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The American Evolution
From the economy to terrorism, America faces difficult new challenges. In these times of uncertainty, the question is one of national can America adapt to the economic, demographic, technological and security challenges of the new century? Moreover, what specific policies can aid this evolution? The American Evolution provides intriguing new insights on these questions, through the synthesis of evolutionary science, quantum mechanics, systems theory, complexity economics, and other emerging sciences of progressive change. Covering a staggering array of pressing issues - the financial crisis, the war on terror, immigration, trade, education, technology, social policy, job creation, constitutional law, elections and more - The American Evolution helps bring fresh insights to illuminate the tough questions we face as a nation.
244 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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January 11, 2010
‘..the pursuit of cake is the most efficient bread-making system in history,’
The story of American history, Matt Harrison writes, is that of overcoming obstacles through innovation, perseverance and creative compromise, and that these are required in abundance if America is to deal with some of its current challenges. In this book, Mr Harrison makes a case that new and more innovative public policy is needed and that this requires more active involvement by informed citizens. One of the objectives of this book is to inform readers about just what some of those challenges are (they include terrorism, health care, economic growth and international trade), and to propose some potential solutions.
A sense of energy and purpose flows through this book, and few would disagree that the issues identified are problematic. I am less sure that all would agree with the solutions proposed, but I consider that to be a secondary issue. What is important in America, and in other countries, is that there needs to be discussion and debate about the most appropriate public policy responses to these challenges. Such debate also needs to cover the most effective role of government, recognising that roles can (and probably should) change over time.
I agree with Mr Harrison that increased involvement by citizens in the democratic process (in all democracies) is needed to make governments more effective, beneficial and responsive. The challenge, so often, is how to achieve this. This book represents one starting point and while it is written entirely from an American viewpoint, the challenges and especially their impacts, are global rather than national.
An interesting, thought provoking read.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
The story of American history, Matt Harrison writes, is that of overcoming obstacles through innovation, perseverance and creative compromise, and that these are required in abundance if America is to deal with some of its current challenges. In this book, Mr Harrison makes a case that new and more innovative public policy is needed and that this requires more active involvement by informed citizens. One of the objectives of this book is to inform readers about just what some of those challenges are (they include terrorism, health care, economic growth and international trade), and to propose some potential solutions.
A sense of energy and purpose flows through this book, and few would disagree that the issues identified are problematic. I am less sure that all would agree with the solutions proposed, but I consider that to be a secondary issue. What is important in America, and in other countries, is that there needs to be discussion and debate about the most appropriate public policy responses to these challenges. Such debate also needs to cover the most effective role of government, recognising that roles can (and probably should) change over time.
I agree with Mr Harrison that increased involvement by citizens in the democratic process (in all democracies) is needed to make governments more effective, beneficial and responsive. The challenge, so often, is how to achieve this. This book represents one starting point and while it is written entirely from an American viewpoint, the challenges and especially their impacts, are global rather than national.
An interesting, thought provoking read.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Displaying 1 of 1 review