The Puzzle State
The wicked problems of our time—climate change, migration, inequality, productivity, and mental health—remain stubbornly unresolved in Western democracies. It’s time for a new way to puzzle.
This book takes the reader on a journey from London to Berlin, and from Rome to Washington DC and Copenhagen, to discover why modern politics keeps breaking down. We’re tackling twenty-first century problems with twentieth-century quick fixes and nineteenth-century institutions.
International lancering
Sigge Winther Nielsen is launching The Puzzle State internationally this fall.
Berlin, September 3rd, 15.00-17.00
EUREF-campus (write sina@invi.nu to get access)London, September 16th, 17.00-19.00
University of Westminster (register here)
Join us for engaging conversations on how to govern wicked problems in Western democracies.
Overview: Political reforms in Western democracies, 2000–2025
These tables provide a comparative overview of major reforms in the UK, Germany, Italy, USA and Denmark. Together they show how democracies have attempted to respond to pressure, solve complex problems, and adapt to new challenges over the last twenty-five years.
Pressseomtale for “The Puzzle State”
Udtalelser om “The Puzzle State”
“Western democracies need a serious make over to reconnect to their roots and deliver to citizens. Read this thought-provoking, insightful, and entertaining book about how we can change democracy.”
“At last here is someone who has worked out how to unscramble complexity. Sigge’s book is liberating, enlightening and a must read”
“What an intriguing account of what ails Western democracies and how we need to shift how we think and act in practice to make a real difference to the basic challenges that really matter to citiziens. A much needed recipe for the renewal of the liberal democratic state.”
“A compelling read on why so many issues facing us today feel insurmountable and an insightful guide on how democracy can evolve to overcome them.”