Irreconcilable Differences: Limits to United States National Unity

by David R. Cole

Overview

In Irreconcilable Differences, author David Cole speculates that Americans may be living through the beginning of the devolution of the United States – a development that may unfold after our lifetimes, although it could happen sooner. Is contemporary America an example of the Aristotelian phenomenon of “coming into being and passing away”?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781793623782
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	05/20/2021
Pages:	126
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.44(d)

About the Author

David R. Cole is an independent scholar.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Things Have Changed, and Not for the Better Chapter 2: Devolution Around the World Chapter 3: The Small-Republic Argument Chapter 4: Texas v. White (1869): An Indestructible Union? Chapter 5: Chuck Thompson’s Irreverent Perspective Chapter 6: Pundits Ponder the Possibilities Chapter 7: Balkanized America – Who’s to Blame and What’s Next? Chapter 8: A “Centrist” Way Out? Chapter 9: Concluding Remarks – Coming into Being and Passing Away

Editorial Reviews

For the first time in recent memory, some scholars and political observers are speculating about whether the high level of polarization being experienced in the United States is compatible with the long-term stability of the country. In this provocative book, David C. Cole explores social scientific, historical, constitutional, and philosophical perspectives relating to current polarization in the United States and possible outcomes associated with addressing political division, including enhanced federalism, political ‘divorce,’ and even state or regional succession. Addressing intense political conflict is a serious topic relating to the future of the United States, and Cole has written an interesting and important book that addresses the debates surrounding how the country will deal with its serious political divisions.

James C. Garand

In this timely and valuable work, David R. Cole carefully and prudently assesses the existing tensions in the American polity, and provides an enlightened approach to understanding our challenges, as well as how our political system can undergo change and reform.  Cole offers insights from all major perspectives in pursuit of the defense of popular rule.  Amidst our political confusion, this book is a source of hope.

H. Lee Cheek