Since Donald Trump’s first day in office, a large and energetic grassroots “Resistance” has taken to the streets to protest his administration’s plans for the United States. Millions marched in pussy hats on the day after the inauguration; outraged citizens flocked to airports to declare that America must be open to immigrants; masses of demonstrators circled the White House to demand action on climate change; and that was only the beginning. Who are the millions of people marching against the Trump administration, how are they connected to the Blue Wave that washed over the U.S. Congress in 2018—and what does it all mean for the future of American democracy?

American Resistance traces activists from the streets back to the communities and congressional districts around the country where they live, work, and vote. Using innovative survey data and interviews with key players, Dana R. Fisher analyzes how Resistance groups have channeled outrage into activism, using distributed organizing to make activism possible by anyone from anywhere, whenever and wherever it is needed most. Beginning with the first Women’s March and following the movement through the 2018 midterms, Fisher demonstrates how the energy and enthusiasm of the Resistance paid off in a wave of Democratic victories. She reveals how the Left rebounded from the devastating 2016 election, the lessons for turning grassroots passion into electoral gains, and what comes next. American Resistance explains the organizing that is revitalizing democracy to counter Trump’s presidency.

"Terrific." - The New Republic

"The comprehensive guide to the Resistance: the backlash to the 2016 elections, the Blue Wave of 2018, and the enthusiasm leading to 2020." - Colorado Politics

"The book accomplishes the challenging task of informing a general audience with an interest in social movements while bringing original data and a wealth of political science and sociological research to bear on the study of “the Resistance.”" - Perspectives on Politics

"American Resistance will appeal to social movement scholars as well as anyone interested in understanding contemporary social change efforts." - Mobilization

"Fisher’s work is unapologetically descriptive, drawing from a unique series of surveys of protestors in Washington, DC in 2017 and 2018...The data that resulted from these surveys are the most important contribution of Fisher’s book, as measuring the attitudes of protestors is a fraught business." - Contemporary Sociology

"Recommended." - Choice

"For anyone concerned about the state of civic engagement, Fisher presents a treasure trove of new evidence, some of it interesting and encouraging" - Social Forces

"Interestingly, although American Resistance focuses on protests and protesters, the book may be most effective at illustrating how a lot of people are working hard to change society even when—and perhaps especially when—they are not visible in the streets." - American Journal of Sociology