Uneasy Alliances: Race and Party Competition in America

by Paul Frymer

Book Overview

Uneasy Alliances is a powerful challenge to how we think about the relationship between race, political parties, and American democracy. While scholars frequently claim that the need to win elections makes government officials responsive to any and all voters, Paul Frymer shows that not all groups are treated equally; politicians spend most of their time and resources on white swing voters--to the detriment of the African American community...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0691148015
• ISBN13: 9780691148014
• Release Date: September 2010
• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Length: 248 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A much-needed counterpoise to most poli sci dreck

Prof. Frymer has written a book that many different audiences will find useful. Political scientists will appreciate his skill in demonstrating a counter-intuitive, and yet ultimately convincing, account of race and party politics. Those from other academic fields will be grateful for Frymer's decision to eschew political science jargon, and will find that the book makes contributions to our understanding of history and law. Finally, non-academics will find the book both accessible and informative. I highly recommend "Uneasy Alliances."

excellent

This is one of the best books I've read on race in America. It shows why racism persists, and how our political leaders collude in its persistence. It takes on conventional wisdom among intellectuals and political leaders, and it does so in a way that is accessible to an average reader. I can't praise it too highly.

you'll never think the same way about parties again.

This book is a masterful combination of historical research and party analysis that will reshape the way we think of political parties. Frymer argues convincingly that party institutions have generally sought to marginalize the issue of racial injustice in American politics. A major contribution to the literature from a young scholar and excellent teacher.

Insightful, interesting, and challenging.

Dr. Frymer offers an insightful and thorough critique of the historical development and modern ramifications of the two-party system. It offered me a new perspective on the whys and wherefores of race and party politics, and was in addition a really entertaining read. I encourage anyone interested in a historical and modern consideration of American politics to read this book.

it rocks

This is the best book I have ever read on race and democratic party politics. Insightful in its analysis, it points the way to a more inclusive politics.