The Mess We're In: Why Politicians Can't Fix Financial Crises

by Guy Fraser-Sampson

An insightful analysis of why politicians have put the world into financial ruin and have found no way out

Around the world, countries are struggling to deal with the aftermath of the 2007–08 banking crisis, hefty budget deficits, the threat of ongoing recession, and the rising costs of pension provision. The news is full of doom and gloom about the ever-growing mess the countries are in. But the real problem is that the very people who should be sorting it out are instead making it worse. In an entertaining mix of historical narrative and conceptual analysis, Guy Fraser-Sampson argues that the present crisis has in fact been several decades in the making, and is the inevitable outcome of years of neglect and betrayal by those trusted to serve and govern over the public. Taking Britain as his test case, he looks back at key economic policy decisions since 1919 to reveal how politicians through the ages have gotten it so badly wrong. Fraser-Sampson sets out the facts to support his claim that, at every opportunity, the political elite has prioritized self-interest over long-term national wellbeing and have caused the current situation; now the time has come for them to be called into account.

'A brilliant account of the shambles our politicians have led us into ... Gloomy, depressing and dead accurate' - Jon Moulton, Chairman, Better Capital

'thoughtful reflection on the contemporary economic morass' - Publisher's Weekly

'An incisive explanation of the challenges facing the British economy. I recommend it to anyone who wants a better understanding of where we might find solutions' - Luke Johnson, Chairman, Risk Capital Partners

'Controversial and challenging' --Tim Congdon, CEO, International Monetary Research

'An entertaining prescription for Britain's ills.' --The Irish Times

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Guy Fraser-Sampson is an established writer best known for his series of ‘Mapp and Lucia’ novels which have been featured on BBC Radio 4 and optioned by BBC television.
Originally a corporate lawyer, he currently teaches at Cass Business School and acts as a board advisor to high growth companies.

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Fraser-Sampson takes you through history to understand the roots of the current crisis, and how it isn't quite as straight forward as simply looking at the last 10-15years. He seamlessly builds in economic theory without leaving you feeling overwhelmed with information or complexity. As a 25 year old, this also gave me the context with which to understand some of the arguments that I hear from the older generations or read in newspapers.

Fraser-Sampson's explanation of the crisis and the methods or lack of methods of resolution is actually quite frightening and the book doesn't leave you with much if any faith in politicians and the political system. It was particularly interesting to be reading this book at the same time as the EU referendum was announced for UK voters; I would urge anybody who wishes to better inform themselves about their voting decision, and the financial crisis history in general, to read this book.

[Stephen Lockett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book’s main point can be summarised by the following statement about the UK Government from the book, “Important policy decisions are not made in the best interests of the country, they are made to maximise the re-election prospects of the Government. Decisions are based on the short term interest of the party in power and will always triumph over the long term interests of the country as a whole”. Although the book’s core subject matter is the great financial crisis which began to unfold from 2008, if struck me as being very relevant now (I read this book during the lockdown in 2020) as I’ve yet to hear any long term vision or strategy relating to the Covid – 19 Pandemic and the Government imposed lock down, no overall long term goal, most of the debate has been on PPE and Care Homes important as these issues are it would have been better surely had they been considered against a 2, 3 or 5 year plan especially a plan that acknowledges there may never be a vaccine.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gives the reader a new set of spectacles on the government of our country. One might not agree with the ideas but it will certainly provoke thinking about where our money is going. Humour and criticism go hand in hand which makes it an entertaining read.

[Terry Neaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good mix of history with a bit of economics thrown in. Found the bit about Germany's hyper inflation fascinating.