Stealth Democracy

In Stealth Democracy, Hibbing and Theiss-Morse explore Americans' preferences for governance, revealing a desire for less participation and more empathetic leadership.

In Stealth Democracy, authors Christopher Hibbing and Elizabeth Theiss-Morse delve into the complex relationship Americans have with their democratic system. They reveal a surprising perspective: many citizens are disenchanted with the traditional practices of democracy, such as conflict, debate, and compromise. Instead, they express a desire for a political landscape where decisions are made by altruistic leaders, freeing them from the burdens of constant governmental oversight. This notion challenges the common belief that people crave active participation in the political process.

The authors utilize an innovative national survey and focus groups to uncover what Americans truly want from their government. The findings suggest that, contrary to popular opinion, a significant portion of the population is indifferent to most policy issues and prefers to delegate decision-making authority to others. They yearn for leaders who are empathetic and selfless, rather than those who are merely responsive to the public's often vague policy preferences. This insight prompts a reevaluation of the assumption that increased citizen engagement is the key to resolving societal issues.

Ultimately, Stealth Democracy presents a compelling argument about the nature of democratic governance in the United States. Hibbing and Theiss-Morse caution proponents of increased civic involvement, suggesting that a less participatory approach may align more closely with the preferences of the American populace. This thought-provoking work invites readers to reconsider the fundamental principles of democracy and the role of citizens within it.