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The SIMPOL Solution: Saving Global Problems Could Be Easier Than We Think
In the 21st century we face innumerable material and existential challenges both now and in the future, from religious fanaticism, mass migration, unfettered corporate power, to inequality, big data and climate change. Ahead of these global threats and tragedies is a common barrier to their solution—it is the spirit that has defined the age we live in: competition. The Simultaneous Policy Solution, the 'SIMPOL Solution' shows us how we must all come to terms with the crippling effect of global competition. Only through simultaneous action, through cooperation, can we overcome these problems.
- GenresPolitics
208 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2017
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96 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 13, 2018
[July 12, 2018]
I'm not quite sure what to think of this book. It's either a naive, simplistic proposal for solving our current global problems, or it's an exciting new possibility. In any event it's an interesting read and worth discussing. The main thesis is that many of our global problems cannot be solved through our current methods because "destructive global competition (DGC)" makes it impossible for more than the most minuscule gradual changes. And we don't have time for that. The authors propose that the only way to fight DGC is through global cooperation. They obviously understand how difficult that is and they have a proposal for accomplishing it.
It's a short book and reasonably well written though it sometimes seems to get a little off track. I recommend it to anyone who is open to at least considering creative solutions.
I'm not quite sure what to think of this book. It's either a naive, simplistic proposal for solving our current global problems, or it's an exciting new possibility. In any event it's an interesting read and worth discussing. The main thesis is that many of our global problems cannot be solved through our current methods because "destructive global competition (DGC)" makes it impossible for more than the most minuscule gradual changes. And we don't have time for that. The authors propose that the only way to fight DGC is through global cooperation. They obviously understand how difficult that is and they have a proposal for accomplishing it.
It's a short book and reasonably well written though it sometimes seems to get a little off track. I recommend it to anyone who is open to at least considering creative solutions.
April 13, 2017
THE SIMPOL SOLUTION: Solving Global Problems Could Be Easier Than We Think, by John Bunkl and Nick Duffell, Peter Owen Publishers.
Are you tired of the political blame game, hearing those on the left blaming those on the right, and those on the right blaming those on the left? Of feeling impotent, because money rules the world? Are you fed up with the governmental paralysis that results from staked-out, bought-and-paid-for positions and the inability to hear what others have to say? Sick of partisan rectitude and hot-air rhetoric and sound bites? Scared at the prospect of a planet scarred—or rendered uninhabitable—by global warming? A society rotting from within from the effects of social injustice and wealth inequality? You could do worse than read The Simpol Solution: Solving Global Problems Could Be Easier Than We Think by John Bunkl and Nick Duffell.
The root problem in today’s dysfunctional world, in Bunkl and Duffell’s analysis is what they call “Destructive Global Competition” (DGC) and what we need to address it involves nothing more—nor less!—than a radical change in the way we think. Call it a paradigm shift. In this globalized world, the authors affirm, we are stuck, as individuals, corporations and nations in the grip of a competitive modus operandi that sets person against person, corporation against corporation, nation against nation in a competitive vicious circle that has come to threaten our very survival as a species. In this, the left is as complicit as the right. Even a cursory glance at the political paralysis that plagues our own country and the multiple intractable problems that infect our globe is enough to suggest that they are right. Almost everyone can agree that the “system” is not working. In a globalized world, our human consciousness must evolve—the authors suggest, is already evolving—from individual- and nation-centric thinking to “worldcentric” thinking if we are to survive.
How do we change our collective mind? We have first to examine and step away from the old thought habits, to which we cling tenaciously because of their very familiarity. To help us work through the sense of loss that is involved, Bunkl and Duffell—who sensibly insist on the role of psychology in addressing these global socio-economic issues—walk us through the five steps of grieving described by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross: denial, anger, bargaining, grieving, acceptance, taking the time that is necessary to shuck the old in order to embrace the new.
Along the way, the authors examine the blame game that simply makes our current situation worse. Useless to blame corporate greed, as many of us on the left are fond of doing: the corporation is by its very nature required be competitive, even at times ruthlessly so, if it wishes to survive against the ruthlessness of others. Even the well-intentioned, civic-minded corporation is not able to survive at a financial loss. Useless, too, to blame the politicians, who are stuck in the same competitive mode and who need to “win” over others if they are to succeed. Once elected, the policies they enact, in our current system of “sovereign” nation-states, must put the interests of their nation over other nations, “since the global free movement of capital and corporations forces governments to do whatever is necessary to maintain the effectiveness of their respective national economies.”
If global competition is as destructive to our individual and collective well-being as the authors say, what’s the alternative? Here’s where the “Simpol solution” comes in. Simpol, I discovered to my surprise, has been around for more than fifteen years. Founded in 2000 by this book’s co-author and British businessman John Bunkl, it is now a growing international organization that seeks, in short, to save us from ourselves. SIMPOL is shorthand for “the simultanenous policy” campaign, inviting citizens in the U.S., and citizens around the world, to use our votes in a powerful new way to solve global problems like global warming, financial market regulation, environmental destruction, war, and social injustice.” To solve these problems, Simpol insists, “governments must act together. If all governments act together, simultaneously, everyone wins. But while they fail to cooperate, it’s the markets that continue to run politics—not we, the people.”
Global cooperation? Just look at the impotence of the United Nations, you say. To which the authors say: case in point, the United Nations is, precisely, a gaggle of competing “sovereign states,” dominated by a Security Council whose members, in competition with each other and each with veto power, guarantee its failure. But global harmony, you say, is a utopian dream. Impractical. Never happen. Not so, the authors claim. Not only do they argue, persuasively, that global catastrophe is the only eventual alternative to cooperation, they describe, at the end of the book, a series of practical steps that can lead to their goal.
The SIMPOL Solution is an ambitious, persuasively-argued, thorough and, indeed a passionately-written plea for a new world order. If, as I say, you are tired of the old hostilities and the old clichés; if you are tired of feeling exploited and impotent as a voter; if you long for real change in the way the world conducts its business and have despaired of finding a way to make that happen—this book is for you.
Are you tired of the political blame game, hearing those on the left blaming those on the right, and those on the right blaming those on the left? Of feeling impotent, because money rules the world? Are you fed up with the governmental paralysis that results from staked-out, bought-and-paid-for positions and the inability to hear what others have to say? Sick of partisan rectitude and hot-air rhetoric and sound bites? Scared at the prospect of a planet scarred—or rendered uninhabitable—by global warming? A society rotting from within from the effects of social injustice and wealth inequality? You could do worse than read The Simpol Solution: Solving Global Problems Could Be Easier Than We Think by John Bunkl and Nick Duffell.
The root problem in today’s dysfunctional world, in Bunkl and Duffell’s analysis is what they call “Destructive Global Competition” (DGC) and what we need to address it involves nothing more—nor less!—than a radical change in the way we think. Call it a paradigm shift. In this globalized world, the authors affirm, we are stuck, as individuals, corporations and nations in the grip of a competitive modus operandi that sets person against person, corporation against corporation, nation against nation in a competitive vicious circle that has come to threaten our very survival as a species. In this, the left is as complicit as the right. Even a cursory glance at the political paralysis that plagues our own country and the multiple intractable problems that infect our globe is enough to suggest that they are right. Almost everyone can agree that the “system” is not working. In a globalized world, our human consciousness must evolve—the authors suggest, is already evolving—from individual- and nation-centric thinking to “worldcentric” thinking if we are to survive.
How do we change our collective mind? We have first to examine and step away from the old thought habits, to which we cling tenaciously because of their very familiarity. To help us work through the sense of loss that is involved, Bunkl and Duffell—who sensibly insist on the role of psychology in addressing these global socio-economic issues—walk us through the five steps of grieving described by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross: denial, anger, bargaining, grieving, acceptance, taking the time that is necessary to shuck the old in order to embrace the new.
Along the way, the authors examine the blame game that simply makes our current situation worse. Useless to blame corporate greed, as many of us on the left are fond of doing: the corporation is by its very nature required be competitive, even at times ruthlessly so, if it wishes to survive against the ruthlessness of others. Even the well-intentioned, civic-minded corporation is not able to survive at a financial loss. Useless, too, to blame the politicians, who are stuck in the same competitive mode and who need to “win” over others if they are to succeed. Once elected, the policies they enact, in our current system of “sovereign” nation-states, must put the interests of their nation over other nations, “since the global free movement of capital and corporations forces governments to do whatever is necessary to maintain the effectiveness of their respective national economies.”
If global competition is as destructive to our individual and collective well-being as the authors say, what’s the alternative? Here’s where the “Simpol solution” comes in. Simpol, I discovered to my surprise, has been around for more than fifteen years. Founded in 2000 by this book’s co-author and British businessman John Bunkl, it is now a growing international organization that seeks, in short, to save us from ourselves. SIMPOL is shorthand for “the simultanenous policy” campaign, inviting citizens in the U.S., and citizens around the world, to use our votes in a powerful new way to solve global problems like global warming, financial market regulation, environmental destruction, war, and social injustice.” To solve these problems, Simpol insists, “governments must act together. If all governments act together, simultaneously, everyone wins. But while they fail to cooperate, it’s the markets that continue to run politics—not we, the people.”
Global cooperation? Just look at the impotence of the United Nations, you say. To which the authors say: case in point, the United Nations is, precisely, a gaggle of competing “sovereign states,” dominated by a Security Council whose members, in competition with each other and each with veto power, guarantee its failure. But global harmony, you say, is a utopian dream. Impractical. Never happen. Not so, the authors claim. Not only do they argue, persuasively, that global catastrophe is the only eventual alternative to cooperation, they describe, at the end of the book, a series of practical steps that can lead to their goal.
The SIMPOL Solution is an ambitious, persuasively-argued, thorough and, indeed a passionately-written plea for a new world order. If, as I say, you are tired of the old hostilities and the old clichés; if you are tired of feeling exploited and impotent as a voter; if you long for real change in the way the world conducts its business and have despaired of finding a way to make that happen—this book is for you.
June 13, 2024
What I like about this book is the analysis of the global problem we have with what the author calls "Destructive Global Competition". Rarely people are able to zoom out as much as in this book. Also, the explanation about why certain protests or policies do not work, are quite accurate to my opinion. And even the "view levels" the author describes make sense to me, and acknowledge cultural challenges.
However, beyond analysis of the situation, the author presents very little in terms of solutions or next steps. Sure, SIMPOL seems like a potential way forward, but before the author gets into the workings of SIMPOL, he moves ahead into comparisons with biological evolution and the human brain and body (I lost him there). No examples of how SIMPOL would work in the real world, or what types of policies could be done via SIMPOL.
The author leaves me with a great analysis of the situation, but by no means brings any (new) hope for a change.
However, beyond analysis of the situation, the author presents very little in terms of solutions or next steps. Sure, SIMPOL seems like a potential way forward, but before the author gets into the workings of SIMPOL, he moves ahead into comparisons with biological evolution and the human brain and body (I lost him there). No examples of how SIMPOL would work in the real world, or what types of policies could be done via SIMPOL.
The author leaves me with a great analysis of the situation, but by no means brings any (new) hope for a change.
August 26, 2020
It is true, our governments are pressed in a very narrow decision frame by our economical system to stay "competitive". This is called "Destructive Global Competition" by the authors and ends up in a race to the bottom and endangers all of us.
The book is about a (convincing) solution for how we can actively tackle this problem that is far too big for any nation state alone. A truly inspiring book of what we can do as a single voter to really make life better for all of us on this planet.
The book is about a (convincing) solution for how we can actively tackle this problem that is far too big for any nation state alone. A truly inspiring book of what we can do as a single voter to really make life better for all of us on this planet.
August 15, 2020
A solution to the global problems we're facing - who wouldn't want to read about that‽
This book moves from problem statement, to psychology, through evolution and biology to the solution. A compelling argument is built-up surprisingly well given the dual authors' credentials (a psychotherapist and a global textile company director/writer).
The concept described remains a little abstract in definition, but it feels like these two SIMPOL 'sales men' are putting it out there to consciously assist evolution, just as they implore us to assist with evolution in the same way.
Ever since I grasped democratic process and observed the polarisation it encourages, I've held the view that democracy is flawed and I've lamented the fact that I'm not smart enough to come up with a better idea. Now I don't need to.I think these guys may have,and I'm willing to join the cause and see where it gets to in my life time! Here goes.
This book moves from problem statement, to psychology, through evolution and biology to the solution. A compelling argument is built-up surprisingly well given the dual authors' credentials (a psychotherapist and a global textile company director/writer).
The concept described remains a little abstract in definition, but it feels like these two SIMPOL 'sales men' are putting it out there to consciously assist evolution, just as they implore us to assist with evolution in the same way.
Ever since I grasped democratic process and observed the polarisation it encourages, I've held the view that democracy is flawed and I've lamented the fact that I'm not smart enough to come up with a better idea. Now I don't need to.I think these guys may have,and I'm willing to join the cause and see where it gets to in my life time! Here goes.
April 12, 2017
Is there anything new to say under the sun when it comes to thinking about the state of the world, global problems, and what to do about them? Refreshingly, it seems there is.
There's a lot of literature out there doing a nice job of assessing and critiquing our global systems in compelling or sophisticated ways - I'm looking at you Naomi Klein - but it can all feel a bit repetitive, and it's not often you find a book that manages to do more than just analyze, but seek to resolve.
The question of the book is clear - what's keeping us from solving global problems, and what can we do about it? Co-written by two authors - a psychologist and a campaigner - the book answers the first part of that question not just by addressing the structural issues that prevent us from solving global problems, but also the psychological processes that see us focusing on the wrong things or putting blame in the wrong place. It's an interesting fusion - socio-political commentary meets psychoanalysis - that makes for a book that flits between styles and tones, vignettes and proposals. The second part of the book - what we can do about global problems - is just as thought-provoking - going beyond the usual recommendations to smash the system or down tools in favour of a very nuanced and potentially radical reinterpretation of the power of the vote.
Seeking as it does to dig deep into how we think and feel about global issues, as well as propose solutions for changing our thinking, the book is not always an easy read - at times it can be downright challenging. But reading it you can definitely feel its a challenge on purpose - to the thinking-ruts we've fallen into and our discomfort at the idea that we might need to change them.
Always insightful and exceptionally forthright, it is a very readable but still challenging read, and it is certainly a thought-provoking one; very unlike anything else being said in this area. Definitely recommend.
There's a lot of literature out there doing a nice job of assessing and critiquing our global systems in compelling or sophisticated ways - I'm looking at you Naomi Klein - but it can all feel a bit repetitive, and it's not often you find a book that manages to do more than just analyze, but seek to resolve.
The question of the book is clear - what's keeping us from solving global problems, and what can we do about it? Co-written by two authors - a psychologist and a campaigner - the book answers the first part of that question not just by addressing the structural issues that prevent us from solving global problems, but also the psychological processes that see us focusing on the wrong things or putting blame in the wrong place. It's an interesting fusion - socio-political commentary meets psychoanalysis - that makes for a book that flits between styles and tones, vignettes and proposals. The second part of the book - what we can do about global problems - is just as thought-provoking - going beyond the usual recommendations to smash the system or down tools in favour of a very nuanced and potentially radical reinterpretation of the power of the vote.
Seeking as it does to dig deep into how we think and feel about global issues, as well as propose solutions for changing our thinking, the book is not always an easy read - at times it can be downright challenging. But reading it you can definitely feel its a challenge on purpose - to the thinking-ruts we've fallen into and our discomfort at the idea that we might need to change them.
Always insightful and exceptionally forthright, it is a very readable but still challenging read, and it is certainly a thought-provoking one; very unlike anything else being said in this area. Definitely recommend.
April 17, 2017
The SIMPOL Solution offers the key to how our current world problems can be resolved in an effective and tangible way. It brings a new hope to politics with a brand new perspective and innovative thinking, proposing a real solution for lasting global change. We should all become aware of how our world could finally change for the better and how we can all make a difference, and this book can be the answer!
Read
October 21, 2023a thorough systemic analysis w/ solutions
January 5, 2025
I am not entirely certain of how to rate this book.
On the one hand, I want to give it a high rating solely because it attempts to solve a crucial and noble goal that deserves more attention (i.e., global cooperation). If achieved, humanity would finally work towards alleviating the climate crisis and lowering the astonishing rates of inequality. I don't want to falsely tear down well-intentioned material. It is easy to point and laugh at anyone who attempts such a daring feat. To brush them off as naive fools. I did it compulsively many times throughout my reading. Yet without these starry-eyed individuals who is left to carry the torch? I think we can all agree that the current political state of the world isn't going anywhere good. Our current proposed solutions are impotent and recycled from the past. So why not give these cheeky dreamer's ideas a chance? I like what Chomsky's front cover review said. "It's ambitious and provocative. Can it work? Certainly worth a serious try."
Yet my other hand has some critiques because this solution, though laudable, is not perfect. Firstly, the book bogs itself down with too many analogies that uproot the cause from concrete reality. Secondly, it oversimplifies almost everything (for the sake of brevity?), which diminishes its persuasive ability. To elaborate on my first point, it dives into the Kubler-Ross five stages of grief psychology model and attempts to apply it to the SIMPOL solution. I'm just not entirely sold that global justice organizations and the like are mere grievers stuck in the bargaining stage of the model. It felt forcefully tacked on to sell a more compelling narrative. In line with this point is also this spiral dynamics hierarchy of views that goes from survival, to mystical, to tribal, to warrior, to modern, to postmodern, to finally a two split global stage. It reeks of pseudoscience and more oversimplification porn. I'm not sure what to make of it. It says that each subsequent level is inclusive of the predecessor and promises it's not elitist but I don't know man. Seems like a copout to avoid the reality that the whole model is a bit bogus and serves to prop up the author's solution as "the next step." Right at the end the authors tap into biology and evolution to draw even more parallels. We humans are just like ancient bacteria facing competition-induced extinction and need to develop the nucleus to survive. Cool story bro. Due to these gripes, I don't feel this to be a perfect book unless 40 years in the future SIMPOL is the reason humanity solved the climate crisis. At which point I'll change my rating to 5 stars. Fortunately, these critiques are aimed mostly at how the book was written and presented, but fail to strike the heart of their actual solution.
The SIMPOL solution seeks to get politicians running for office to pledge to implement SIMPOL or else they won't be voted for by the SIMPOL voting block. Since most elections are decided by slim margins, even a small voting block can sway politicians into signing. This causes a domino effect where their competitors also pledge so that they don't lose the SIMPOL voting block. This way, SIMPOL is democratically implemented by the people, and only after nearly all sovereign nations are pledged will policies be formulated and implemented simultaneously, as collaboratively suggested by each state. I think this is a pretty good idea, especially given the impossible task at hand. It is at the very least plausible and inspiring to hear amidst these times of apathy and doomerism. For that reason, I recommend everyone give this a read if they've never seriously considered solving global issues but desperately wish more was being done. It could be the catalyst to action that the world desperately needs.
Lastly, I want to put some funny notes about the book. The authors used the word impotent so many times I've started using it regularly (read the review intro, it's there). It appeared a lot. There were also multiple Jared Diamond references and worst yet, a Malcolm Gladwell reference. So that worried me. It might explain why these authors were so entranced by oversimplifying every concept to the point where even their movement in great irony, is titled SIMPOL. Anyway, the real question, "Is this book worth reading?" I would say yes. Expose yourself to global solutions. New ideas can't hurt and I think this book is a good stepping stone for the uninitiated. 4 Stars because of its laudable character and lofty goals, despite its issues.
On the one hand, I want to give it a high rating solely because it attempts to solve a crucial and noble goal that deserves more attention (i.e., global cooperation). If achieved, humanity would finally work towards alleviating the climate crisis and lowering the astonishing rates of inequality. I don't want to falsely tear down well-intentioned material. It is easy to point and laugh at anyone who attempts such a daring feat. To brush them off as naive fools. I did it compulsively many times throughout my reading. Yet without these starry-eyed individuals who is left to carry the torch? I think we can all agree that the current political state of the world isn't going anywhere good. Our current proposed solutions are impotent and recycled from the past. So why not give these cheeky dreamer's ideas a chance? I like what Chomsky's front cover review said. "It's ambitious and provocative. Can it work? Certainly worth a serious try."
Yet my other hand has some critiques because this solution, though laudable, is not perfect. Firstly, the book bogs itself down with too many analogies that uproot the cause from concrete reality. Secondly, it oversimplifies almost everything (for the sake of brevity?), which diminishes its persuasive ability. To elaborate on my first point, it dives into the Kubler-Ross five stages of grief psychology model and attempts to apply it to the SIMPOL solution. I'm just not entirely sold that global justice organizations and the like are mere grievers stuck in the bargaining stage of the model. It felt forcefully tacked on to sell a more compelling narrative. In line with this point is also this spiral dynamics hierarchy of views that goes from survival, to mystical, to tribal, to warrior, to modern, to postmodern, to finally a two split global stage. It reeks of pseudoscience and more oversimplification porn. I'm not sure what to make of it. It says that each subsequent level is inclusive of the predecessor and promises it's not elitist but I don't know man. Seems like a copout to avoid the reality that the whole model is a bit bogus and serves to prop up the author's solution as "the next step." Right at the end the authors tap into biology and evolution to draw even more parallels. We humans are just like ancient bacteria facing competition-induced extinction and need to develop the nucleus to survive. Cool story bro. Due to these gripes, I don't feel this to be a perfect book unless 40 years in the future SIMPOL is the reason humanity solved the climate crisis. At which point I'll change my rating to 5 stars. Fortunately, these critiques are aimed mostly at how the book was written and presented, but fail to strike the heart of their actual solution.
The SIMPOL solution seeks to get politicians running for office to pledge to implement SIMPOL or else they won't be voted for by the SIMPOL voting block. Since most elections are decided by slim margins, even a small voting block can sway politicians into signing. This causes a domino effect where their competitors also pledge so that they don't lose the SIMPOL voting block. This way, SIMPOL is democratically implemented by the people, and only after nearly all sovereign nations are pledged will policies be formulated and implemented simultaneously, as collaboratively suggested by each state. I think this is a pretty good idea, especially given the impossible task at hand. It is at the very least plausible and inspiring to hear amidst these times of apathy and doomerism. For that reason, I recommend everyone give this a read if they've never seriously considered solving global issues but desperately wish more was being done. It could be the catalyst to action that the world desperately needs.
Lastly, I want to put some funny notes about the book. The authors used the word impotent so many times I've started using it regularly (read the review intro, it's there). It appeared a lot. There were also multiple Jared Diamond references and worst yet, a Malcolm Gladwell reference. So that worried me. It might explain why these authors were so entranced by oversimplifying every concept to the point where even their movement in great irony, is titled SIMPOL. Anyway, the real question, "Is this book worth reading?" I would say yes. Expose yourself to global solutions. New ideas can't hurt and I think this book is a good stepping stone for the uninitiated. 4 Stars because of its laudable character and lofty goals, despite its issues.
April 18, 2021
Hopeful and inspiring read. Takes a nuanced look at globalization’s effects, both positive and negative. Many books articulate problems of modern societies, but this one actually offers a potential solution. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews