Americans aren't facing a democratic collapse. We’re living in its aftermath | Eric Reinhart

Eric Reinhart argues that the United States is not facing an impending democratic collapse but is instead experiencing the aftermath of a long-standing oligarchical system. According to Reinhart, the nation was an oligarchy well before Donald Trump's presidency, a reality he deems crucial for establishing genuine democracy. This perspective challenges the prevalent narrative of a democracy on the brink, suggesting that current political anxieties stem from a "permanent panic" rooted in an illusion rather than an accurate assessment of the political structure. The author contends that acknowledging this established reality is essential for any efforts to build a true democratic system.