In Why Nothing Works, Marc J. Dunkelman examines the current state of American governance, arguing that a combination of political gridlock and institutional inertia has stifled progress. He explores how both conservative and progressive forces have contributed to a system where nearly anyone can block change, leading to a "vetocracy" that hampers the government's ability to address pressing issues like infrastructure decay, climate change, and economic inequality. Dunkelman calls for a reevaluation of political strategies and a return to a more pragmatic approach to governance in order to restore confidence in democratic institutions and enable meaningful reform