A review of the fix: how countries use crises to solve the

world’s worst problems

Odessa Olyfveldt

Professor Lindsey Scorgie -Porter

Political Science 1020
16th, October, 2017
 The Fix: How countries use crises to solve the world’s worst problems.

How would you assess the overall content of this book?

Jonathan Tepperman, Tim Duggan books, Division of Penguin Random House LLC, New York,

United States, 2013, 307pp, ISBN 978-1-101-90300-1.

In the Fix, Jonathan Tepperman argues that it is possible for global challenges such as the resource

curse and the middle- income trap to be resolved, if leaders explore unconventional strategies (1).

Throughout the text, he highlights countries, whose leaders resolved issues that were affecting

nations, by implementing strategies that were unwonted, such as the Bolsa Familia program that

basically handed out cash to the poor.

Tepperman states that we are living in an era of unprecedented decline (ibid). He credits this to

the political and economical issues that we are faced to confront each day such as poverty and

Islamic extremism. He argues that the increase in political violence coupled with mass media

publications have caused global citizens to become agitated and distressed (2). Moreover,

Tepperman states that the attacks in West Africa, where civilians were slaughtered and Paris,

where a satirical magazine was targeted by Islamic extremists, along with the fact that the Islamic

state (ISIS) has extended its reach, by increasing casualties in Europe, have resulted in the

disintegration of state sovereignty, and have also exposed the weaknesses in the principles

governing globalisation (4-5). These acts of terrorism have resulted in us being fearful of

conducting our daily activities in fear of being subjected to terroristic attacks.

Moreover, Tepperman states that people are experiencing financial difficulties and economic

growth is on the decline (2). The middle class is unable to earn enough income to support their

families due to factors such as low wages and high tuition fees (ibid). This is particularly evident
in large cities such as New York where the price of living is extremely high (ibid). There has been

significant decline in the economies of USA, Europe and Russia. (ibid) This is a stark contrast

from the twentieth century when almost every country’s markets and economic growth rates were

incrementally increasing. (ibid). Additionally, at that time, there was an expansion in the middle

class around the world (3).

Further, the global issues that we are facing each day can be attributed to the failure of politicians

to fulfill the duties that their job entails, writes Tepperman (5). He argues that because politicians

fail to properly address “the big ten,” we are experiencing a great gloom in the world today. Issues

such as inequality, corruption and immigration are regarded as some of the greatest hurdles that

nations have faced in this century (ibid). The constant failures of politicians have resulted in

political analysts expressing doubts that these issues are indeed fixable. Additionally, voters are

turning to unconventional leaders who promise to change the entire political system (ibid). We can

see an example of this in the last United States elections, where controversial figures such as Bernie

Sanders and Donald Trump have managed to gain broad support bases (ibid).

Finally, the issues that are presented in the book are fixable, Tepperman states (6) He urges

politicians to “think outside of the box” and to place the needs of their constituents above party

and ideology. Tepperman believes that the solutions to these issues, do in fact exist, but it will take

great critical thinking and certain conditions for them to be discovered (ibid). The terrorist attack

that was carried out in New York and the civil war that ensued in Rwanda and South Korea are

some examples where the conditions forced leaders to deviate from the traditional policies and

ideologies that would hinder the implementation of what would otherwise be considered rogue

policies (ibid).
 What country case study chapter do you find most compelling and why?

Brazil’s case study which highlights inequality is an important issue for humanity since inequality

is an issue that nations have been struggling with since their existence. It is often regarded as an

effect of the free market (6). There has been little success in the attempt to decrease inequality in

countries around the world. It is a two- fold issue, that is, it is both a cause and consequence of

other issues that are affecting nations. Inequality results in high levels of; corruption, unrest in

nations, poverty and even causes people to undermine the system of democracy (ibid). The

inequality rates are going to continue to increase and therefore, the disparity in incomes between

the rich and the poor will become larger over the next few decades (7).

Lula da Silva is an incredible problem solver who managed to improve the income gaps in Brazil.

Lula’s ability to compromise with the opposition parities made his program, Bolsa Familia, a

success. When he became Brazil’s president, he did not adopt policies that favour his preferred

ideology. Rather, he embraced policies and ideas from all over the political spectrum and can

therefore can be lauded for his impartial thinking. Lula knew that, to be successful, he had to make

policies that would benefit the entire country and not only those who supported him. Those who

were critical of Lula during his previous campaign to become president were enthralled with the

success of the policies that he implemented and praised the persons he appointed to his cabinet.

Moreover, the premise of the Bolsa Familia program, that is, handing out cash to the poor, has

never been attempted before and would be severely controversial in the current political climate,

given its socialistic nature. Nevertheless, Lula believed that it was a myth that poor money would

not know how to manage money, despite popular beliefs. Therefore, by exploring unconventional

approaches, Lula decrease the income disparity in Brazil.

 What are the overall strengths and weaknesses of The Fix?

The book’s use of vivid case studies helps to make the progression and declination of the world

much more significant than merely proceedings that occurred during a timeline, that is from, the

from the twentieth century to twenty first century. The text is written in prose. It is vivid yet

straightforward. Tepperman uses statics liberally to highlight his assertions, thereby providing a

credible work whose assertions can possibly be concluded by others who utilise the sources he

provided, throughout the text.

Moreover, the book is well organised with thorough descriptions of the issues themselves,

followed by an analysis of the solutions and finally, the leadership lessons that arose from each

study are presented in later chapters of the book. However, it is extremely noticeable that

Tepperman appears to present each case study with a bit of bias as he places keen emphasis on the

benefits of each resolution only.

Although, he provides a succinct analysis of the strategies that were employed in each chapter, to

resolve issues he fails to thoroughly explore the limitations of each strategy that was implemented

and the extent to which these strategies would be applicable to other countries. For example, when

Tepperman addresses the possible enactment of the Bolsa Familia program, in more affluent

countries, he does not proffer any description nor analysis on the reasons why the program would

not be successful but rather just blatantly states that it would not be successful for obvious reasons.

What lessons are there in the Fix?

The fix provides valuable leadership lessons that would be incredibly beneficial to politicians and

students on complex conflict resolutions. Perhaps, the most valuable lesson that can be learnt from

The Fix is that, the needs and wants of those in your political community should always override
party loyalty and ideology. Thus, the policies that you implement should not only benefit those

who support you, but rather, benefit the entire population. For the Bolsa Familia program, to be

successful, Lula la Silva, the then president of Brazil, had to work with parties whose ideologies

vary across the political spectrum. He selected Henrique Maierelles, a member of PDSB, the main

opponent of Lula’s party, to manage Brazil’s Central bank (32).

Further, there should always be limits and checks when extra liberties are given. This would

prevent the abuse of power by those in government and would demonstrate great leadership

capabilities. Pierre Trudeau had the option of caving in to the demands of the francophones who

wanted Quebec to secede from Canada, Paul Kagame could have meted out the same violence

inflicted to those affected by the genocide in Rwanada and Pena Nico, could have oppressed the

opposition when he captured Mexico’s president. (224). These examples show how the extent to

which leaders were willing to go to make compromises that would benefit those under their rule.

Moreover, change should always be promoted through humane ways. Therefore, power when

given, should not be used to seek retaliation. Exploring the “right path” might make solutions more

difficult, but it is the values that arises out of these situations that will set precedent for the

country’s prosperity. Indonesia fought terrorism without implementing extra judicial killings as

Suharto did in the Philippines and Pena Nieto gave up the opportunity to continue the war between

PRI and PAN and the PRD. (227)

Would you recommend The Fix to a friend? Why or why not?

The fix would be a good book to recommend to a friend since it is thought provoking and offers

practical advice for those who are problem solvers. Moreover, it explores the benefits of

exploring avant-garde ways of thinking, and therefore, would be a good read.