After the Fall

En savoir plus sur le livre

Why is democracy under threat in America and globally, and what actions can we take? A former White House aide and close confidant to President Barack Obama embarks on a personal journey to find answers. As Ben Rhodes assists Obama in transitioning to his next chapter in 2017, he observes the dismantling of their eight-year legacy. To grasp the situation in America, Rhodes looks beyond its borders, traveling to numerous countries over three years. He engages with politicians, activists, and dissidents facing the same nationalism and authoritarianism impacting the U.S. His experiences include witnessing the poisoning of a Russian opposition leader, the suppression of Hong Kong protesters, and America's near loss of democracy before it finds a second chance. Blending memoir and reporting, this work of discovery reveals how deeply America influences the world through its post-Cold War capitalism, post-9/11 nationalism, technological obsession, and the racism that fueled backlash against Obama. Rhodes learns from a diverse array of figures—ranging from Obama to rebels to emerging leaders—that confronting America's missteps is crucial in the ongoing fight for the ideals America represents, both domestically and globally.