White Nationalism and the Republican Party

This book explores how Donald Trump reshapes the Republican Party's relationship with race, emphasizing a new era of racial exploitation and white nationalism.

In White Nationalism and the Republican Party, John Ehrenberg presents a compelling argument that Donald Trump's candidacy and presidency mark a significant shift in the Republican Party's approach to American racial dynamics. He posits that Trump has not only utilized existing Republican strategies but has also transformed the party into a vehicle that actively exploits racial tensions for political gain. This marks a new phase in the party's history, characterized by a more overt and calculated embrace of racial animus.

Ehrenberg delves into the historical context of the Republican Party's racial strategies, tracing its evolution from the era of Barry Goldwater, who opposed federal intervention in the South, to George W. Bush's attempts to engage with Black voters. The book meticulously examines how Trump's tactics have been effective in attracting disaffected segments of the Democratic coalition, thereby enabling him to engage with white nationalism in a way that previous candidates did not. Ehrenberg's insights reveal the troubling implications of this shift for the future of American politics.

White Nationalism and the Republican Party is an essential read for anyone interested in the intersections of race and politics in the United States. It serves as a critical resource for academics, students, and practitioners looking to understand the complexities of voting behavior, party politics, and the historical undercurrents that shape contemporary political landscapes.