I have been reading Tocqueville again lately, prompted by our nation’s semiquincentennial celebrations. Looking at where we are today, it is hard not to wonder: if Alexis de Tocqueville showed up in 2026, would he recognize modern America?

I have been reading Tocqueville again lately, prompted by our nation’s semiquincentennial celebrations. Looking at where we are today, it is hard not to wonder: if Alexis de Tocqueville showed up in 2026, would he recognize modern America?