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Abundance (Klein and Thompson book) 2025
Abundance is a nonfiction book written by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson and published by Avid Reader Press in March 2025. The work explores why large-scale industrial strategy initiatives in the United States have failed to advance, particularly in areas such as affordable housing, infrastructure, and climate change. It rose to become a New York Times Best Seller and brought attention to the YIMBY ("Yes in my backyard") movement.
Klein and Thompson claim that regulatory frameworks in many liberal cities, although intended positively, hinder growth. They state that liberals have prioritized stopping undesirable economic development over encouraging beneficial projects since the 1970s. The authors argue that Democrats have emphasized procedure over outcomes, choosing stability over expansion by supporting zoning rules, enforcing strict environmental regulations, and linking costly demands to public infrastructure funding.
The book outlines an "abundance agenda" which the authors say more effectively balances regulation with social progress. They express concern that the U.S. is caught between a progressive faction overly cautious about economic expansion and a conservative faction opposed to government involvement. The authors suggest this agenda could create new economic conditions, reducing support for both the "socialist left" and the "populist-authoritarian right."
Critics responded variably to the book. Some commended its breadth and clarity, while others criticized it for overlooking trade-offs and adverse consequences.
Details
- Publisher
- Simon & Schuster
- ISBN
- 9781668023488
- Pages
- 304
