Trump and the Hidden Empire: Populism, Power, and Democratic Dilemmas (Springer Studies in American Politics)

By: Lisheng Dong

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Synopsis: This book analyzes Donald Trump's three electoral campaigns - 2016, 2020, and 2024 - and exposes the hidden networks of power that shape modern campaigns and politics. The author maps the influence of financial oligarchs, deep state agencies, tech moguls, and celebrity elites, revealing how populist narratives intersect with corporate lobbying, military and intelligence continuity, and fragmented mass media. Blending cultural and structural perspectives, the book explains how Trump, often seen as an "outsider," was able to simultaneously serve entrenched interests. Each chapter examines critical turning points, from early endorsements and mainstream coverage to digital echo chambers, polling failures, and escalating conspiracy theories, culminating in Trump's victory in 2024. The book concludes with an assessment of democracy's resilience in an age of misinformation, economic inequality, and strategic realignment. It will appeal to scholars, students, and researchers in political science and related fields, as well as policymakers and the general public interested in better understanding the shifting power structures that underpin American democracy.