structural character of American governance, which fuels hostility towards Washington DC and the ‘political class’. The book concludes by assessing the extent to which Trump’s victory and parallel developments in Europe mark a reconfiguration of neoliberalism.

The right and the recession considers the ways in which conservative activists, groupings, parties and interests in the US and Britain responded to the financial crisis and the 'Great Recession' that followed in its wake. The book looks at the tensions and stresses between different ideas, interests and institutions and the ways in which they shaped the character of political outcomes. In Britain, these processes opened the way for leading Conservatives to redefine their commitment to fiscal retrenchment and austerity. Whereas public expenditure reductions had been portrayed as a necessary response to earlier overspending they were increasingly represented as a way of securing a permanently 'leaner' state. The book assesses the character of this shift in thinking as well as the viability of these efforts to shrink the state and the parallel attempts in the US to cut federal government spending through mechanisms such as the budget sequester.

The US Economy Today provides an invaluable introduction to American economic history since 1929. Its coverage includes the New Deal, the post-war boom, “stagflation” in the 1970s, “Reaganomics”, the Clinton and Bush years, the 2008 - 2009 economic crisis and President Obama’s first hundred days. In addition, this volume considers core contemporary economic policy debates and draws conclusions about the strengths and weaknesses of the US economic “model”. It looks at the causes and consequences of inequality, the extent to which there is economic mobility, and the impact of globalization and foreign trade. This book will be essential reading for those studying or teaching American economics, economic history or politics and all those looking for a thorough and comprehensive introduction to this area.

The US Economy Today provides an invaluable introduction to American economic history since 1929. Its coverage includes the New Deal, the post-war boom, “stagflation” in the 1970s, “Reaganomics”, the Clinton and Bush years, the 2008 - 2009 economic crisis and President Obama’s first hundred days. In addition, this volume considers core contemporary economic policy debates and draws conclusions about the strengths and weaknesses of the US economic “model”. It looks at the causes and consequences of inequality, the extent to which there is economic mobility, and the impact of globalization and foreign trade. This book will be essential reading for those studying or teaching American economics, economic history or politics and all those looking for a thorough and comprehensive introduction to this area.

The Bush Administration, sex and the moral agenda considers White House policy towards issues such as abortion, sex education, obscenity and same-sex marriage. The book suggests that although accounts have often emphasised the ties between George W. Bush and the Christian right, the administration's strategy was, at least until early 2005, also directed towards the courting of middle ground opinion. This study offers a detailed and comprehensive survey of policy-making; assesses the political significance of moral concerns; evaluates the role of the Christian right, and throws new light on George W. Bush's years in office and the character of his thinking. The book will prove invaluable for those taking social science courses as well as as well as anyone with a general interest in the Bush presidency.

This volume assumes no prior knowledge of the subject. For students who have never studied American Studies before, it will give an idea of what to expect. For students already studying American Studies at school or college, it will provide a concise but comprehensive learning aid. Part One concentrates on defining American Studies, introducing key concepts and looking at American Studies as an academic subject. It covers core subjects taught in most American Studies degrees. Topics surveyed include the idea of America, history, politics, the US and the world, geography, society, literature, popular culture and contemporary identities. Part One goes on to look at the different degree courses offered in the UK, and also provides a glossary of key terms to be found in American Studies. Part Two tackles the study skills needed at university level and addresses issues such as lectures, tutorials and seminars; writing skills; essays and dissertations; and examinations, including sample examination papers. It also covers the transferable skills that students will gain from the study of American Studies and guidance on future employment and careers.

American society today provides a balanced introduction to the defining features of contemporary American society. Includes the ways in which the US can be considered ‘exceptional’ - the character of the 'American dream', the role of ethnicity and race, and the differences between the regions. Considers in depth a number of contemporary debates including the claim that the US economy has lost its capacity to generate wealth and stimulate mobility, that there has been a process of civic disengagement as voluntary organisations have lost members, and that the traditional family is in decline. Includes a thorough investigation of the effects of the terrorist attacks of September 11 and their aftermath. Looks at the arguments put forward by those who assert that a common American identity has given way to a multitude of conflicting identities structured around factors such as race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality.