This book explores the limits of ordinary politics and places dissent in the context of the long- and short-term cycles of American politics. It provides an overview of the motivation of people who get involved in political and social movements and examines how people organize their dissent.

An ancient proverb warns about wishing to live in interesting times. Whatever the stimulation and opportunity they offer, interesting times also present instability and unease that threaten the best of a society's people and institutions. In many ways, this book explores the contemporary American dimensions of this ancient truth.