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Braver New World: The Countries Daring to Do Things Others Won't
'At a time when politics and government feel so broken in so many parts of the world, this is a dose of optimism amid the gloom; stunning examples of people and places where courage has led to real change for the better.' Alastair Campbell
At a time when democracies seem paralyzed by fear and populations are turning inward, award-winning journalist John Kampfner travels to ten countries confronting our shared challenges with bravery and imagination.
In Japan, he discovers inter-generational care homes ensuring dignity in later life - while Britain ducks the social care question. He visits Vienna's century-old housing projects where 60% of residents live in subsidised accommodation without stigma and communities thrive. Taiwan's health system achieves 90% patient satisfaction at a fraction of the cost of the NHS. From Moroccan solar panels in the Sahara producing enough clean energy to power two million homes to Finnish classrooms preparing children for an uncertain world that Britain's teaching-to-the-test system cannot match - Kampfner introduces us to the people making radical change happen.
These aren't utopias. But what unites them is a refusal to accept that difficult problems are unsolvable. The countries showing true innovation are often those with their backs against the wall - not wealthy nations assuming they have all the answers. Braver New World is an urgent reminder that solutions exist. The question is whether we have the courage to learn.
At a time when democracies seem paralyzed by fear and populations are turning inward, award-winning journalist John Kampfner travels to ten countries confronting our shared challenges with bravery and imagination.
In Japan, he discovers inter-generational care homes ensuring dignity in later life - while Britain ducks the social care question. He visits Vienna's century-old housing projects where 60% of residents live in subsidised accommodation without stigma and communities thrive. Taiwan's health system achieves 90% patient satisfaction at a fraction of the cost of the NHS. From Moroccan solar panels in the Sahara producing enough clean energy to power two million homes to Finnish classrooms preparing children for an uncertain world that Britain's teaching-to-the-test system cannot match - Kampfner introduces us to the people making radical change happen.
These aren't utopias. But what unites them is a refusal to accept that difficult problems are unsolvable. The countries showing true innovation are often those with their backs against the wall - not wealthy nations assuming they have all the answers. Braver New World is an urgent reminder that solutions exist. The question is whether we have the courage to learn.
- GenresNonfictionPolitics
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2026
About the author
John Kampfner
18 books67 followersJohn Kampfner is an author, commentator, broadcaster and journalist. From 2008 to 2012 he ran Index on Censorship, from 2005 to 2008 he was editor of the New Statesman, and before that he worked for the Financial Times, the BBC and the Telegraph. He is a regular pundit and presenter for all channels on politics and foreign affairs and the author of four previous books. - from publishers Allen and Unwin
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 27, 2026
In ‘Braver New World’, Kampfner walks through ten countries and explores their innovative approaches to improving social, economic, environmental and political health.
My favourite chapters were Japan (managing an ageing population), Vienna (social housing) and Finland (education systems), but all of the chapters were interesting and varied. Kampfner seamlessly compares them to the existing and historical UK structures, which again I found useful. My critique is that I wish there were some pictures, especially in relation to the eco/sustainability technologies.
Overall really enjoyed!
My favourite chapters were Japan (managing an ageing population), Vienna (social housing) and Finland (education systems), but all of the chapters were interesting and varied. Kampfner seamlessly compares them to the existing and historical UK structures, which again I found useful. My critique is that I wish there were some pictures, especially in relation to the eco/sustainability technologies.
Overall really enjoyed!
May 22, 2026
Ammirevole intento rovinato dall'autoreferenzialità.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews