Searching for the spirit of American democracy : Max Weber's analysis of a unique political culture, past, present, and future / Stephen Kalberg.

The ongoing crisis of American democracy debate is the topic of this new book. By referring to Weber s long-term perspective, it provides rich new insights and some reasons for optimism. It also offers powerful explanations for the particular contours of today s American political culture. Kalberg draws upon Weber to reconstruct political culture in ways that define America s unique spirit of democracy. Developing several Weber-inspired models, the author reveals patterns of oscillation in American history. Can these pendulum movements sustain today the symbiotic dualism that earlier invigorated American democracy? Can they do so to such an extent that the American spirit of democracy is rejuvenated? Kalberg forcefully argues that facilitating political cultures is indispensible if democracies are to endure. He then explores in his concluding chapter whether Weber s explanations and insights can be generalized beyond the American case.