Developmental Politics: How America Can Grow Into a Better Version of Itself

American politics are badly broken. Yet to solve the seemingly intractable problem of hyperpolarization, we need to look beyond the gridlocked politics of Washington D.C. In Developmental Politics, Steve McIntosh shows how this growing rift in the fabric of American society is a cultural problem that requires a cultural solution. He offers a pragmatic yet inspiring approach to our national political dilemma through a new politics of culture―one that goes right to the heart of this entrenched, complex issue. McIntosh presents a variety of innovative methods through which citizens and political leaders from across the political spectrum can reach agreement and achieve consensus.

McIntosh’s proposals for overcoming hyperpolarization are founded on an emerging form of “cultural intelligence” that directly addresses the conflicting values underlying our poisoned politics. This new way of seeing leads to an inclusive vision of social progress―a new American Dream―that can help revive our collective sense of common cause and thereby restore the functionality of our democracy. Developmental Politics provides the fresh thinking we need to transcend America’s contemporary political impasse.

Steve McIntosh, J.D. is president of the Institute for Cultural Evolution think tank, which focuses on the cultural roots of America’s political problems. He has authored three previous books on integral philosophy: The Presence of the Infinite: The Spiritual Experience of Beauty, Truth, and Goodness (Quest Books, 2015), Evolution’s Purpose: An Integral Interpretation of the Scientific Story of Our Origins (Select Books, 2012), and Integral Consciousness and the Future of Evolution (Paragon House, 2007). McIntosh is also coauthor, with John Mackey and Carter Phipps, of the forthcoming book: Conscious Leadership: Elevating Humanity Through Business (Penguin/Portfolio, 2020).

Before becoming a writer and social entrepreneur, McIntosh had a variety of other successful careers, including founding the consumer products company Now & Zen, and practicing law with one of America’s largest firms. His innovative political thinking has been featured on NPR, The Daily Beast, The National Journal, and in a wide variety of other media. He is an honors graduate of the University of Virginia Law School, and the University of Southern California Business School. McIntosh grew up in Los Angeles and now lives in Boulder, Colorado with his wife and two sons. For more on his work visit: stevemcintosh.com.