De-democratisation and contentious politics in 21st century America

In this unit you will examine contentious issues contributing to the 21st Century USA’s polarised political environment, the so-called ‘de-democratisation in America’, and the political figures and movements resisting these processes to restore rights and freedoms. These can include: Trumpism’s uniqueness, impact and significance; the divisive politics of national identity and immigration, reproductive choice, LGBTIQA+ rights, and gun control; White Christian Nationalism’s emergence and threat; Black Lives Matter; distrust of mainstream political and social institutions and conspiracy theories’ transitions from the societal fringe to the political mainstream; and Right-Wing Extremism and the January 6 insurrection’s impact on US politics.