Summary of Barbara McQuade's Attack from Within

Disinformation is tearing apart American society. Attack from Within (2024) explores the pervasive threat to democracy, using the January 6 Capitol riot as a focal point. Legal scholar Barbara McQuade details how disinformation, amplified by political figures like Donald Trump, has increased societal divisions, encouraged violence, and weakened the democratic process. She examines past and present authoritarian tactics to manipulate public perception, highlighting the role of technology and social media in spreading falsehoods. To safeguard democratic values, McQuade calls for empathetic discourse and a commitment to truth.