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Legal scholar and former Obama administration official Cass R. Sunstein’s essays provide insight into a variety of issues, including conspiracy theories, climate change, animal rights and a form of Obama’s “New Progressivism” that urges a less-ambitious role for government. Conservatives bash Sunstein, now a Harvard professor, as a big-government liberal, but he presents measured, nuanced views on public policy. He acknowledges that spending too much time with only like-minded people leads both liberals and conservatives into extremism, and explains why people savor conspiracy theories. Sunstein’s writing style is engaging, though his often-strong opinions sometimes dissipate or disappear, as in a rudderless chapter on climate change. getAbstract recommends his intelligent essays to students of government, policy makers, those interested in animal rights or cognitive science, and corporate leaders seeking insight into decision making.

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From CONSPIRACY THEORIES AND OTHER DANGEROUS IDEAS by Cass R. Sunstein. Copyright @ 2014 by Cass Sunstein. Reprinted by permission of Simon & Schuster Inc.