The Most Surprising Success Stories Around the World Right Now

In this episode of Deep Dish on Global Affairs, host Leslie Vindjamori interviews John Kampner, author of the newly released book *Braver New World: The Countries Daring to Do Things That Others Won't*. Amid widespread global pessimism over democratic decline, rising authoritarianism, and persistent crises, Kampner argues that the West must look beyond its own borders to find innovative, practical solutions from unexpected places. He shares compelling case studies from ten diverse nations—ranging from Japan’s intergenerational communities and long-term planning for an aging society, to Canada’s constitutionally enshrined multiculturalism and systematic immigration integration, Estonia’s digital governance revolution, and India’s transformative digital infrastructure known as India Stack. Kampner emphasizes that these success stories are not rooted in cultural exceptionalism but in courage, planning, and institutional innovation. He critiques the paralysis of centrist politics in Western democracies, calling for a return to bold, principle-driven policymaking that embraces risk and public trust. The conversation ultimately serves as a powerful antidote to despair, urging listeners to recognize that progress is possible when humility, long-term thinking, and practical ambition guide decision-making. Key takeaways include: 1) Success often comes not from grand ideology but from pragmatic, well-planned systems like Japan’s transparent social care funding; 2) Immigration can be a source of strength when managed with transparency, participation, and long-term targets—as in Canada; 3) Digital transformation works best when it empowers citizens, as seen in Estonia’s citizen-owned data model and India’s farmer-focused digital tools; 4) The most effective solutions emerge from humility and the willingness to learn from others, especially middle powers and non-democracies like Morocco; 5) Political courage—taking bold, unpopular actions with public mandate—is essential to overcoming stagnation. Kampner’s message is clear: optimism must be grounded in action, not wishful thinking.