Fifth Risk - Michael Lewis

As one reviewer remarked, they would gladly read an 8 year history of the stapler, had it been written by the same author.

Donald Trump. The Leader of the Free World. White Supremacist? Racist? Populist? Fascist? Bully? Hero? The obsession with the Trump presidency is on full display, as it should be, when one wields that quantum of power. Depending on who is telling the story, Trump and his administration have acquired a litany of descriptions. Because Michael Lewis is a genius of storytelling because he is always looking for the story inside the story.

In the fifth risk, Lewis brings his remarkably non-linear brand of journalism to the fore by going well past the well documented inefficiencies that are hobbling the Trump administration, to uncover the unseen risks that actually face America under Trump. Trumpism has provided fertile ground for buffoons, zealots and rent seekers to broadcast a unique and enduring brand of mismanagement born out of sheer incompetence, negligence or naked self interest.

Overall, Michael Lewis does not disappoint.

From climate control (safeguarding against hurricanes and other adverse weather), to food security for the vulnerable, nuclear waste management et cetera, The Trump administration has relegated important functions of Government to being played by ear. The book doesn’t look for complicated geo political themes to justify why this administration is categorically unfit to lead. Instead, he exposes the fact that they are thoroughly incapable, by dint of buffoonery, of running basic Governmental functions

The quoted interviews give it a magazine type quality making it highly readable. I however felt that the book ended too soon and came ever so short of leading us to a climactic crescendo. That notwithstanding, anyone who is interested in US, and ultimately global politics should read this.

4/5