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Divided We Fall: Why Consensus Matters

Joseph Foster

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Published in Alice M Rivlin

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In Divided We Fall, journalist and commentator David Frum argues that consensus is essential for a healthy democracy. He shows how the erosion of consensus has led to the rise of populism and extremism, and he offers a roadmap for rebuilding consensus in America.

Divided We Fall: Why Consensus Matters

by Alice M. Rivlin

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2016 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	200 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

The Importance of Consensus

Consensus is a shared understanding of the basic rules of the game. It is the glue that holds a society together. Without consensus, there is no way to resolve conflicts peacefully or to make progress on common goals. As Frum writes, "Consensus is not about everyone agreeing on everything. It is about everyone agreeing on the basic rules of the game."

In a healthy democracy, consensus is built through a process of deliberation and debate. Citizens come together to discuss their differences, to find common ground, and to reach agreement on the best way forward. Frum argues that this process is essential for a healthy democracy. He writes, "Without deliberation, there can be no consensus. And without consensus, there can be no democracy."

The Erosion of Consensus

In recent years, the consensus that once held America together has eroded. This erosion has been caused by a number of factors, including:

The rise of social media, which has made it easier for people to connect with others who share their views and to become isolated from those who disagree.
The decline of traditional media, which has led to a fragmentation of the news landscape and made it more difficult for people to find common ground.
The increasing polarization of American politics, which has made it more difficult for people to find common ground.

The erosion of consensus has had a number of negative consequences for America. It has led to the rise of populism and extremism, and it has made it more difficult to address common challenges, such as climate change and economic inequality.

Rebuilding Consensus

Frum argues that it is possible to rebuild consensus in America. He offers a roadmap for ng so, which includes the following steps:

Encouraging civil discourse and respectful debate.
Investing in education and civic engagement.
Promoting common values and shared goals.
Establishing institutions that promote consensus-building.

Rebuilding consensus will not be easy, but it is essential for the future of American democracy. Frum writes, "If we want to save our democracy, we need to find a way to rebuild consensus. We need to find a way to talk to each other, to listen to each other, and to find common ground. We need to find a way to come together as a nation and to work towards a better future."

Divided We Fall is a timely and important book. It is a call to action for all Americans who believe in the importance of democracy. Frum offers a clear and concise analysis of the problem of consensus erosion, and he provides a roadmap for rebuilding consensus in America. This book is a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of our democracy.