Book Review: “Swim or Sink: Policy dynamics in challenging environments”

This book offers a comprehensive practical and theoretical exploration of the complex world of policymaking, particularly in environments fraught with economic, political, and social challenges, which to my mind, makes it a valuable resource for not only policymakers and academics, but also anyone interested in the intersection of governance, economics, and societal change.

Overview of the content: Oluikpe structures the book around seven key forces that he posits are central to the success or failure of policy: the economy, politics, ambiguity, complexity, instability, resources, and execution. Each chapter delves into one of these forces, providing a mix of theoretical insights and practical case studies that illustrate the real-world implications of policy decisions.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its ability to break down complex concepts into accessible language without oversimplifying the issues at hand. For instance, in the chapter on the economy, Oluikpe discusses how the psychology of investors and consumers often trumps the logic of economists and policymakers, a point underscored by historical examples such as the U.S. recession of the early 1990s and the subsequent impact on the political landscape. This blend of economic theory with tangible historical events allows readers to grasp the nuanced relationship between economic indicators and public sentiment.

Similarly, the chapter on politics examines the unpredictable influence of political forces on policy, including the rise of nationalism in Europe and its effect on public debates and policy-making. In this chapter, Oluikpe carefully addresses the challenges of translating policy into practice, particularly in politically unstable environments.

The chapters on ambiguity and complexity are particularly insightful, especially on how even well-intentioned policies but that are unclear or overly complex policies can sometimes lead to unintended negative outcomes, an insight that is unlikely divorced from the author’s financial inclusion background.

Critique : While “Swim or Sink” is rich in content, its breadth can also be a drawback. The book covers a vast array of topics, from economic recessions to the Arab Spring, sometimes at the expense of depth. Readers looking for a deep understanding of specific policy issues might find the book’s scope too broad as a result. Also, for a book that could be no doubt be useful for policy people from all sorts of disciplinary backgrounds, I thought it occasionally assumes a level of prior knowledge about economic and political theory that might, at times, be challenging for general readers.

Conclusion: “Swim or Sink: Policy Dynamics in Challenging Environments” ostensibly presents a refreshing insight into the complexity of policy, particularly for those interested in crafting and implementing them in challenging environments. I believe the book stands out as a thoughtful and useful guide to understanding the complexities of policy in an increasingly interconnected and volatile world.

Dr. Chuma Owuamalam, Assistant Professor, Durham University, United Kingdom.