The Future Starts With Us by Gordon Brown review – a recipe for beating populism

Gordon Brown’s latest book, “The Future Starts With Us,” offers a comprehensive analysis of the collapse of civic ties and their connection to populism on both domestic and international stages. Beneath this nuanced examination lies a growing reliance on polling data to inform policy decisions.

Brown argues that strengthening civic ties can create a virtuous circle of engagement, security, and cooperation. He supports his claim with polling data from 32,000 people across 20 developed countries, distinguishing between “zero sum” thinkers who prioritize self-interest and a more generous “civic core” open to compromise for the greater good.

The distinction is crucial, highlighting the need for progressive governments to appeal to the civic core. However, Brown acknowledges that success depends on implementing measures like reducing economic grievances and increasing face-to-face interaction between people from different backgrounds. The question remains: can these measures be replicated on a large scale, or are they mere Band-Aid solutions for deeper structural issues?

According to Brown’s polling data, there is a significant group of people who could be persuaded to vote against populist politicians. However, this group has its flaws, and the measures proposed by Brown to restore international rules-based order, such as a new universal charter, are overly simplistic and fail to address root causes.

The Limits of Polling Data

Brown’s reliance on polling data raises questions about using public opinion to inform policy decisions. While polling can provide valuable insights into people’s attitudes and behaviors, it is no substitute for careful analysis of structural issues. Brown’s own book highlights the dangers of relying solely on polling data when tackling complex problems like populism.

A More Nuanced Approach

Rather than relying on polling data, governments should focus on addressing underlying causes of fragmentation and civic disengagement. This requires a more nuanced approach that considers complexities of modern society, including the impact of neoliberalism on civic ties. Brown’s book provides a useful starting point for this conversation but ultimately falls short in providing a comprehensive solution to these problems.

The Role of Governments

Governments have a critical role to play in addressing structural issues underlying populism. Rather than relying on polling data, governments should focus on implementing measures that address root causes of fragmentation and civic disengagement. This includes investing in community programs, promoting face-to-face interaction between people from different backgrounds, and addressing economic grievances.

The International Dimension

The collapse of international rules-based order is a critical issue requiring a coordinated response from governments around the world. Brown’s proposal for a new universal charter is overly simplistic and fails to address root causes of fragmentation on the global stage. Instead, governments should focus on implementing measures that promote cooperation and collaboration between countries, such as strengthening international institutions and promoting multilateralism.

Brown’s book raises important questions about the role of civic engagement in tackling populism but ultimately falls short in providing a comprehensive solution to these problems. Creating a virtuous circle of civic engagement requires more than just polling data and policy proposals; it demands a fundamental shift in how governments approach complex problems like populism.

The success of Brown’s book lies not in its policy prescriptions, but in its ability to spark a much-needed conversation about the role of civic engagement in tackling populism. As governments around the world grapple with challenges posed by fragmentation and civic disengagement, they would do well to take heed of Brown’s warnings and focus on implementing measures that address root causes of these problems.