Why Nothing Works Who Killed Progress—and How to Bring It Back

A provocative exploration of the forces that keep us from getting things done, and how we can restore confidence in government “Dunkelman summarizes the history perfectly.” —David Brooks, _The New York Times_ Named a Best Book of the Year by _Financial Times_ • _The Economist_ America was once a country that did big things. But today, even while facing a host of pressing challenges—a housing shortage, a climate crisis, dilapidated infrastructure—we feel stuck. As Marc J. Dunkelman reveals, America is the victim of a vetocracy that allows nearly anyone to stifle progress. While conservatives deserve some blame, progressives have overlooked an unlikely culprit: their own fears of “The Establishment.” A half century ago, reformers began to put speaking truth to power ahead of exercising that power for good. Now, the ensuing gridlock has pummeled faith in public institutions of all sorts and opened the door for MAGA-style populism. _Why Nothing Works_ uncovers the roots of this predicament, and boldly shows how progressives can once again build a better future for all.