Nigerian author Paul Oluikpe, known for his critically acclaimed novels Dead on Arrival and The Campus Mafia, has just released a new book titled Swim or Sink: Policy Dynamics in Challenging Environments. This latest work delves into the intricate forces that shape policy direction and outcomes, providing a thought-provoking analysis of the challenges faced by policymakers.
In Swim or Sink, Oluikpe identifies seven key forces—economy, politics, ambiguity, complexity, instability, resources, and execution—that he argues are pivotal in determining how policy propositions are translated into outcomes in the broader environment. He posits that these forces interact in ways that can lead to unintended consequences, even from well-intended policies. This interplay, according to the author, underscores the need for policymakers to engage deeply with their environment to mitigate the risk of policy failures.
The central thesis of the book challenges the conventional wisdom that effective policymaking is solely about technical expertise. Oluikpe suggests that leadership plays a crucial role in navigating the complex interplay of forces that shape public opinion and policy outcomes. He argues that policies do not exist in a vacuum but operate within a multifaceted and often turbulent environment. This insight shifts the focus from mere technical proficiency to the importance of strategic leadership in policymaking.
Swim or Sink offers a nuanced exploration of the difficulties leaders face in balancing the immediate demands of public opinion with the need for effective long-term policymaking. Through historical and contemporary examples, Oluikpe supports his argument that policy exists within a nexus of forces, whose interactions inevitably produce significant consequences for all stakeholders involved.
The book has garnered a positive reception among policy analysts and practitioners. Jonathan Yisa, a policy analyst, praised the book’s dominant imagery of a life preserver floating in turbulent waters, which he described as a powerful metaphor for the precarious nature of policymaking in challenging environments. Public policy commentator Uche Ogbonna also lauded Oluikpe’s ability to tackle such a complex subject, noting that the rigorous research and empirical validation of ideas set this work apart.
Published by Warwick Publishing, the same imprint behind his famed novel Dead on Arrival, Swim or Sink has quickly become a valuable resource for policymakers, strategists, organizational leaders, and researchers. The book’s logical and well-structured approach offers readers practical insights into the dynamics of policymaking, making it an essential addition to the field of public policy.
Paul Oluikpe’s diverse background further enriches his latest work. Born on 12th July 1972 in Kputuke, Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South, Abia State, Nigeria, Oluikpe is an accomplished scholar and professional. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Library Studies from Abia State University, an MSc and PhD from Loughborough University, UK, and a distinction in Strategy and Innovation from the University of Oxford’s Said Business School. Oluikpe is also a Chartered Banker and has been a staff member of the Central Bank of Nigeria since 2009.
With Swim or Sink, Oluikpe continues to solidify his reputation as a leading thinker in the realm of policy and governance, offering readers a deep dive into the complexities of policymaking in today’s challenging environments.
