TED: The risky politics of progress | Jonathan Tepperman

The speaker challenges the prevailing pessimistic narrative about global issues, arguing that solutions exist and have been successfully implemented in countries like Canada, Indonesia, and Mexico. Canada transformed its immigration policy under Pierre Trudeau, Indonesia tackled extremism by addressing inequality, and Mexico overcame political paralysis through compromise. The speaker identifies common strategies such as embracing crises, pragmatic thinking, and compromise, urging voters to demand courageous leaders.

What is the speaker's main argument against the pessimistic view of global issues?

• The world is in a state of irreversible decline.

• There are signs of progress and solutions are possible.

• Problems are unsolvable and governments are useless.

• Media focuses too much on solutions.

What was a key factor in Canada's shift to a multicultural society?

• Economic decline.

• Pierre Trudeau's policy changes.

• Increased immigration from Europe.

• Natural Canadian virtue.

What was a significant change in Canada's immigration policy under Pierre Trudeau?

• Color-blind immigration rules.

• Preference for European immigrants.

• Race-based immigration rules.

• Complete immigration ban.

How did Indonesia address the issue of Islamic extremism?

• By increasing military presence.

• By banning all religious activities.

• By focusing on reducing inequality.

• By isolating religious parties.

What was the initial reaction to Indonesia's first free elections in 1999?

• Immediate peace and stability.

• Complete rejection of religious parties.

• Islamist parties gained significant support.

• Economic collapse.

What was a key lesson learned by Indonesia's democrats from the dictatorship years?

• Repression creates more extremism.

• Economic growth solves all problems.

• Military force is the best solution.

• Isolation of religious groups is effective.

What was Enrique Peña Nieto's strategy to achieve political reforms in Mexico?

• Ignoring opposition parties.

• Using military force.

• Compromise and collaboration.

• Focusing solely on his party's agenda.

What was a unique aspect of Peña Nieto's meetings with opposition parties?

• They were small and secret.

• They excluded all opposition members.

• They focused on military strategies.

• They were large and public.

What is one common strategy identified by the speaker for solving global challenges?

• Avoiding crises at all costs.

• Embracing crises as opportunities.

• Relying solely on charismatic leaders.

• Ignoring public opinion.

According to the speaker, what is a major obstacle to implementing big changes?

• Overabundance of solutions.

• Absence of charismatic leaders.

• Lack of resources.

• Fear of taking risks.