Not Here: Why American Democracy Is Eroding and How Canada Can Protect Itself

by Rob Goodman

What does it mean to live beside an eroding democracy? As this powerful and timely book argues, that question will define the next generation of Canadian politics.

As a congressional staffer in the United States, Rob Goodman watched firsthand as a rising authoritarian movement disenfranchised voters, sabotaged institutions, and brought America to the brink of a coup. Now, as a political theorist who makes his home in Canada, he has an urgent warning for his adopted The same forces that have upended democracy in America and around the world are on the move in Canada, too. But we can protect our democracy by drawing on a set of political, cultural, and historical resources that are distinctly of this place.

In Not Here, Goodman outlines four such resources. First, the rejection of the dangerous idea of one “real” Canadian people. Second, the refusal of political charisma and founder-worship. Third, a set of social programs—embattled but still standing—that empower neighbours to see one another as equals. And fourth, Canada’s longstanding search for an identity separate from the great power with which it shares a continent.

Today, that great power is a democracy in decline, and so defending what makes Canada distinct matters more now than ever before. Canadian difference is not a curiosity, a luxury good, or a vanity item. It is a democratic immune system.

Laying bare the historical roots of today’s politics and making an urgent case for action, Not Here is a roadmap for safeguarding a democracy under unprecedented threat.

Genres: Nonfiction, Canada, Politics

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 15, 2023

Reviews

[Izabel | izreadsthings · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Canadian, but ardent observer of American politics, this book was an absolute mix of the two. Goodman watched the rise of authoritarianism in the United States, but has since made Toronto his home. As a history teacher, I always start the course asking what makes up the Canadian identity? to which many students respond, "not American." This book provides a real discussion about what makes Canada different from the United States, especially in terms of democratic ideals. The book outlines the ways in which the eroding American democracy can impact Canada, and how Canada can act to preserve our democracy. He also ties in contemporary Canadian issues which I was glad to see, such as making meaningful mention to residential schools and the challenges Canada faces in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Really interesting book, strong writing, and would recommend!

[Malcolm McKay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Messy, half baked analysis of US/CANADIAN political differences. Author is a recent US expat in Canada and even though he is a university prof seems to have a scant view of Canadian politics. Highly biased toward a leftist view of politics and social issues, his characterization of viewpoints on immigration don’t wash in Canada today. Many strange analogies and assertions, along with several rhetorical tricks that don’t jibe with his disavowal of extreme rhetoric in politics.

[Jason Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good account of Canadian nationalism contracting with American nationalism and how Canada has worked in quiet ways to differentiate ourselves from our American neighbours, originally by necessity due to fears of annexation. The author makes a plea for Canadians to take the decline of democracy in America seriously and how we as Canadians can worm to protect our institutions.

The one focus I appreciate is that Canada's lack of a coherent national identity is a source of strength in protecting democracy because unlike America that has idolized their founders alongside God, we became more pragmatic out of necessity. The author argues that the uniformity of national identity in the United States makes it easier to fall prey to forces that can erode the very freedoms and democratic ideals they were founded on.

At times, I found the book a bit too philosophical and academic for the average reader and sometimes I lost interest. Though, I finished it relatively quickly, I found myself wanting more concrete ways that "Canada can protect itself." But I enjoyed the cultural hypothesis presented as an alternative to more concretely policy oriented takes.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pay attention, listen, and refuse.
​
How did the book make me feel/think?

“Not Here” is an enthralling narrative that urges Canada to resist the American influence it has been subjected to since Confederation.

Canadians find themselves inundated with Americanization through various channels such as media, literature, and entertainment. America tantalizes us with its offerings, and we find ourselves yearning for more, while simultaneously witnessing the unsettling developments unfolding across the border.

Is America on the verge of collapse right in front of our eyes? Are values like decency and trust being eroded to an irreversible extent? Is authoritarianism vying for dominance?

To many Americans, Canadians are perceived as a polite annoyance, waiting for an opportunity to be used when the need arises. It is imperative that we reject the American model and stand against authoritarianism.

Goodman argues that Canadians must remove their blinders and abandon their self-righteousness because the afflictions plaguing America are not exclusive to them. We are not immune, nor can we claim innocence.

According to Goodman, Canada’s strength lies in its failures. The inability to unite as “one people” with a shared purpose has taught us valuable lessons.

Canadians must continue to learn and define who they aspire to be, and without a doubt, America currently serves as a cautionary example of what to avoid.

Goodman passionately implores all Canadians to pay attention, listen, and resist!

WRITTEN: 24 July 2023

[Marc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have written elsewhere that I am a student of America (I believe that conscious Canadians are generally). But I don't expect the yang of that yin to be so: an American as a student of Canada. But Rob Goodman is the unexpected and an unexpectedly good man (groan) at that. His work is impressively comprehensive and bang on. His understanding of Canadian politics going back to our beginnings is knowledgeable and thorough. I recently completed "John A" by Gwyn about these origins and realized that a lot of details I either didn't know or didn't remember. He got even the nuance right.

Because his interpretations about Canada are well founded, his ideas about how we ought to respond to the disaster happening below us are worth considering seriously. His critique of America is scathing where needed and I suspect his work wouldn't be received well there, as if anyone there would care enough to read a book with this title.

Goodman offers a rationale for his analysis at this time since he has relatively recently adopted Canada as his home and country (he retains his US citizenship). Weighing a naïve analysis now verses a later perhaps more full analysis he opts to give us his thoughts now before his fuller time here begins to break down the hopefully fresher and unbiased version now. Lots of Canadians might take issue with this somewhat brash approach but I think he proves himself with clear knowledge of our subtleties and nuances that justifies his attempt.

As there may be some Canadians that would bristle at his analysis of us, I expect many of his American brethren would be even more vigourously dissenting his analysis of their state: he would likely receive some extremely strident negative mail. If a Canadian of similar background on the US would attempt such analysis of America the reaction would be even more extreme and likely life-threatening. In summary, a thoughtful and thought-provoking read.

[Wayne Woodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a worthwhile read but I did find it a little difficult as it is quite dense with historical facts. However, he does provide a fascinating look at America's beginnings and the continuing importance of it's Constitution to a way of life that is somewhat sinister in its scope.
He does a good job of attempting to highlight the differences in our psyches because of our different beginnings as democracies, seemingly the same but truly different.
He doesn't really convey a sense to me that Canada, as we currently exist, will continue to do so for the long term. I think the current state of the world, including the US, may impinge on us a little more than we anticipate.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rob weaves analysis of American and Canadian political history (if, like me, you are an entire ignoramus on the latter, you won’t get a ton of hand-holding, but you’ll keep up) and a heartfelt vision for a future built on genuine participation in the political project and shared commitment to the dignity of others. While I am very sad for readers who don’t know Rob and won’t be imagining it in his voice (Rob: audiobook when?), I like to think that even those unfortunates will get a bit of the sensation that you’re having a late-night campfire chat with one of your smartest friends, who also makes you feel smarter — and more hopeful — along the way.

[Patrick Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably a 4.5 if you’re a liberal and 3 if you’re conservative. But the thinking and logic presented by Goodman should resonate with all Canadians of all political stripes (probably wishful thinking, that, but oh well). Canadian identity is an ever-evolving question but the notions he talks about here include many aspects of which I was completely unaware. Educational, concise, well-argued, and thought-provoking.

[Chloe Schneeberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relevant now more than ever. Goodman delves into Canada's founding and 'refounding' to explore the cultural differences that distinguish it from its hegemon neighbour. While some elements of Canadian national identity may seem like mere stereotypes, it's truly enlightening to explore how much of what defines us as Canadians is deeply rooted in the political systems and mosaic of nationalities that have shaped our culture.

[Kathleen McRae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had many good points in it of how and why we are where we are now as a country and society.

[Shodar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and informative. It has a more quasi-academic take on the difference in democracy between Canada and the US instead of pop culture rehashing of the Trump years.

[Clivemichael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informed perspective and examination.

[Martin Curran · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.
I was honestly shocked to learn that they don’t have Coffee Crisp in the States

[Johanne]

DNF

[Joshua Friesen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is too late for Canada. As a citizen of this once great country, I will say I've seen more damage wrought to this place in the last ten years than the forty before that.