Contemporary United States

Presenting the sixth edition of Contemporary United States, this work by Joseph Goddard and Russell Duncan delivers a comprehensive introduction to the multifaceted nature of American life. Covering US politics, society, culture, history, and the economy, the book employs extensive empirical data and illustrative material to provide insightful commentary on major contemporary developments. It invites readers to examine current political shifts within a broader historical and cultural framework. This edition addresses a dynamic range of topics, including the persistent divide between rich and poor through lenses of social, legal, economic, and political inequality; the far-reaching effects of the Covid-19-induced recession; and complex international issues such as China’s rise, the resurgence of Putin, and challenges in North Korea, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. It also explores pivotal movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter, as well as evolving policies under the Biden administration. With balanced perspectives that span both conservative and liberal viewpoints, Contemporary United States remains essential reading for students and scholars engaged in American studies, history, sociology, and politics.