Category: Books Review: The Business of America is Lobbying: How Corporations Became Politicized and Politics Became More Corporate (Studies in Postwar American Political Development) by Michael Barone and Chuck McCutcheon provides a comprehensive analysis of the role that corporations have played in shaping American politics. The book explores how lobbying has become an integral part of the political process, with corporations using their resources to influence policy decisions and shape public opinion. One of the key strengths of this book is its historical perspective. Barone and McCutcheon provide a detailed account of the evolution of corporate lobbying in America, from the early days of industrial capitalism to the present day. They show how corporations have adapted to changing political and economic conditions, and how they have used new technologies and communication strategies to advance their interests. Another strength of this book is its empirical approach. Barone and McCutcheon draw on a wide range of sources, including government reports, academic studies, and news articles, to support their arguments. They provide detailed case studies of specific lobbying campaigns, showing how corporations have used various tactics to achieve their goals. However, one potential weakness of this book is its focus on the negative aspects of corporate lobbying. While Barone and McCutcheon do discuss some positive examples of corporate engagement with politics, such as companies supporting environmental regulations or working to improve labor standards, they primarily focus on cases where corporations have used their resources to advance their own interests at the expense of others. This can give readers a somewhat one-sided view of the issue. Overall, The Business of America is Lobbying: How Corporations Became Politicized and Politics Became More Corporate (Studies in Postwar American Political Development) is an insightful and well-researched book that provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the role that corporations play in shaping American politics.