Paths Out of Dixie: The Democratization of Authoritarian Enclaves in America's Deep South, 1944-1972 - Robert Mickey

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Résumé :

In this remarkable book, Mickey focuses on Southern politics after the great public reversal of black disenfranchisement--and boldly compares that politics to authoritarianism. He grounds his compelling claims and narratives in an exceptionally confident handling of evidence, resulting in a major milestone in American political science. This vivid and profoundly illuminating book is certain to change views not just of Southern politics, but of the country we have been--and the national democracy we have become.--Rick Valelly, Swarthmore College

This is an impressive account of political change in South Carolina, Mississippi, and Georgia, from one-party authoritarian regimes in the 1890s to democracies in the 1970s. Mickey's analyses of the constellation of forces in each state are powerful. Paths out of Dixie will be a revelation to political scientists.--Amy Bridges, University of California, San Diego

This is one of the most significant books on this critical region to appear in decades. Mickey situates this work in the comparative democratization literature and analyzes political accommodation to civil rights from the perspective of elites and parties. There is nothing else quite like it.--Elizabeth Sanders, Cornell University