Why Nothing Works: Who Killed Progress--And How to Bring It Back

Why Nothing Works: Who Killed Progress--And How to Bring It Back - Paperback

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Why Nothing Works: Who Killed Progress--And How to Bring It Back
  • Why Nothing Works: Who Killed Progress--And How to Bring It Back
Why Nothing Works: Who Killed Progress--And How to Bring It Back - Paperback

Why Nothing Works: Who Killed Progress--And How to Bring It Back - Paperback

by Marc J. Dunkelman
$21.99
$21.99

Book Overview

by Marc J. Dunkelman (Author)

A provocative exploration of the forces that keep us from getting things done, and how we can restore confidence in government

"Dunkelman summarizes the history perfectly." --David Brooks, The New York Times

Named a Best Book of the Year by Financial Times - The Economist

America was once a country that did big things. But today, even while facing a host of pressing challenges--a housing shortage, a climate crisis, dilapidated infrastructure--we feel stuck. As Marc J. Dunkelman reveals, America is the victim of a vetocracy that allows nearly anyone to stifle progress. While conservatives deserve some blame, progressives have overlooked an unlikely culprit: their own fears of "The Establishment." A half century ago, reformers began to put speaking truth to power ahead of exercising that power for good. Now, the ensuing gridlock has pummeled faith in public institutions of all sorts and opened the door for MAGA-style populism. Why Nothing Works uncovers the roots of this predicament, and boldly shows how progressives can once again build a better future for all.

Author Biography

Marc J. Dunkelman is a resident scholar at the Searchlight Institute and a fellow at Brown University's Watson School for International and Public Affairs. During more than a decade working in politics, he worked for Democratic members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The author of The Vanishing Neighbor, Dunkelman's work has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Financial Times, The Boston Globe, and Politico. He lives in Providence, Rhode Island.

Number of Pages: 432
Dimensions: 1.1 x 8.2 x 5.4 IN
Publication Date: May 05, 2026
ISBN9781541700239
Author Marc J. Dunkelman
PublisherPublicAffairs
GenreNews & politics and History
FormatPaperback
PublishedMay 2026
LanguageENG- English
Pages432
Weight1.0 lb
Target AudienceAdults
Print SizeStandard Print

Related Subjects

History Nonfiction Political Science

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About Marc J. Dunkelman

Marc J. Dunkelman is a fellow at Brown University's Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs and a former fellow at NYU's Marron Institute of Urban Management. During more than a decade working in politics, he worked for Democratic members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives and as a senior fellow at the Clinton Foundation. The author of The Vanishing Neighbor, Dunkelman's work has also appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Atlantic, and Politico. He lives in Providence, Rhode Island.

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