Much analysis looks at the next election cycle, or the duel between the two political parties in a short-term context, but this report aims to look at the way demography and shifting public opinion can give us a glimpse into American politics a decade or two in the future. Many changes in society and culture have been developing for years if not decades that are now beginning to influence politics. Americans with more education are moving to denser areas, reshuffling divides as well as the political balance of power across the country. Increasing racial and ethnic diversity is also having some unexpected effects on who wins elections and what issues become dominant. Younger generations are clamoring for influence against the backdrop of an aging society and cultural clashes are arising anew as, particularly the political right, is reorienting around these clashes.
Chapters:
Introduction
Key Trend #1: Rising Polarization Along Eductional and Geographic Lines
Key Trend #2: Growing Communities Shift The Congressional Balance of Power
Key Trend #3: A More Inclusive American Mainstream
Key Trend #4: Millennials + Gen Z On a Collision Course with the Baby Boomers
Key Trend #5: The Culture War Reshapes the Republican Party
Key Trend #6: Social Trust Erodes as Polarization and Fear Rise
Key Trend #7: America Grapples With Waning Influence and Rising China
Aknowledgements/About the authors
The views, conclusions and recommendations expressed in this report are solely those of its authors and do not reflect the views of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, or its employees.
