What happens when institutions weaken, accountability fades, and too much power becomes concentrated in too few hands?
In The Fix, former US Attorney Barbara McQuade explores how corruption, institutional pressure, misinformation, and declining public trust can gradually weaken democratic systems. Drawing on legal history, public policy, and real-world examples, she examines how organizations and governments become vulnerable when loyalty replaces independence and rules are applied inconsistently.
But the book is also about solutions. McQuade looks at successful reform movements throughout American history to show how ordinary people can help strengthen institutions and push for meaningful change.
Her proposed fixes span government ethics, elections, journalism, economic policy, immigration, technology, climate, and civic participation—all centered on creating stronger safeguards and greater accountability.
Read the Instaread summary of The Fix to discover McQuade’s diagnosis of what can go wrong—and her ideas for building more resilient institutions.
