Made in America by Edward Stourton: Unpacking Christian Nationalism and Economic Forces Shaping U.S. Politics for Business Leaders

Through the Glass of History: Unmasking the Roots of America’s Political Present

Edward Stourton’s “Made in America” offers a compelling invitation: to look past the headlines and peer into the centuries-old currents shaping the United States’ political landscape. For business and technology leaders, this is more than a history lesson—it’s a framework for decoding the present and anticipating the future. Stourton’s narrative, meticulous yet immersive, challenges the notion that the Trump presidency was an anomaly. Instead, he reveals it as a vivid expression of patterns woven deep into the American fabric.

The Enduring Shadow of Christian Nationalism

Central to Stourton’s analysis is the persistent influence of Christian nationalism on American identity and governance. Tracing the lineage from John Winthrop’s Puritan vision to the present day, he illustrates how the merging of religious fervor and political authority has been a defining feature of the American experiment. This dynamic, he argues, is not merely a relic of the past; it is alive in contemporary politics, where religious sentiment is deftly harnessed to cultivate legitimacy and mobilize support.

For today’s leaders, the implications are profound. The intertwining of faith and politics continues to shape policy debates, electoral strategies, and even the tenor of public discourse. Yet, this legacy is double-edged. While it can foster a sense of purpose and unity, it also risks fueling exclusion and division. The challenge for modern governance—and by extension, for those steering organizations within this environment—is to reconcile these inherited narratives with the demands of a pluralistic, inclusive society.

Echoes of Empire: Expansionism in Modern Guise

Stourton’s examination of America’s imperial ambitions is equally resonant. He draws a throughline from the Louisiana Purchase and the territorial expansions of the 19th century to the contemporary rhetoric surrounding U.S. interests in Greenland and Canadian resources. What might appear as idiosyncratic policy proposals or diplomatic feints are, in Stourton’s telling, the latest expressions of a longstanding impulse: the belief in a unique American entitlement to expand and shape the world order.

For the global business community, these historical echoes matter. Expansionist postures—whether rhetorical or real—have ripple effects across trade, supply chains, and regulatory frameworks. Energy markets, in particular, are susceptible to geopolitical gambits, while technology firms must remain agile in the face of shifting international alliances and protectionist policies. Understanding the historical roots of these maneuvers equips decision-makers to anticipate and adapt to the next wave of disruption.

Illiberal Currents and the Risks to Innovation

Perhaps most unsettling is Stourton’s exploration of the cyclical nature of political persecution and executive overreach in American history. From the Alien and Sedition Acts to Andrew Jackson’s defiance of judicial authority, the tension between executive power and constitutional ideals has been a recurring motif. Stourton’s analysis suggests that these patterns are not merely cautionary tales—they are active risks in today’s polarized climate.

For corporate leaders, especially in technology and finance, the consequences are far from abstract. Environments where dissent is stifled or political freedoms are curtailed tend to breed regulatory unpredictability and stymie innovation. Cybersecurity, intellectual property, and cross-border operations all become more fraught in a context where rule of law is subject to the whims of political expediency. The lesson for industry is clear: vigilance and principled engagement are essential in navigating these turbulent waters.

Economic Nationalism: Tariffs, Trade, and the Global Order

Stourton’s observations on the resurgence of economic nationalism—mirrored in the tariff wars of the McKinley era—underscore a final, vital theme. As protectionist measures return to the fore, companies with international footprints face a landscape of volatility. Shifting tariffs, regulatory barriers, and the politicization of trade can upend established business models and demand rapid strategic recalibration.

The past, Stourton reminds us, is not a distant country. It is the ground beneath our feet, shaping every policy debate and market fluctuation. For those charting the course of business and technology in this era of uncertainty, the true competitive advantage may lie in understanding not just where we are, but how we got here—and what history warns us to watch for next.