Shifting geopolitics, regional conflicts, climate change, and technology shocks: these are just some of the factors that will make the twenty-first century dangerous for Canada. Adaptability, the capacity to anticipate and manage dangers, is essential for the country to survive and thrive. But Canada is not as adaptable as it once was.

In The Adaptable Country Alasdair Roberts explains what this vital ability means and why we are currently falling short. Politicians, he argues, are overloaded and fixated on the next election. Governments no longer launch big projects to think about the future. Leaders have stopped meeting regularly to discuss national priorities. Technological changes have undermined journalism and the ability of citizens to talk civilly about public affairs. The public service has become less agile because of a decades-long buildup of controls and watchdogs. While in many ways Canada is a better country than it was a generation ago, it is also more complex and harder to govern.

The Adaptable Country outlines straightforward reforms to improve adaptability and reminds us about the bigger picture: in a turbulent world, authoritarian rule is a tempting path to security. Canada’s challenge is to show how political systems built to respect diversity and human rights can also respond nimbly to existential threats.

Alasdair Roberts is professor of public policy, University of Massachusetts Amherst, and the author of numerous books, most recently Superstates: Empires of the Twenty-First Century.

Alasdair Roberts' profile page

"This book is a valuable contribution to public administration scholarship . . . For scholars around the globe, it should be taken as a challenge to ask more difficult questions about the extent to which governing systems can deliver security and prosperity for democratic societies." Public Administration Review

“Providing essential insight into Canada’s unique governance model, Roberts urges us to face the challenges to our democratic institutions. The Adaptable Country is a must-read, opening a conversation about how the federal establishment can better work for the next generation.” Senator Peter Harder

“A hyper-relevant call to action as Canadians feel increasingly unsettled about our collective stability and resilience. Roberts seeks to shake us out of our complacency and think strategically about a challenging future we’re likely ill prepared for.” Jennifer Ditchburn, president and CEO, Institute for Research on Public Policy

“In a world of disruptive, interconnected crises, Alasdair Roberts provides us with a warning: Canada is on the edge of an adaptability trap. Our institutions, and the people who work in them, must have the nimbleness and flexibility to sustain our democracy in the treacherous years ahead.” Anne McLellan, former deputy prime minister of Canada

“While too many people in Canadian politics are focused only on winning, Roberts has produced a pithy guide to making Canada succeed, with an emphasis on planning, coordination, and an informed citizenry.” Paul Wells, award-winning journalist and author of The Longer I'm Prime Minister

“A sober look at Canada’s political architecture in light of the social and economic challenges the country is facing. The strong admonitions and constructive advice contained in this excellent book could not come at a more opportune time.” Publius