A review by krism
The Fifth Risk by Michael Lewis

4.0

Such an informative book. Our government is big, but that complex bureaucracy performs many missions that are crucial. Michael Lewis tells us that Trump wasn't prepared to win the election so hadn't laid the necessary groundwork for a transition. Plus, the new administration wasn't interested in investing in the future; only short term results mattered. So things like science, risk assessment, and replacing key people took a backseat. Lewis takes a deep look at three agencies: the Departments of Energy, Agriculture, and Commerce. You'll be surprised by the important things they do. What's the Fifth Risk? In Lewis's words, "It is the innovation that never occurs and the knowledge that is never created, because you have ceased to lay the groundwork for it. It is what you never learned that might have saved you." Yes, he's critical of Trump but he points out this has been going on for decades.