Welcome to a compelling episode with Adam Day, Head of the UN University Centre for Policy Research in Geneva on his new book, "The Forever Crisis." In this engaging discussion, Adam introduces the concept of complex systems thinking, exploring its applicability to global governance and the pressing issues of our time.

Adam shares his journey from his role as a senior political advisor in Congo to his current position at the UN University's Center for Policy Research. He explains how his experiences led him to delve into the intricacies of complex systems and their unpredictable, yet not entirely unpredictable, nature.

The episode dives into key themes from Adam's book, including environmental governance, large-scale conflict resolution, cybersecurity, and the rise of artificial intelligence. He offers a critique of today's proposals for improving governance on global issues. Adam emphasizes the importance of moving away from linear thinking and top-down approaches, advocating instead for adaptive, networked solutions.

In a thought-provoking conclusion, Adam introduces the idea of a planetary immune system—a visionary concept aimed at addressing global challenges holistically. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in understanding and navigating the complexities of our world today.

Resources

Day, A. (2024). The Forever Crisis: Adaptive Global Governance for an Era of Accelerating Complexity (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003506386

Soon available at UNOG Library

Day, A. (2022). States of Disorder, Ecosystems of Governance: Complexity Theory Applied to UN Statebuilding in the DRC and South. https://unog.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/41UNOG_INST/s5qper/alma991002408952102391

Keinfield, R. (2015) Improving Development Aid Design and Evaluation; Plan for Sailboats not Trains. https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2015/03/improving-development-aid-design-and-evaluation-plan-for-sailboats-not-trains?lang=en

Gladwell, M. (2002). The tipping point. Back Bay Books.

Where to listen to this episode 

• Apple podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-page/id1469021154

Content   

Guest: Adam Day, Head, UNU Centre for Policy Research, Geneva

Host: Francesco Pisano, Director, UN Library & Archives

Producer and editor: Amy Smith

Recorded and produced at the United Nations Library & Archives Geneva