At the core of this book lies the premise that President Trump's governing style serves as a harbinger for the potential emergence of a semi-democratic authoritarian government, particularly as the white majority of voters—currently holding the keys to wealth and power—transforms into a minority around 2050. 

The narrative delves into Trump's political trajectory, marked by the unique circumstance of facing two impeachments within a single term—an unprecedented occurrence. 

Amidst murky relations with Russia and policy choices seemingly indifferent to laws and constitutional principles, Trump endeavors to establish himself as a plebiscitary leader and a national influencer. His assertions of formidable power, seemingly immune to challenges and traditional checks and balances, underscore a broader vulnerability within American democracy, revealing its "immune defenses" to be insufficient.

Trump's actions have exposed the fragility of the American democratic system, sounding alarms about the imperative need for reinforcement. This concern is magnified by the potential ripple effect, as the weakening of American democracy may reverberate globally, short-circuiting other democracies. 

The authors posit that, through legal means, steps can be taken to avert such a scenario. In light of this, the book advocates for preventative measures to fortify democratic institutions and address vulnerabilities, emphasizing the importance of shoring up these "immune defenses" to protect not only American democracy but also to safeguard democratic principles worldwide.

CONTENTS

Foreword 

Part One

The Erosion of Liberal Democracy: A Phenomenon that Concerns the United States too?

1.Fukuyama’s Prophecy and the Great Illusion 

2.2050: A Turning Point in the American Democracy? 

3.What Good Trump Has Left behind Him 

4.Donald Trump, a Bolt from the Blue or the Harbinger of a Storm? 

5.Populism, Political Communication, and Trumpism

Part Two

Signs of the Breaking of Democratic Rules and Practices

6.Trump and the U.S. Constitution, One Premise and Four Events

7.A Premise. The Presidency According to Trump

8.Trump, the Mueller Report and Obstruction of Justice

                VI Donald Trump and the Future of American Democracy

9.The So-Called (Muslim) Travel Ban Tested against the First Amendment  

       The Clash over the First Version of the Travel Ban 

        ... and over the Second Version

        ... and over the Third Version

        A Final Remark

10.The Attempt Made to Tightly Seal the South-West Border:

        The Mexican Wall 

        The Executive Order on Border Security under Examination at Congress

         ...and under the Courts Examination

11. The Executive and Legislative Power in the Age of Trump

12.A Blood-Drenched Offence to the Temple of Democracy:

        The Attack of the “Patriots” on Capitol Hill

        A Digression on Impeachment

        The Sword of Damocles Looms on the Horizon for Trump 

Part Three

Some Potential Bolsters to Insert (or Restore) in the American Democratic System

13.The Fragility of American Democracy

         Before Approaching the Starting Line:

         An Indispensable Reliability Test 

         During the Term of Office

14.The President: Roi Soleil of the Executive Branch?

15.Trump on the Chess Board of Power, a Game in Three “Moves”

        The First “Move”

         The Second “Move”

         The Third “Move”

Part Four

The Constitution, Interpretation of the Constitution, and Democracy

16.   The Twenty-Second Amendment 

         The Use of the Armed Forces

         The Allocation of Resources Necessary to Enable the Executive Apparatus to Function

         Nominating the Highest Officials in the Executive Branch

17.    Two Redlines and a Conclusion 

18.   A More Comprehensive View