Bonfire

American Sociocide, Broken Relations, and the Quest for Democracy

Charles Derber author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:5th Jun '25

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

This hardback is available in another edition too:

Bonfire cover

Charles Derber shows how the US is moving toward sociocide – the erosion of durable, positive social relations in the economy, family, politics, and civil society essential to sustaining society itself – while offering pragmatic solutions.

Bonfire: American Sociocide, Broken Relations, and the Quest for Democracy examines how new technologies and financial strategies are part of broader economic, environment, cultural, and political shifts that create tipping points generating more competition, distrust, isolation, and violence. In doing so, Derber spells out the implications for democracy and social cohesion. Importantly, he explores options that could stop the spiral and reconstruct a sustainable and equitable community, civil society, and democracy via emerging movements against neoliberalism capitalism, climate change, war – and in favor of labor solidarity, human rights, and community.

This book will be of interest to students, scholars and activists with an interest in political sociology, political economy, and social movements in the US.

Praise for Charles Derber’s previous works:

“This book is joyfully jammed with wisdom, experience, tools and motivation to overcome the ravages of the corporate state. So gripping is Welcome to the Revolution you can scarcely put this book down without putting yourself down.”
Ralph Nader for Welcome to the Revolution

“Charles Derber is one of our most astute and eloquent social critics… His political analysis is persuasive and is enlivened by graceful prose.”
Howard Zinn for Greed to Green

“In this lucid and informed study, Charles Derber breaks through the necessary illusions and shows how the United States is being turned into a ‘sociopathic society.’”
Noam Chomsky for Sociopathic Society

Praise for Bonfire:

“Fascinating, provocative, and very timely. I found it very hard to stop reading… On every page, there’s something startling to be learned about the past that is crucial to understanding our vertigo-inducing present.”
Daniel Ellsberg for Glorious Causes

“Derber masterfully traces how the erosion of social bonds and class solidarity has allowed racial division to be weaponized by both political parties throughout American political history to the present day."
Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, Ph.D., Founder, President & CEO of Global Policy Solutions

"Derber has done it again, diagnosing our current malaise by connecting the breakdown of social relations to the rise of authoritarianism."
Michael Burawoy, Professor of Sociology, University of California, Berkeley

"Bonfire artfully diagnoses the breakdown of social solidarity, the hollowing out of U.S. democracy, and the impending collapse of public life."
Chuck Collins, Institute for Policy Studies, author of Burned by Billionaires

"Derber’s new book, Bonfire, is just what is needed for the Trump years. Read it and help spread the warmth of resistance and a democratic Reconstruction."
Medea Benjamin, Cofounder of Code Pink and Global Exchange, winner of Ghandi and Martin Luther King peace prizes

"As Trump’s Far Right threat looms, this book becomes essential reading to prevent the self-destruction of any kind of real democracy within America."
Yale Magrass, Chancellor Professor Emeritus, University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

"Derber sends us a stark warning: America is rapidly veering towards sociocide from the loss of trust and solidarity in the economy, family, and community. Yet he finds hope in history of progressive movements.
David L. Swartz, Professor of Sociology, Boston University

"Derber has discovered a key insight into the self-destructive dynamic taking control of America’s commanding heights. But Derber refuses to succumb to despair.”
Mark Sommer, founder and host of the syndicated radio program, A World of Possibilities

"An exceptionally important book. Essential reading for students and the public, to better understand their anxieties and fight for democracy."
Jonathan White and Shelley White, co-author of The Engaged Sociologist

ISBN: 9781032793894

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 440g

142 pages