That Is Not Who We Are! Populism and Peoplehood

That Is Not Who We Are! examines the rise of populist movements and their impact on political identity in modern democracies. Political scientist Rogers Smith analyzes how competing stories of peoplehood shape national politics and policy decisions. Smith investigates case studies from the United States, Hungary, and other nations to demonstrate how leaders construct and leverage narratives about national character. The book pays particular attention to the ways populist politicians create "us versus them" divisions through specific rhetorical strategies and appeals to identity. The work draws on decades of research into political identity formation and constitutional democracy to examine current challenges. Smith identifies key patterns in how different groups promote their visions of national identity and belonging. At its core, the book grapples with fundamental questions about how societies define themselves and maintain democratic institutions in an era of increasing polarization. The analysis suggests new frameworks for understanding the relationship between stories of peoplehood and political outcomes.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Rogers Smith's overall work: Readers value Smith's ability to explain complex political theories and constitutional concepts in clear terms. Political science students and scholars frequently cite his detailed analysis of how racial and gender hierarchies shaped American institutions. What readers liked: - Clear writing style that makes dense theoretical concepts accessible - Thorough historical research and documentation - Balanced analysis of competing political traditions - Fresh perspectives on established political theories What readers disliked: - Dense academic prose in some sections - Repetitive arguments in longer works - Limited engagement with opposing viewpoints - High textbook prices for required course materials On Goodreads, "Civic Ideals" maintains a 4.1/5 rating based on 48 reviews. Academic reviews emphasize its contribution to political theory, while student reviews note its usefulness as a reference text. Amazon reviews average 4.3/5 across Smith's works, with readers specifically praising his clear explanations of complex constitutional concepts. One Yale graduate student wrote: "Smith presents challenging ideas about American political development without getting lost in academic jargon."

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🔹 Rogers Smith is a renowned political scientist at the University of Pennsylvania who has been president of the American Political Science Association and has written extensively about American identity and citizenship. 🔹 The book examines how political leaders construct narratives of "peoplehood" to unite their followers, often by defining themselves against perceived enemies or outsiders. 🔹 The title "That Is Not Who We Are!" comes from a common rhetorical device used by politicians to reject certain behaviors or policies as being incompatible with national identity. 🔹 Smith draws examples from multiple countries including the United States, Hungary, and India to show how populist leaders use similar storytelling techniques to build political movements. 🔹 The book was published in 2020 during a global surge in populist movements, offering timely analysis of how political identities are shaped and manipulated through strategic narratives.