Political Crises

Abstract

We look at some of the underlying assumptions that are deeply rooted in our fundamental beliefs and ideas about what makes us Americans. We review several studies that highlight some of the most basic fears and myths that shape how we solve our political and social problems and, more importantly, what we take as problems in the first place. We explore why we are unduly reactive when it comes to planning seriously for crises before they occur. The problems we look at, however, are not unique to Americans. Every nation and culture has its own version. We argue that hanging onto outmoded beliefs and assumptions is not only inappropriate for coping with current crises but it also gets nations and cultures into new crises.