How American Democracy’s Paradoxes Shape Its Future: Insights from Historian Prof. Philipp Gassert

Historian Philipp Gassert, a professor at the University of Mannheim, states that the United States is currently experiencing a deep crisis rooted in the structural contradictions of its democracy, according to a June 23, 2026, report by LZ.de. Gassert is visiting Detmold, Germany, to present his research and discuss his book regarding the instability of the American political system.

The event is scheduled to take place at the Stadthalle in Detmold, organized in coordination with the Volkshochschule (VHS), the local adult education center. Gassert’s visit focuses on the divergence between the founding ideals of the United States and the practical reality of its modern political governance.

Why does Philipp Gassert describe the US as being in a “deep crisis”?

Gassert argues that the crisis in the United States is not a temporary fluctuation but a systemic failure. According to LZ.de, the historian posits that the nation is stuck in a deep crisis because the mechanisms designed to ensure stability in the American democracy are now contributing to its paralysis.

The historian identifies a growing gap between the democratic promises of the U.S. Constitution and the actual distribution of power. This gap creates a environment where political polarization is not just a social issue but a structural outcome of how the American state is organized.

Gassert’s analysis suggests that the U.S. political system struggles to resolve internal conflicts because its institutions are unable to adapt to the current social and economic pressures. He describes this state of affairs as a fundamental contradiction that threatens the long-term viability of the democratic process.

What contradictions define American democracy?

In his book, Gassert examines the tension between the American ideal of universal liberty and the historical reality of exclusion and hierarchy. He argues that these contradictions were present at the nation’s founding and have evolved into the modern crises observed today.

Specific contradictions highlighted in Gassert’s academic work include:

• The conflict between the rhetoric of equal opportunity and the persistence of systemic socio-economic inequality.
• The tension between federal authority and state-level autonomy, which often leads to legislative deadlock on national issues.
• The discrepancy between a democratic voting ideal and an electoral system that can produce outcomes disconnected from the popular will.

By analyzing these points, Gassert asserts that the United States operates under a set of political myths that no longer align with the operational reality of its government. This misalignment, he argues, is what drives the current instability.

How does Gassert’s research inform the current political state?

As a professor of history at the University of Mannheim, Gassert uses a longitudinal approach to explain current events. He does not view the current volatility as a sudden shift but as the culmination of historical trends. According to his research, the current political climate is a manifestation of unresolved historical tensions.

Gassert’s work contrasts the American experience with other democratic models, suggesting that the U.S. is uniquely susceptible to this type of crisis due to its specific constitutional framework. He maintains that without addressing the core contradictions of the system, superficial political changes will fail to provide lasting stability.

His presentation in Detmold aims to translate these academic findings for a general audience, explaining how the internal logic of American democracy can lead to the very instability that now defines its public image globally.

Who is Philipp Gassert?

Philipp Gassert is a prominent historian based in Germany who specializes in the history of the United States. He holds a professorship at the University of Mannheim, where his research focuses on the intersection of politics, society, and law in the American context.

Gassert is recognized for his ability to connect historical precedents to contemporary political developments. His recent publications focus on the fragility of democratic institutions and the impact of ideological polarization on governance.

His visit to the Detmold Stadthalle is part of a broader effort to engage the public in discussions about the health of global democracies and the specific risks facing the United States.