By The Book Reviews

Review by By The Books Reviewer

In "Abundance," Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson present a scathing indictment of modern liberalism's self-imposed stagnation, arguing that a labyrinth of well-intentioned regulations and bureaucratic inertia has shackled America's capacity to build and innovate. They contend that the very mechanisms designed to protect and serve the public interest have morphed into formidable barriers against progress, particularly in critical sectors like housing, energy, and infrastructure.

The authors introduce the concept of "everything-bagel liberalism," a term that encapsulates the overwhelming accumulation of governmental mandates that, while individually rational, collectively stifle development. This phenomenon is exemplified by the exorbitant costs and protracted timelines associated with public projects in the United States. For instance, adding a kilometer of subway track in the U.S. now costs twice as much as in Japan or Canada, and six times more than in Portugal. Such inefficiencies are not merely fiscal concerns but symptomatic of a deeper malaise—a political culture that prioritizes process over outcomes, effectively paralyzing the nation's ability to address pressing challenges.

Klein and Thompson's critique is incisive and unrelenting. They argue that the liberal agenda, once a beacon of progress and innovation, has devolved into a quagmire of proceduralism. The authors highlight how environmental review laws, initially enacted to safeguard communities, have been weaponized to obstruct essential developments. In San Francisco, for example, anti-abortion activists exploited local standards for noise and traffic to prevent the construction of a clinic, citing the very protests they intended to organize as justification. Such instances underscore the perverse outcomes of a system where the means have overtaken the ends.

However, the book is not without its shortcomings. While the authors adeptly diagnose the ailments afflicting liberalism, their proposed remedies often lack specificity and fail to grapple with the complexities of implementation. The call for a "liberalism that builds" is compelling in theory but nebulous in practice. The authors advocate for streamlining regulations and fostering a culture of innovation, yet they offer scant guidance on navigating the political and social obstacles inherent in such reforms. Moreover, their analysis tends to overlook the potential risks of deregulation, particularly the dangers of concentrated power within major industries—a critique noted in the Financial Times. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/bfe6b797-24fc-4f06-b251-a9928927c3ff?utm_source=openai))

Furthermore, the book's focus is predominantly on urban centers, with insufficient attention paid to rural areas and the unique challenges they face. This urban-centric perspective risks alienating a significant portion of the population and undermines the universality of their proposed solutions. Additionally, while the authors are critical of both political spectrums, their critique of conservative policies is comparatively muted, potentially limiting the book's appeal to a broader audience.

In conclusion, "Abundance" is a provocative and timely work that shines a harsh light on the self-inflicted wounds of modern liberalism. Klein and Thompson's call to action is urgent and necessary, urging a reevaluation of priorities and a shift towards a politics that values tangible outcomes over procedural purity. However, the book's lack of concrete solutions and its narrow focus diminish its overall impact. It serves as a crucial conversation starter but falls short of providing a comprehensive roadmap for the future.

Final recommendation: Read with caution. While the book offers valuable insights and a compelling critique, its deficiencies in practical guidance and scope warrant a discerning approach.

Recommendation: Read with caution.

written on: 5/1/2025