Everything is Everything Ep 123: Beware of the Crisis
Nov 8, 2025
In this discussion, the hosts dive into whether crises genuinely create opportunities for reform. They explore historical examples, such as the Green Revolution and the 1991 economic reforms, revealing that successful change often hinges on pre-existing ideas and policies. The dangers of crises are also highlighted, showing how they can enable authoritarianism and poor policy responses. Incremental reforms are presented as a more effective approach than radical changes. Ultimately, the emphasis is on proactive planning and preparedness over waiting for a crisis.
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Crisis Widens The Overton Window
- In crises people accept risk and the Overton window widens, making previously heretical ideas politically possible.
- That window can enable both beneficial reforms and dangerous, regressive policies depending on who leads the moment.
Green Revolution Sparked After Famine
- Ajay recounts India's 1965–66 food failures and US PL-480 aid which focused minds on agricultural reform.
- That led to the Green Revolution via high-yield varieties, fertilizers and irrigation.
Build Ideas Before Crises Strike
- Reforms require upstream investments: ideas, people, and institutions must be built long before a crisis.
- Without that policy pipeline, crises usually produce more of the same, not meaningful change.
