American Breakdown

WHAT WENT WRONG investigates the fatal combination of cultural warfare and economic failure in America, and reimagines the American system coupled with a reassertion of the values of our democracy for the sake of a better and brighter future.

Thirty years ago, America stood triumphant. The nation that had been founded in pursuit of the simple ideal of human freedom had become the most successful and powerful country in history. In the space of half a century it had defeated both fascism and communism. This was above all a victory for the universal values the United States had pioneered: of free people and free markets. With the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union, Americans could be uniquely proud of their country's indispensable role in defeating evil and promoting good all over the world.

Just three decades later, that pride and self-confidence lies in tatters. America is now widely denounced at home and abroad as a malignant power built on discrimination, imperialism, and oppression. Millions of Americans say they have little faith in their country's future. A loud and increasingly powerful elite argues that the country is irredeemably flawed, its culture, heritage, and history widely condemned as fundamentally prejudiced, bigoted - even genocidal.

WHAT WENT WRONG is a deeply reported and thought-provoking account that explores the ways in which Americans have been betrayed and undermined, and how that same nation can reclaim its sense of purpose for a better future.

About the Author

Gerard Baker is a chef, food writer, broadcaster and historian. He has written extensively for The Times, The Kitchen Garden, BBC Good Food magazine and has been a specialist food contributor for BBC's national news networks and programmes for over 12 years.

He has been nominated for Pick of the Year on BBC Radio Four food programme and he has made numerous television appearances; most notably on the judging panel on Rosemary Schrager's School for Cooks and as the food historian to the Hairy Bikers on their Mums Know Best BBC tour.