The Politics Industry: How Political Innovation Can Break Partisan Gridlock and Save Our Democracy by Katherine Gehl, Michael Porter

In “The Politics Industry: How Political Innovation Can Break Partisan Gridlock and Save Our Democracy,” Katherine Gehl explores how politics has become an industry, where parties and incumbents protect their own interests instead of representing their constituents. She provides an analysis of the historical and cultural forces at play, as well as the systemic failures that often keep partisanship in place. She details how to break this gridlock by introducing new ideas and proposing reforms to the two party system.

Gehl begins by looking at the history of the two-party system and the ways in which this system has become entrenched in American politics. She explains that the two party system creates a closed market of power, where a small number of politicians and political institutions control the flow of money and policy decisions. This closed market creates incentives for both parties to protect their interests, leading to partisan gridlock. Gehl argues that this system shuts out innovation and new ideas that could be used to resolve key issues and improve the democratic process.

To break the gridlock, Gehl outlines several innovative and practical reforms that can be implemented. These reforms include implementing multi-party systems, introducing ranked choice voting and abolishing the electoral college. She also calls for the development of innovative technology that allows citizens to participate in policymaking, as well as reforming campaign finance that would be beneficial to both voters and candidates.

In addition to her analysis and recommendations, Gehl also includes case studies of how these reforms have already been successfully implemented in other countries and jurisdictions. These case studies show how promoting collaboration and creating incentives to reach bipartisan agreement can lead to better policies and less partisan gridlock.

Overall, “The Politics Industry” provides an in-depth look at the two-party system and how this system has led to partisan gridlock and hindered innovation and progress. Gehl provides a comprehensive analysis of how to break this gridlock and introduces a variety of reform measures that can be implemented to improve our democracy and move politics away from the partisan status quo. Her book is an invaluable tool for anyone interested in restoring faith in democracy and promoting bipartisanship.